Singapore Sling....

On the way home, we stopped over in Singapore... the ultimate stopover city... Singapore has geared all of its efforts into being just that... everyone speaks english, which is great for the linguistically challenged, the service is amazing, the weather's perfect, ice and warm - usually around 30 degrees and humid, the curries and seafood are to die for, its cheap and quality is the key.

We spent decided that after our time in NYC and Ireland all we wanted to do was just chill out and not worry about having to be on the go all the time.. worked out really well for us... we'd have a big lie in... not get down to breakfast until about 10, stuff our bellies and go shopping (not that we hadn't done enough in NYC!), come back to the room in the afternoon and have a little siesta and then go out and have dinner... that was essentially the gist of it... it was great just to hang out and enjoy each others company..

We weren't sloths for the whole time though, one day we made our way to the Singapore races which was heaps of fun. It was actually the Singapore Derby which I thought was a big deal, here in Oz, it means getting all dolled up, and getting ready for a big day of drinking whilst trying to figure out which horse would win.. so the day before we went out shopping for me to find a swish dress to wear which took all day, it wasn't until nearly closing time that I actually found something to fit into! Anyway, we got to the races and to my surprise the only other people dressed up were other expats from Australia, who obviously have the same idea as I do about the races, the singaporean women were in jeans and casual wear... oh well, I felt fabulous! Never the less, it was a good time, I had my obligatory bottle of champagne by my side and we sat in airconditioned comfort making bets on the horses... unfortunately none came to fruition but it was fun!

The 'Craic'

Just got back from touring the south west of Ireland.. Gorgeous country, but yes a bit wet and a bit cool, feels a little like our winter in Sydney! Although I hear, its probably been a good time to be away! We did have a couple of sunny days here and there.. didn't even need a jacket on one day! I think I’ve just about acclimatized hehe.. It's been lovely driving through the different towns, essentially, what they have in common are pubs and bars, sometimes as you drive through you might even catch a glimpse of a grocery store or a bank... but the most prominent feature is ‘the pub’...

Driving in Ireland can be a squeeze - the car in front, preety much takes up the road, up ahead, a big tourist bus and truck attempt to pass each other - after alot of tooing and froing, they were successful!

Needless to say, I may need a liver transplant when we get back! I found a new drink that's refreshing and easy to drink (and no, it’s not a hybrid champagne!) - it's the Bulmers Original cider, it's nice when you've had a big night on the wines and can't face another glass and for me it’s much nicer than a beer… The pub’s here are pretty cool, and not because of the original interiors or the characteristics of the design… but because of the ‘Craic’ – the people and their music.. The Irish love to strike up a conversation with anyone about anything… and over a few pints it can become like you’ve been friends forever… but the thing I liked the most was their passion for the music.. it’s like a massive karaoke session!! Apparently, the songs are usually based on politics and the repression of the Irish, so a particular song will come on and the patriots will be standing, singing from their hearts, punching the air with gusto as if it their life depended on it! It was pretty cool to see…

Me and my first Murphy's, Co. Corks version of Guiness..

We made our way from Clonakilty, a small town to the south of Co.Cork – it’s known for its great pub atmosphere… apparently, buses full of hens and stags make their way here from all over for the Craic.. then headed over to Kenmare, where the Ring of Kerry starts. It was a reunion of sorts, coz Joel and Yenni joined us from Jersey, The Channel Isle.. It was a relaxing weekend, where the boys played golf (minus Joel who needed to sleep for those who know him… he’s been working those 20 hour days again..) and the girls went out doing a bit of sight seeing on the Ring of Kerry and of course enjoying a massage… brings back memories of weekends away! We had a blast really, I was the first fatality on the first night… amazingly, I’d only had about 5 glasses of wine, but I think I was drunk with happiness and the people around me…Apparently in the restaurant we had dinner in, there was a hens night going on and we totally upstaged them!!! I think that’s saying something in the land of the Irish! Anyway, really good wines and fabulous food.. Seafood was abundant on the menu, which I totally didn’t expect.. jI have to mention if you even do come to Kenmare, you have to do dinner at D’Arcey’s Oyster Bar & grill and have the Rockerfella oysters (creamy oysters cooked on a bed on of spinach and sautéed in a cream sauce served in its shell..) and the crab claws stir fried in salt and pepper, ginger and lemongrass (if I remember correctly)… we all thought it was sooo good, that when Scott went to the toilet, we all attacked his plate for the bits of claw he couldn’t be bothered to shell…it was really good….

D'Arcey's Oyster Bar and Grill, Kenmare

Scott, Rock, Joel, Sonya, Fergus & Yenni

Alas the weekend had to come to an end and the next day we made our way up the coast to tiny Doolin. It’s famous for its music pubs (the place where Traditional Irish music was first recorded). It’s also very close to the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and Le Hinch (a links golf course that Scott played at)..

Cliffs of Moher, Doolin

The last couple of days we spent in Galway, a cute city filled with ramshackle shop fronts, pubs and good restaurants.. We stayed at the Jurys Inns, right on the Corrib River.

Quay Street, Galway

We made our way back to Co. Cork and stopped into Blarney, where I kissed the Blarney stone, hoping I would be blessed with the gift of the Gab… (no comments please!)

Just after kissing the Blarney Stone..

All in all, Ireland is a pleasure with its friendly people and charming pubs, and easy to get around. This afternoon we head off to Singapore on the last leg of Rock on tour… Looking forward to a steamy evening with a tiger beer in hand.. I’ll keep you posted!

Had to put this one in... we had a Barbie, very Irish though, umbrella in one hand, tongs in the other!

City Life

Even though its been about my 5th time here I was still able to find lots of new things to see and do.

So, highlights of spending time in NYC:

• Spending time with my family and cousins!!! They're just as cucky as I am!!
• The NY grid system - you never get lost walking around, using the subway etc
• Having a picnic in Central Park and watching the world go past
• Shopping!!!!
• Walking down the street and pointing out different sights we see on TV all the time
• Jackpot! Finding a salad bar - fresh fruit and vegies!!!!
• Seeing the Harlem Gospel Choir do their thing
• Eating that one huge slice of pizza!! and believe one is enough to do ya!!!
• Seeing part of the Gay Pride Parade - 'You go girlfriend!!'

The Empire State Building, now the tallest building in New York City

Times Square - the tourist mecca! Avoid it if you can.....

Rod and I in front of Madison Square Garden

County Cork

Well, we said goodbye to New York City for at least another 10 years and headed over to County Cork, Ireland. We had a 5 hour overnight flight from NY to Heathrow, then a one hour flight from Heathrow to Cork... Not bad, considering it takes about that long for us to drive from Sydney to Tamworth. We got to Cork a little bit worse for wear but still alive and kicking.. Unfortunately Scott's golf bag didn't arrive - you can imagine his despair (I wouldn't like to admit it to Scott but it was kind of funny!!).

We got to Sonya and Fergus's cool little pad in Middleton, Cork. They've just recently moved into this renovated grainhouse, so still has part of the original architecture - its funky .. It's lovely and cosy with their backyard a little bay. Its only a 15 min walk down to the main street of Middleton which is really quaint, cute coloured shops that look like homes. They all use that font for the names of shops .. that Old Fashion font... we walked into a few shops looking for some bread and basics and came home with 4 bottles of wine and 5 tomatoes..... that tells you a lot about us!!

Sonya and Fergus's home in Middleton, Cork

Main Street, Middleton

Today we spent the day sleeping in and chilling out. Yay for Scott, his golf bag arrived, but his driver.. the one with the big head, was snapped... needless to say he wasn't very impressed...

We're heading over to Kenmare for the weekend, together with Son and Ferg, and meeting up with Joel and Yenni who are flying in from the Channel Islands.. Looking forward to a bit of R'n R.. Then we head off to a place called Dingle and Kerry. We'll then split from the group and take whatever road takes us to the golf courses.... It'll be a nice drive around the west of South Ireland..

The Big Day!!

I'm gonna be real lazy and just put some photos up and plus its my birthday today so I can do what ever I want!!!! I'll tell you about it when i see u!!!!

Introducing Mr and Mrs Denny and Darice Jill Faley!!

Meet my goregous nephew, aka the "ring bearer" owen..

Nicki, Rhoda and i

Denny and the bridesmaids

Scott and I

Jill and the "Lads"


The Wedding Party

Yay for me, I got an updo!!!

Communal Living

There are good things and bad things about all living under the same house.... We don't have to go any where for a party, if you run out of tooth paste, there's always some on hand, someone else does the cooking and the cleaning.... There's a lot of sharing that goes on...

Unfotunately, over the last 2-3 days ( and still lingering) we've all had the stomach bug.... cramping, vomiting, diarrhoea (like peeing out of your butt - sorry, I just wanted to make sure you all got the gist of it)... coupled with the 90 degree farenheit heat (I'm not sure what that is in degrees celcius, but it was really hot!!) It wasn't a nice time.... when I had the energy to get up and get a drink I found bodies everywhere, passed out in the foetal position, usually the house has a lively feeling, someones always chatting to someone... not happy jan....

The Sweat Shop

The definition of Bridezilla became very apparent the week before the wedding.... we were put to work almost straight away putting together the programme, favours, church decorations, table names.... the list goes on... Jill was giving out orders and directions left, right and centre and subjecting us to quality assurance! (e.g. the programme font must be consistent throughout all the documentation!! - quote by Jill). I guess to pull off a New York Long Island wedding, there's alot that goes on in the background to keep costs down ... the pics don't really show it, but it was nightmarish! It was a miracle we pulled it off!!

The Aunties putting together the church decorations

Rhoda tying 250 ribbons and gluing on tiny shamrocks

Putting the fresh flowers together for the table centre pieces, corsages and button holes... you will notice, that we look after ourselves and ensure that we still remain entertained.... with Karaoke!!!!!!

Start from the very beginning... a very good place to start..

Wow, where has the last two weeks gone!!! It feels like its gone so fast, but yet, we feel like we've been home... So I guess a lot to catch up on... I think the best way to go about it is to rewind and start from the beginning.....

First to arrive to the house were the aussie contingency...

First dibs on the sleeping arrangements...... We had what I called the barracks.... looks like alot of beds, but you may have been unlucky enough to get the base for your bed.... not so comfy... lucky for us, we're all close family unlucky for us... we all tend to snore!!!

Finally, all the cousins unite from Australia, Canada, California and New York.... and that doesn't even include the Aunties and Uncles in da house...... btw, I'm the hot pink chick in the middle....

da house the squatters lived in.....

New York City here we come!!

Yet again, we have planned for another trip to the Big Apple. This time it's not just about the hustle and bustle of the city streets, the skyscrapers or the yellow taxi... My most beloved and closest cousin is getting married! (That's Jill and Denny in the picture above). It'll be a family reunion of sorts, with family coming from the 'Land Down Under', the Phillipines, Ireland, Canada and California.
Last year, my uncle decided, that as the foriegners bombard the suburb of Douglaston he should renovate the house and provide accommodation for all. From a humble 2 level, 4 bedroom home we will be greeted by a tri-level, 7 bedroom, 4 bathroom extravanganza! We're hoping the 40 or so squatters make ends meet and co-exist in a healthy manner... otherwise...welcome to the zoo!!! Mum and Dad have already made their way over there (and no doubt have bags'd a room), the Mercolisa's (only 5 of them this time) left this morning. Scott and i leave on friday, hopefully we'll be able to secure some good floor space and the remaining 10 from Oz will arrive on the monday... It's going to be tops fun!!

Jill and Denny Hawaii 2005