Day 2 bali🌴

1st March 

Today we decided was going to be a quiet relaxing day. We woke about 6:30am which would have been 9:30 sydney time. We get up shower then head to breakfast. We are blown away how gorgeous this place is. We sat out on the deck where we watched cat/coy fish swim in the pond. We are asked would we like tea or coffee and its brought to us. We wander seeing there are noiseless, fried rice, stirfry for breakfast. We then find the pancakes bacon and scrambled eggs. Tomorrow we will get omelette. There's fresh fruit and toast and cereal. Lots to eat. 

We leave breakfast and decide we will go do some sunning at the pool. It's so humid. Sweaty we swim, sun, swim sun. Met a pommy chick who had had a huge night out the night before. She was suffering. We grab a few mocktails ( Yes you heard right) yes they were alcohol free. Yes that's right I know your amazed but too true. We had Cinderellas. Yum!!!!! We swim. Sun then decide we might go have a spa treatment we decide on the two of us ( cheaper we think. ) has aromatherapy massage, scrub, flower bath( shower) for us then pedicure. The best pedi you could every have. I have new soft feet again.  Great service. We realise as we are doing the treatments they must think we are a couple.... Especially when they send us to shower. ( so glad they didn't have the bath available we may have had to share!!! ) LMAO. So it's safe to say Elena and I are now closer than ever we've seen almost all of each other.. Elena pipes up while we are having our pedicures "by the way". " we are NOT a couple" the girl looks at her and mods then says excuse me. She runs off to the room where my pedicures R is and we can hear laughing. They come out laughing so hard. We are guessing they found us amusing. ( making us go topless and then shower in separate showers in the same room see through glass too) oh well. Elena had a nice rack!!!

We left there refreshed and decided to look at the mall. There were some good deals but may need to go back for $50 connies!!!

Oh and $80 nikes. 

We got back to bali garden and had a cocktail then headed to dinner.. It wasn't too bad but in an amazing place looking over the water. Decorated brightly and the food looked ok but wasn't that good. Good prices though. 

We got back to hotel, hot and stuffed. Went for a swim then decided to call it a night as we are day tripping to the volcano Ubud etc tomorrow. 

Bali!🌴

28th feb 

So we flew out today. Pete drove us to the airport which was such a lovely thing to do. We arrived in syd about 8 ish and headed for the terminal. Elena was nervous excited and for once I felt in control. Knew we had to find our terminal

And check in. We did all that then headed for our gate. We got US dollars in advance as. We had to pay $ 35 us for our entrance to bali. We then went to the toilet and then Through customs where i received a PAT DOWN I was very impressed by this as i had not had any action for quiet some time. 

It was the zippers on my jeans... Ankle pat down. Ahhh such a let down. 

We then found out gate and waited. 

We boarded around 9:30

Then got comfy. 

I watched divergent then chocolat 

Elena on take off had sweaty palms she was a little nervous but was fine. 

The drink cart came around and we cheers with a Chardonnay. 

We were wined and dined and dined and wined. 

We had two women behind us that did not stop talking for 6 hours straight. 

We arrive in Denpasar the airport IS soooo big high ceilings so much room. Paid our visa. Then we went through customs then again through another counter to baggage claim then we had to find our driver. We walk out and there's what feels like hundreds of people holding sings with names in it. They are calling out. For the life of us we cannot find our names. We stand there scanning and finally I see my name... We agree to meet out the front. She is walking ahead and these two guys walk along side us trying to help with the bags. One guy motions that he is with the lady I give my bag to him and Elena says ERIN NO I say oh no I'll have that back. He was going to make me pay. See lucky I have Elena. 

Then the FUN BEGINS!!😁😁😁😁😁

We get into the van and off we go. Our lady EKA is giving us tips on what not to do how to barter and how to watch out for motorcycles on the footpath. 

Another hot tip is to go to the bank or resort to exchange money not in the street. They trick you. 

Holy shitballs I cannot believe the way they drive here. There no rules and the streets are so narrow our bus almost takes out a guy who decides to come front on at us and kind of park in front of us till he can go our driver doesn't care and just begins to drive... Ahhhhh!!!  We arrive at Bali gardens resort it's so beautiful. The workman ship in the sculptures and the timber work.

It's gorgeous. ( AND HOT) the humidity is ridiculous. We wait for our little guy to come to show is the room he insists on carrying both mine and Elena's bag. He's so happy and smily. He puts us in the elevator and says he'll meet us. We were laughing saying he'll probably be there when we get to the level looking like he hadn't just sprinted up flights and flights of stairs. 

The doors open and here he is.. I couldn't stop laughing. 

Our room is very nice. Very clean with two single beds. 

We decide to freshen up then go for walk.

We check out the pools and then go for a wander along the board walk. The beach Is soooo dirty. Rubbish washed up everywhere. 

We walk along and see the shopping mall and a few restaurants. 

We come back and sit at the boardwalk bar and have our first cocktail a Mai tai! We get chatting to the bar staff Juni is lovely giving us tips on where to go etc. 

We have a couple of cocktails then head to the room we have a rest then go to bamboo which is across the road.

Prices are expensive for bali. There's music playing with the riff of walk this way to Kenny rogers and Tina tuner oh and John Farnham and one direction. That riff goes with a lot of songs. 

We head back to bali garden where we crash. 

Bali!🌴

28th feb 

So we flew out today. Pete drove us to the airport which was such a lovely thing to do. We arrived in syd about 8 ish and headed for the terminal. Elena was nervous excited and for once I felt in control. Knew we had to find our terminal

And check in. We did all that then headed for our gate. We got US dollars in advance as. We had to pay $ 35 us for our entrance to bali. We then went to the toilet and then Through customs where i received a PAT DOWN I was very impressed by this as i had not had any action for quiet some time. 

It was the zippers on my jeans... Ankle pat down. Ahhh such a let down. 

We then found out gate and waited. 

We boarded around 9:30

Then got comfy. 

I watched divergent then chocolat 

Elena on take off had sweaty palms she was a little nervous but was fine. 

The drink cart came around and we cheers with a Chardonnay. 

We were wined and dined and dined and wined. 

We had two women behind us that did not stop talking for 6 hours straight. 

We arrive in Denpasar the airport IS soooo big high ceilings so much room. Paid our visa. Then we went through customs then again through another counter to baggage claim then we had to find our driver. We walk out and there's what feels like hundreds of people holding sings with names in it. They are calling out. For the life of us we cannot find our names. We stand there scanning and finally I see my name... We agree to meet out the front. She is walking ahead and these two guys walk along side us trying to help with the bags. One guy motions that he is with the lady I give my bag to him and Elena says ERIN NO I say oh no I'll have that back. He was going to make me pay. See lucky I have Elena. 

Then the FUN BEGINS!!😁😁😁😁😁

We get into the van and off we go. Our lady EKA is giving us tips on what not to do how to barter and how to watch out for motorcycles on the footpath. 

Another hot tip is to go to the bank or resort to exchange money not in the street. They trick you. 

Holy shitballs I cannot believe the way they drive here. There no rules and the streets are so narrow our bus almost takes out a guy who decides to come front on at us and kind of park in front of us till he can go our driver doesn't care and just begins to drive... Ahhhhh!!!  We arrive at Bali gardens resort it's so beautiful. The workman ship in the sculptures and the timber work.

It's gorgeous. ( AND HOT) the humidity is ridiculous. We wait for our little guy to come to show is the room he insists on carrying both mine and Elena's bag. He's so happy and smily. He puts us in the elevator and says he'll meet us. We were laughing saying he'll probably be there when we get to the level looking like he hadn't just sprinted up flights and flights of stairs. 

The doors open and here he is.. I couldn't stop laughing. 

Our room is very nice. Very clean with two single beds. 

We decide to freshen up then go for walk.

We check out the pools and then go for a wander along the board walk. The beach Is soooo dirty. Rubbish washed up everywhere. 

We walk along and see the shopping mall and a few restaurants. 

We come back and sit at the boardwalk bar and have our first cocktail a Mai tai! We get chatting to the bar staff Juni is lovely giving us tips on where to go etc. 

We have a couple of cocktails then head to the room we have a rest then go to bamboo which is across the road.

Prices are expensive for bali. There's music playing with the riff of walk this way to Kenny rogers and Tina tuner oh and John Farnham and one direction. That riff goes with a lot of songs. 

We head back to bali garden where we crash. 

A story of my life so far

I have been wanting to write this book for the longest time. I am doing it for my children so they know who I am how I grew up and why I am the way I am. We never really ask our parents these things well I haven't and before I lose my marbles and can't remember I want to have it all down on paper out there for others to remember and for my children to get a grasp of who I am and for me too to find out more about myself as I go through the journey. Today I messages a childhood friend of mine to let her know how important our times were together and how that has shaped me. I had an incredible happy childhood. I sent her the piece on our time and she said its brought her to tears and she was happy I was writing it. 

I think It may  be very therapeutic for me. 

A story of my life so far

I have been wanting to write this book for the longest time. I am doing it for my children so they know who I am how I grew up and why I am the way I am. We never really ask our parents these things well I haven't and before I lose my marbles and can't remember I want to have it all down on paper out there for others to remember and for my children to get a grasp of who I am and for me too to find out more about myself as I go through the journey. Today I messages a childhood friend of mine to let her know how important our times were together and how that has shaped me. I had an incredible happy childhood. I sent her the piece on our time and she said its brought her to tears and she was happy I was writing it. 

I think It may  be very therapeutic for me. 

Week 5 Not doing as well as I would like. But its all me.

Well the reason I say this is because I am not giving it my all. I know that i feel totally like shiz when I eat the wrong foods and I know when I don't work out I don't eat as well. Well that needs to be one of my mindset lessons to myself is to be strong and not give into the temptation of doing whatever is easy. I am not craving shiz foods I am having them for convienience. I went out for a meal tonight (farewell for a workmate) and I chose the pizza. Not the Salad which would have been the better choice or the Fish but the pizza. So these are the things that I am not very happy with. I also have stopped eating the things on the menu. I need to go back to doing that and trying things that I would not normally eat. I also need to look at the workouts and do what she tells me to do and not my own thing as my own thing did not work before and It won't work this time. I have decided that my main goal is to have a tummy tuck and a boob lift and maybe implant ( depending on how limp they go after the weight loss) So I need to stick with it and follow it to a T like I said that I would in the first place.
So this week from tomorrow which is weigh in day. I will get back to following the plan like it is put there for me to follow and see how well I go then....

Into Week 4 Mini milestone.

Well I have been doing OK and that is all. I should and could be doing alot better than I am. I am feeling good and know that my clothes are fitting alot nicer. I have had a few miserable weigh ins where I have felt a little disheartened but not the normal kind that I feel, I usually decide to pack it all in and give up because I am just not seeing it move on the scales but this time I am a little more reasonable with myself. I feel better my skin is amazing I feel like my clothes fit me better and I DO feel smaller. So I decided that I would do my measurements again and Low and Behold I HAVE lost. Lost Centimetres. 7 from my waist, 3 from my thighs,, 3 from my hips, 1 from my arms and 5 from my bust. I can affort 5 from there let me assure you. So That is fantastic I THINK.. I have been a little off with my food choices, having a handful of M&Ms here and a choc chip cookie there but nothing like the splurges I would have before. I DO need to cull that though as I will start to be dissapointed because I am sabotaging myself. I also am a little slack with the workouts. I have done 3 to four a week and we are supposed to be doing 6. Im not doing much core work which I should be so I will try to focus on that from now on. Consistency, eating what she says and nothing more and also working out the 6 times a week. 

I am very happy at the moment and am glad I decided to do this challenge, I am starting to get compliments which is nice also. So here is to another week where I tighten the reigns again. 

Week one completed. Heres to week 2

I went into week one all pumped and excited by what was to come. I hesitantly did the before shots and weigh in but I know that it is a necessary tool to gauge the weight I have lost etc. So Week one was a little hard on the first day I was STARVING. I wasn't sure how to add in my snacks etc but I got that worked out quick smart. I also felt so tired by day 3 and did not want to get up and work out but I am learning to talk myself into things not out of them. I know from previous experience that I would always feel guilty for not doing a workout but NEVER felt guilty about doing one. So I got up and did my workout. I have discovered too that I am much better with energy and eating right if I get in that workout. I had a few times during the week that yummy food was offered to me and the first time I almost (just by habit) took it but I stopped myself and said NO I am NOT having that. I also had a time where I picked up pizza for the kids (they were having a sleep over) and traveled in the car all the way home with it smelling so delicious. I did not even have a piece. I was sure tempted but again talked myself through it instead of acting on impulse like I normally do. I also made myself go to a local 12wbt meet and greet to meet some others who are doing this program and that is WAY out of my comfort zone. It was wonderful to meet some ladies who had done it before. My girlfriend and I were newbies the others had lost 60 35 and 30 kilos... They had great tips for us. 
I am so motivated to keep going and I am sure that there are going to be hard times but I will try to talk myself around when they arise...

Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation. Day one.....

Well I joined the 12wbt last week as I am so sick to death of myself. I need something that will work I need the motivation from others and seeing some of the success stories and also the most amazing group of people on the forums I decided to bite the bullet and give it MY ALL. I will be blogging here as my journey goes along as I need to vent and it will help others who are thinking of joining next round and It will also keep me accountable on this journey.
I will say that I was very excited to receive that shopping list and nutrition and exercise plans. I did my fitness test and came out at the intermediate level. I am on the 1200 calorie plan. The food was a tad expensive as I still had to buy school food and foods that the others would probably not eat. But I am planning on making the meal for everyone as they could all benefit from a much healthier lifestyle. The first workout today was a good one and I found myself doing some of the advanced moves in some areas as I have been exercising for quite some time but obviously not eating right.
I burned 439 calories and ate 1069 calories for the day.. So thats a good start. I didn't stray from the program which is also good for me as I normally cannot handle not having a choice of what to eat. Although I can just find recipes of the same caloric value to replace the ones Im not keen on.
So I was a bit hungry as I thought that I was only allowed one snack and it was a vegetable based snack, so I had corn thins, cottage cheese with tomato. I could have had another morning snack as my cals were low. I did end up having one slice of raisin toast and a teaspoon of marg.... But using my fitness pal I added the cals and ended up where I said before. I have been drinking sooooooo much water that I spent most of today in the loo. My body will get used to it Im sure....
So all in all Day one was a success and here is to day 2....

I miss you!

I still think of you day in and day out.
Still miss your smiling eyes,
They way you used them to let me know how you felt,
makes me want to cry.
I remember moments had by us that were for us and no one else,
and the thought of times like that I hold all to myself.
You made me laugh you make me cry
But I would not wish a moment by.
Life is so short and I often think Why! Why! Oh why!
So what I have is memories that mean so much to me
And when I think about you and how much you made me see,
Even though you bagged me out (lol) and teased me joyfully.
I smile a little smile to myself and am glad I had you in my life
and I will get on with it as that's my given right.
Life is not always fair and that's what makes us stronger.
So I go ahead and will miss you a little longer.

(smiling) (laughing) (loving)

Looking for a new career.

Well work has been extremely challenging this year so far and I am trying to be as professional as I can be but it is extremely hard. I am struggling with it, lets leave it at that. Well I have been racking my brain as to what it is I would like to do. Jerrod suggested Floristry which sounds very nice, people would be looking for something nice for someone so the only time it would be dealing with unhappy people would be when some one wants flowers for a funeral or someone sick but other than that it would be rewarding. But while looking at jobs guides I saw a job for Travel Sales Consultant with flight centre. Now that would be a fun job. Something that is fun everyday, helping others organize and plan their perfect  trip and getting ideas for myself. I then went over my holiday pictures and some videos so here are a few of the videos.

Sacre Coeur Montmatre Paris.

So very beautiful

Inspiration

I am doing great with the weight loss. I have lost 5 kilos so far and am feeling great. I have been doing a lot of weight training and am most days sore. My shape is changing I I can feel it in my clothes. Here are some pics that keep me motivated to keep going.

Back here again.

Well I was so disappointed with myself for being here yet again. I promise myself this time every year that I'm going to work hard and make changes to Lose weight and be the person I know deep down under all that fat, I am. Every summer holidays I feel like shit when I'm on the beach next to all those beautiful people. I look terrible in a swimsuit and just feel frumpy. To make matters worse I'm the heaviest I have EVER been in my entire life. Even at the last stages of my pregnancies.
Well that has pushed me. I am 80kilos. I am unhappy and miserable, unmotivated and down. It effects my relationship with my hubby as I don't want to be intimate as I feel so unattractive.
I took the first step and ordered lite and easy. I know it's a fair amount of money but if I can get used to eating correct portions and can lose some weight I will feel more motivated as it comes off and then I can learn healthy recipes for all of us to eat. I know I don't want to be here again it is lousy.
I added photos of me and the first one is of who I can, will and deserve to feel like.

Oktoberfest Sunday 23rd

It started out early we set our alarms for 5:30,thing is I was in charge of both phones so I pressed snooze (oops off) We were up and had breakfast at 6:30 and off we went. Got the train at Odeonsplatz to Thereseinweise where oktoberfest is held. Lots of people doing the same thing getting there early to line up so they can get a table. We lined up outside and they roped it off behind us. It was so crowded and I was light headed any way, so standing there for 2 hrs was killer, at one stage I thought I was going to faint. 
I will tell you, most people dressed up. They looked fantastic. We decided that we were dressing up on Tuesday when we meet Gabs and Vin! I remember at one stage of the night telling someone how great my boobs are. ( Really Erin!)
So when the doors opened everyone started shoving and pushed to the door. My god it was good when I popped out the other side. Dear god. 
So we walked around and tried to find some where to sit..... NADA!!! All of the places were reserved. Ok so we decided to go for a walk and find some where else. We walked out and we saw that there was a short line at the Lowenbrau. So we lined up and they let people in 6 or so at a time. We got let in and we then found a table. I asked if we could sit with them, sure thing, they were Aussies and told us that the table was reserved but we could be there until 11:30. Great plenty of time. We ordered a stein each and got busy. Another couple of guys joined the table two American guys. One of them was a rocket scientist. I've seen it all now. 
Inge was our waitress she was fantastic, so much fun. We found out that the 4 Aussies names were Rob, Jarrod, Warwick (Wazza) and Lara. Wazza and Lara just got engaged and they live in Brisbane, Rob lived in Vienna and Jarrod lives in New York. Great bunch of people. So much fun!!!

The vibe was incredible there was an excitement in the air. 
People would stand up on the table and skull their beer( lunatics) but the whole crowd would bang on the table and clap. They played some song every now and again and we all jumped up and stood on the table then all banged glasses ( by the end of the day I don't know how the steins didn't break) Prost!!!!! That's cheers. 
This happened frequently throughout the day. 
So the more we drank the more people we met. The table behind us was Aussies same with the one on the otherside. One was a family who had travelled to Paris to get treatment for their son. They were nice and he ( not sure of his name) was wanting group selfies all the time. He is the one with the beer glasses. Then the others were some girls who live in London and Rob was into one of them bad. Lara even gave us a preview of her undies. Hilarious ( she was wearing a very short skirt and standing on the table.) she said " Just let me know when you are going to do that and I'll pick my wedgy out" So Australian. 
We were surrounded by them. It was great. We came across a tour group leader. I asked how the hell he was going to lead anyone. He wasn't sure. 
He is the one in the yellow shirt. I think I got so many photos so I could remember who was who???
There are lots!

So we danced,stood on tables, shouted PROST! Just had a ball. A lady came around with some hats and sunnies etc we got a hat each (which I lost) oh well! Brett did look good in his he shook his head and his bell would ring. 
We ended up being able to stay because Inge just moved us to another table. I think the serviette rose that Rob made her worked. 
We left around 7 we walked around outside. I was well and truly gone so was Brett, we couldn't find the train station and we walked around trying to get out, that's when we decided to get a chicken to chow down on. I'm so glad I couldn't see myself eating I can only imagine how I would have looked, I was ravenous, remember we ate at 6:30 that morning. 
I finally asked someone which way to go and they pointed us in the direction. We moved that way but were still lost. So I asked this cute little couple, they were going there themselves so we walked with them. (holding hands, of course) They were from Austria. 
They got us there and we got on the train where we met some guys from Newcastle. 
Aussie Aussie Aussie oi oi oi!!! 
We were going to go to the pub, I'm so glad that it wasn't open. We had had enough. 
So all in all we had an amazing day. And are back doing it again Tuesday. 
Talk to you then. 


I must mention one of the waitresses was a vampire, she had vampire teeth.
Insane. 

Blarney...

I cannot believe that I missed this part of my trip it was one of the best parts of my trip. We did this when we arrived in cork. I looked at it and thought get fucked I'm NOT going up there. Even Brett was freaked and thought twice. We snapped a few picks and in we went. There was such a line it took over an hour to get up there. It was narrow but enclosed. For those of you that don't know I have an acute fear of heights. I freak and I often dream that I'm falling to my death so this was major. I was in the stairwell and my heart was beating out of my chest. Oh god I don't want to do this, how high is it?, will I have to climb ladder type stairs and the list goes on and because it was such a drawn out process ( one or two steps every couple of minutes) my brain was in overdrive. At one point I looked out the little window and my body must have gone rigid as Brett said "you just looked didn't you" I couldn't turn back I was locked in. So up we kept going with a rope to hold onto. We hit the top outside and I saw there were no more steps the walls were high enough that I felt secure. Ah this isn't that bad! It was beautiful looking out towards the countryside. I did it I really did it!!!!
Now time to kiss the blarney stone. Yep I can do it. I watched as each person had their turn, that didn't look so hard. Brett encouraged me all the way. I handed him my bag and sunnies and scarf. Ok I'm doing it. As I got closer I saw each person lay down
( yep I can do that) Then he told them to hold the rails, ( got this in the bag) and then he dips them down into an open crevice between the rock which is 40 metres high. ( Um NO FRIGGING WAY IN HELL ) So Brett gave my things back and he ( being so Brave ) kissed away.

I am learning so much about myself on this trip. I can do things on my own. I can try new things even if I'm scared, the outcome isn't always that bad. I don't have to rely on any one. I can be more independent. I am an anxious self conscious person who is happy to make everyone else happy ALL the time. I am realizing I don't have to do that all the time. I can say no if I want to. I have a fire in my gut to live my life to the fullest. There is so much out there waiting for me to try.

Montmartre,

Well today was adventurous as we had to get tickets for the train. Brett knew where we were going but it was scary to order. So I ordered 2 tickets to Montmatre. They looked at me like o had two heads then repeated saying something that didn't sound like anything I said. I nodded. Merci. We got our tickets and both the ladies in the booth were laughing. They did not hide the fact they were talking about me at all. Bitches.

We went to Montmartre and then headed up to the sacre cure. This guy jumped at us and tied string to Breyts finger all the while chatting asking about kids and language he then tied it on Bretts wrist an Brett said how much. He. Handed him a 20 and he said I will give u 10 change as soon as he had the money he gave Brett 2s and 1's "no" Brett said $10. No he wasn't giving it to him, fucker. They are as bold as brass. We knew there was nothing he could do as there was 4 guys around us. So we headed up to Sacre coeur. It was gorgeous. Brett was sussing out things from the movie Amelie. It was really pretty. We went in the church which was gorgeous but they charge 10€ to light a candle. Rip!

We then took ourselves on a tour of Montmartre looking at the little cobbled streets and cute shops and restaurants. We sat down worked out which train to catch to get to the Louvre and Notre Dame. off we went. There was a line at the ticket machine. (Only one there, so stupid. )and a guy approached us to sell tickets. We were like ok but a girl in line in front shook her head. So we said no and got tickets from the machine. I watched people he sold them to and they worked. So not sure what happened there!
We went to the louvre I was exasperated by the sheer size of the place. We were in the statue place at first and it was ginormous. So gorgeous though. Men back then had large balls and small penis's. (just noting the facts). The only reason I went was of course to see Mona.
So finding her was a nightmare then getting out was worse. When we got out it had started to rain so we had planned to go to Notre dame but I was tired and wet and decided to give it a miss this time. We got back on the train well we sandwiched ourselves into the train. It wasn't even peak hour. We got back to our hotel put our stuff down then went to find something to eat. A few red wines later and a heart to heart ( cry) with Brett ( the wine knocked me about) we got Mac as and back to the hotel room. I am telling you the wine here is potent. ( the fact that I hadn't eaten may have made it worse.)

Gay ol Paree

Well we arrived in Paris around 3 o'clock. We caught the bus into Paris. And then thought we could find our hotel by walking. We did but I was buggered after about 4 kms not knowing if it was the right direction and lugging 22 kgs around. We got to see the arc de Triomphe and Eiffel tower though, walked right by each. we found the Hotel, Hotel Cambronne which I thought was in a dodgy area but it so happens it quite a vibrant part there are loads of people and cafes etc around here. We were a little worried about ordering food but we managed, je vu dre chicken burger s'il vous plaît.
He laughed and said thank you. Merci!

Today we went down to breakfast pastries and cheese and meats mmmmm. It actually wasn't that good.
We then got ready and headed to the Eiffel Tower I was so nervous as i knew I had to go up, you cannot be in Paris and not go in the Eiffel Tower. So we got our tickets, ( not much of a line up at all) and in we went. You must realize I am so so so scared of heights. I really freak out, get vertigo etc. So up we go. My god I was panicking but only a little. We stopped at the second level. Ohhh my head was pounding but when I got out there I wasn't too bad. Ok I thought. Brett said come on we will go upstairs where there is only a railing. Ok up I went from about 12 second of convincing. It was fine I stood against the rail and Brett took some photos. I was really pushing my comfort zone. I took some selfies
( never usually take them. Lol) To prove how high I was. Then it was time...... Dun dun dah!!!! To get back on and head to the summet. We were cramped in and my heart was beating so fast. I didn't look but it took a long time to get there. Jesus Fu$&ing Christ it's a frigging long way up. We got out and that was ok. Nothing to worry about. More selfies to prove then down we went. I tell you I am a changed woman. I can do things I never felt possible. Go Me!

We then went to Champs Élysées. One side was so upmarket, the otherwise much more fun. We went to Sephora. That was an experience, lots of sales people spraying you and trying to sell anything they could. I smell soooooooo Good!
We also visited the arc de Triomphe. Great day! I'm wrecked though now.

The glass of red wine probably didn't help

Ireland and all it has to offer.

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SEP

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Well that is a lot I might add. I didn't post much as I was having such a brilliant time and wifi is ridiculous.
We travelled to Wicklow, Arklow Glendalough, Kilkenny and Cashel which I covered. So after Cashel we drove on to Cahir and visited Cahir castle and then did a walk along the river to the swiss cottage which was a cottage that wealthy people named the Butlers bought to go their for weekends and pretend they were peasants. It was still beautiful and not really peasantly. It had gone to wreck and ruin when a lady decided to bring it back to its former glory. It really was a lovely place. We went back along the river which ended up being around a 4 kilometre walk. We had lunch then went on to Bunratty. We checked into our b and b and met frank the owner. He was very chatty. We had a rest then headed to the medieval feast at Bunratty Castle. We were greeted as lord and lady and given a goblet of mead. ( an acquired taste.) We listened to some music in the hall and were then escorted to the dining room. We were cramped on a table full of Americans who were ok. The couple beside us had eloped. They were sweet. They then brought out the food.
First course was Potato and Leek soup which we drank from the bowl, second was Pork ribs ate with fingers, then when I thought it was over we had Roast chicken and veges, eaten with a dagger, and last of all was cheese cake. All served with wine or juice.
We went back to our B and B and crashed.

The next day we were heading to cork. Jed and Paul were meeting us as well, we got there around lunch and then did some shopping. We checked into our B and B and it wasn't the best, which i was told was in a bad area. We then made our way to the boys hotel. We had a drink before going to   dinner at liberty grill which was so nice. Great burgers. We then moved on to another couple of pubs, we danced and chatted and had so much fun.
So we went to  Fota park which is a wildlife park. That was a great day. We spent the day hanging out . So we checked out, giraffes, emus, ostrich, buffalo, eagles and monkeys. It is one of the best days I had in Ireland. We then headed off to Thurles To siobhan's Birthday Party. We booked into the Hayes Hotel. Mmmm not the nicest. Our door was pretty much cracked and if you pushed you could get in. We got ready and headed to the Chinese restaurant called Jumbo's. Very Chinese sounding. NOT!!
Siobhan, Andrew, Siobhan M, Jed Paul  and myself then headed to the pub where Siobhan's friends and family were waiting. It was great chatting with everyone. Aedin came later and we then moved to the Hayes Nightclub. My god that was a lesson. I actually was afraid for my life there. The national anthem played and then bang everyone piled out onto the street. Shutters down, straight into lockdown. There were people leaning on cars having sex. It was an eye opening experience. We then moved into Hayes hotel where we were locked in to the bar and they served us till we wanted to stop. Great night. Scary and so much fun too.

The next day packed up the car to head to dingle. Brett was too sick to drive so Paul drove first. Long long day but also fun. It was great the 4 of us traveling together.
Dingle is a beautiful place the scenery is to die for. We took all day to arrive then went for dinner where we had seafood chowder and soda bread. I'm going to miss that bread and a guinness, not sure how I got that down but I did. Jed and Paul went to meet a friend and I just piked. Mind you I had to share a bed with Brett. I'm sure Paul and Jed did that for a laugh.
We got up had breakfast then did a little bit of shopping where I bought a tin pipe and a music book to learn how to play. We then headed toward limerick but first did slea head road. My god how beautiful was this place. We would drive stop and get pictures then drive. We saw the beehive huts and watch Brett and Paul climb down the mountain. Heart wrenching. We dropped the boys in limerick and also on our way stopped to have our palms read. Brett and I. Interesting!!!!

We then headed towards Galway and to the cliffs of moher. How gorgeous that was. Just breath taking. Literally. I was almost blown over. I could not stop laughing I have never had so much fun. I did post a video. I had so much fun. We then stayed in Galway and went to the local pub for dinner but came home as we were exhausted. We got up and headed to Connemara as Pauls cousin suggested it he had written out an itinerary for us. So we headed to clifden and took some scenic routes on the way. Denis is a photographer and I could totally see why he sent us here. We then found Leenane which is a little village near the water, and got loads of photos. We then followed the signs to Kylemore Abbey which was just gorgeous. We had a look at the gothic church too.
We then headed on to clifden and Brett found the sky road. Wow that went up high and was narrow but from the top clifden was insanely heavenly. We had some lunch and then we moved on to Dublin Long trip but we sang and talked all the way. Booked into our B and B then went to a little place called the Ivy house.
I was really really sad to leave Ireland I have wanted to come here for as long as I can remember. I truly did not want to go but I will go back.

Off to Paris

Ireland: things I have learned.

There are a few things that I have learn't so far.

The rego plateful the cars are year model where they were made and what number issue of the car. Very useful.

Another thing they have weird shower systems and in each county they are a little different.

You don't stare at the Irish they don't like it.

Names with lough in them are pronounced lock

Irish breakfast is the same as english only they serve black and white pudding. Yuk!

The Irish drive like friggin lunatics they do what ever they please on the roads and so do the pedestrians I might add.

There are so many people here that limp! Not sure why but there are!

They are always fantastic on advice of where to go and what to see.

I also learnt nothing to do with being Irish but men get hard ons when travelling on the bus. What the hell! I DID NOT know this.

The toilets here flush so long and the automatic taps run forever.

When toasting you are supposed to make eye contact with everyone who clinks glasses. It's bad luck if you don't or seven years bad sex.



Ireland is a small country and driving from one town to another is easy. You reach each town within 10 minutes.

You really have to be careful as theft is rife here. Nothing left in cars, hang onto your bags and no wallets in back pockets.

The traffic lights take FOREVER to change.


Police are called Garda

Give way signs say yield

Lock ins are quite regular. Where you are locked in the pub after it has closed until whatever time.

Whenever there is sheep on the road or road work people in cars put on their hazzards.

The sheep are painted different colours to tell them who they belong to because they just roam free.

The only road kill I have seen is cats.

Customer service is good but checkouts are slow.


Slainte is cheers in Ireland. Said slauncha.

Day 2 touring

Ferns was the first pretty town we went through these places have such beauty. Their churches are gorgeous.
We headed to Kilkenny today. It is a gorgeous town. They have the yellow and black flags up everywhere as the finals to the hurling were on last weekend. It is a weird game. Where they use sticks and hurl ( hence the name) the ball down the field, catching it in their stick thing. It was between Kilkenny and Galway and it tied so they play again on the tirtieth. (see I'm down with Irish talk. We had a look through Kilkenny castle which was amazing some of the original pieces are in there like wall paper. They have kept it pretty true to form. We then headed to one of the nearby towns called Kells. This place was Devine. It had little bridges everywhere and rock walls and was just so picturesque. We went to visit Kells Priory which was an old monastery and was around 900 years old. It was all falling down but walking around it made me think of who walked on this ground all those years ago. I got down the end and rounded the corner to the back and had this enormous rush of emotion come over me and I just dissolved into tears. Why I have no idea but I couldn't stop. If any of you are going to Ireland kells priory is a must see.

Got to our B and B which was a tad hard to find then went to a local bar
"mat the miller" where there were two guys playing traditional Irish music. It soothes the soul that stuff.