3 Day Vacay!

Guess what!? We got 3 whole days off in a row together!

So, being us, we made plenty of fantastic plans. 

Sunday we needed a lazy day so we just slept in, did laundry and yes, the banana boat. You've already heard all about it. It was sooo funny right? NO! I have bruises from being run over by a freaking banana, thank you! Okay rant over.

(notice: Brittney has taken over writing this)

Monday, the day we started a new adventure. We made sure to catch an early enough ferry to Hamilton island (the biggest in the Whitsundays, yet still small-ish). Hamilton island is gorgeous. We love Hamilton island. They even have free shuttle rides all over the place! Woot :)

We made our way to the Wild Life Preserve first, because koala's! Nick, the GM of the preserve, recognized Lindsey the minute she walked in and gave us a discount cuz he's awesome. We saw some wombats, a cassowarie, a giant crocodile that was over 80 years old, 4 meters and still only halfway through it's life, and koala's. We totally stuck around to cuddle the koala's too, and get our pictures taken (which will come soon). 

When not hanging out at the Wild Life Preserve we could be found at the beach. Real sand (not dead coral) to walk on and a great spot to just sunbathe and take a nap or two :)

Hamilton was pretty awesome. 

We caught the last ferry back to Airlie beach and had a taxi take us to one of the hostels so we could get a room for the night. We paid $18 each for a six share dorm room and had the whole place to ourselves (nice!). We changed and then made our way to the Moroccan restaurant we've been wanting to try out. It was a bit of a challenge to find but it was out of the way so there were not many people there. We were the only ones outside and the whole place was so cool. It was called Cha'mah and they had some amazing food. We splurged and got wine with our entree and mains, then tea/coffee with our desert. 

We tried ending our day with a night out in the Airlie nightclubs but three places we checked out were pretty dead. Granted it was a Monday night but still....

We did get a free shot from a bartender who said, and I quote, "You two just don't look happy. Here, have a shot of redbull and alcohol." (I'm ad libbing with that last part cuz I don't know what he put with the redbull). Even the Irish pub couldn't keep us interested for very long. I did manage to get real beer (Guinness) finally :)

No worries, we still were in bed by 12:30 (mostly cuz we wanted to get up early enough for a good breakfast).

Which just so happens to have played out perfectly so we could meet Jeff and Amelia at Mr Bones and have breakfast before doing our shopping and eventually ending up at Denman's beer cellar and cafe.

Now, Denman's needs to be given all the awards :) This place has over 700 beers and ciders (only 500 of which they can carry at one time) and so many tapas plates to choose from.

We were there for about 4 hours :D

Between the cheese board, the dips board, and the olives, we also tried the aussie board which consisted of crocodile, emu, and kangaroo (we were adventurous). Then we had scallops, asparagus wrapped in pancetta, and some pork belly. All while trying different beers (they had pages upon pages of beers listed by country!) It was awesome. And each beer was brought out in a different glass and with the bottle it was brought in. (pictures to come).

Then, the desert.....

It was recommended on the menu to have a chocolate stout with the chocolate platter, but our waitress, Amber, suggested something way better....a double espresso beer. Life changing. 

All in all, we had a pretty good couple of days. So much good food, good beer, and good company.

 wombat

 linds sees the koala's

 dingo's!

 cha' mah

xoxoxoxoxoxo

"They're gonna see us from outer space"

We would like to share a few songs that have been pretty much on repeat.

Ellie Gouldings song Burn: a really good one to dance to. Makes you feel like you can do anything :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGyEd0aKWZE

Avicii's song Wake me up: a favorite, pretty much sums up life at the moment   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y_KJAg8bHI

Florence and the Machine's song Dog Days: Lindsey's absolute fav. We're even coordinating a dance (mostly involves a lot of shaking back and forth, start with the shoulders and jiggle your butt)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2yPrOUNguk

Once you've finished listening you may continue reading :)

Today was a day off for us. I (Brittney) allowed Linds to sleep in (she needed a good nights rest after this past week). A pretty busy work week, just a bit mentally draining so the day off was much needed. So after sleeping in we made our way to the Bakery and got coffee, tea, pie (chicken and veggie), a ham and cheese croissant, and a chicken wrap for later. Ate our brunch under the gazebo and enjoyed watching the jet skis.

Spent some time chatting up the guys on activities about what movie would be playing, how we could set up parasailing (our plan for Sunday) and a banana boat ride (which we did today)

The banana boat was crazy!  Linds and I got stuck in the front so most of the time was spent with water in our faces but it was still good fun. Linds fell off twice (once she went flying and we nearly ran her over and the second time was right after she got back on and the guy took off without waiting for her to secure herself again. It was pretty funny). I managed not to get thrown off but I did fall off when our driver made a sharp turn to go back for someone else who fell off. I still had a hold of the handle so I wasn't left behind but still....). It was a good experience. Would like to do it again if we could be in back so we can see better but may wait before going out again. Stinger season is starting up and so everyone needs to start being really careful when they go out into the water. 

Most people here are more afraid of the stingers than sharks (even if there are plenty of those too). The Irukangi (think I spelled that right) are small little types of jellyfish no bigger than a finger length that, if stung, sends most people into cardiac arrest. It's supposed to be really painful and people need to get to the hospital as soon as possible. Most wear wet suits, aqua shoes, gloves, and masks. 

Sorry about the more serious turn to that conversation. On a more positive note, everyone on the banana boat ride, but me, saw a stingray jump out of the water ("like a dolphin" says linds), flap around, and splash back down. I was so mad I missed it. No one's seen that happen around here before (at least most of those we've told so far). Linds says it was pretty cool :)

We also have the next two days off and have planned an epic time so be prepared for a new post come Wednesday or Thursday. There may or may not be koala's :D

Thank you for all your love and support!!! 

We love you and think about everyone back home every day xoxoxoxoxox

Britt and Linds

Best Day Ever

Okay it seriously was.

I know I keep saying it, but Britt and I had a fantastic day. In the morning we picked up our North End Passes, got our snorkeling gear and walked to Lover's Cove. It's a private beach that is awesome to snorkel at. So those of you who don't know, I actually really don't like sea creatures and snorkeling makes me feel claustrophobic. We gingerly made our way down to the shore line and realized the water is probably going to be freezing. Yes, we were right. It took about 5 minutes to get all the way in but at about half way, all of these fish started surrounding us and I kind of had a little freak out. Yes, they are pretty and whatnot but I just don't want them to touch me. Once I got them to go away so I could actually get in the water further, and when Britt stopped laughing at me. We finally put on our masks and put our heads under water. Again, I started freaking out and hyperventilating. I don't know why I freak out but I just couldn't get my mind over it.  It took a few minutes to calm down and enjoy all of the fish and coral there. We ended up swimming around for about 45 minutes and then decided we were exhausted. Snorkeling really takes it out of you.

Britt returned the gear (so I didn't have to walk with the bum ankle) and we had the bright idea to walk the rainforest walk back instead of the boardwalk. Terrible idea. It was a really steep hike and didn't help with me limping. But we got some really nice views and a few pictures once we got to the top.

Then we changed and took the ferry to Airlie with two friends who had errands to run as well. Britt and I were starving so we went to this pizza bar that we've heard about called Mr Bones. It was the coolest little place we've found yet. The pizza was absolutely amazing. We got the tomato, prosciutto, olive oil, balsamic, and mushroom pizza. Britt ordered one of the best beers ever called White Rabbit Pale Ale with Honey, and I ordered a cider. Then we had to get dessert as we waited for a friend to catch up with us so we ordered a chocolate bourbon terrine with orange marmalade and creme fraiche. Yummy

Now that we fulfilled our craving for good pizza, we took the bus to Centro to get groceries. I want to make some homemade mac and cheese and we needed more food to eat at the house instead of the staff canteen. Once grocery shopping was done we also went to the bottleshop to get wine (hey we need it!)

Back to Airlie we went and took a bunch of nibblies to Lover's Cove again with Amelia. We ate cheese and crackers, hummus and olives as we watched the sunset. Once again, we took plenty of pictures so no worries about that. Britt even climbed a bunch of rocks to find a cliff jumping spot. When it got a little too dark we went to Fishbowl to get some cocktails and food (ice cream for me).

Overall, the day was pretty amazing. One of the best we've had since we got here. A day of food and exploring and hanging out with great people. We really wish everyone could have been here with us! We miss all of you and hope you are able to come for a visit soon!

All our love,
Linds and Britt

Better days

We had a pretty good weekend. Saturday and Sunday we both had weddings. Saturday we did different ones but both ended up pretty good. Sunday was awesome. Jeff switched me with another girl so that Linds, Jeff, and I were working the Lover's Cove wedding together. It was soooo beautiful and the people were the nicest.

One thing that freaked us out at first but we have come to appreciate and love: 95% of the people we meet and serve (especially at the weddings) always looks at our name tags first. They always say "Thanks Brittney" or "Thanks Lindsey." I'll say 'Good evening' and 'how can I help you' but most people won't let me help them until hey know my name and ask how I'm doing. This hasn't just been a few instances but every night. It helps also make connections when you have the same families and groups that stay on the island for a few days or up to a week because we do work a lot and in the few restaurants and see the same people all the time.

Anyway, that's how the Sunday wedding went. We even had people stay once the event ended to tell us how much they appreciate everything we did and we could only look at them and just say how much we love doing our job. I mean the speeches that night were some of the most sincere and wonderful we've heard so far. The groom's speech even brought most of the staff to tears (*cough* Lindsey *cough* Jeff)   :)

We officially got to work with Amelia (who is awesome!). She's been friends with Jeff since they arrived on the island at the same time 7-8 weeks ago. The four of us had some good laughs and just a general good time breaking down. We did stay until 2 a.m. but working with these people makes it feel fun than work.

Monday Linds and I both got off (finally) and we cleaned, did laundry, laid out at the pool, and then went on the staff sunset cruise. There were about 19 of us and we left around 4:30 and the Sundowner took us around the islands for about 2 hours while we chatted, ate cheese, crackers, fruit, and drank. It was pretty great just to escape for a bit with a small group. Everyone hang out together too afterwards until we could go to Fishbowl (staff is allowed to eat and drink there in the last hour). Linds and I split a meal and we hung out with everyone for awhile.

This week is going to be our first week since more than half of the guests on the island have gone home. We got through the crazy busy time and now we have easier services and more events! Linds and I are doing a wedding Friday, Saturday, and Sunday coming up. We also have Thursday off together. We plan on going snorkelling in the morning at Lover's Cove and then go into Airlie with Amelia around 12. We've been craving pizza so I think that's our lunch plan :) Anyways, here's a pic of Linds with some friends on the cruise. I'm gonna try and upload the ones from my phone to but you may have to just see those on facebook (oh! there's a lot more on Lindsey's facebook page if you guys are curious)

 

Love Brittney and Lindsey

Mozzies

So...

Mozzies are what Australians call mosquitoes. And this being a tropical island there are apparently a million of them. So, if you don't put on bug spray then you'll get bitten. And when you get bitten you get bitten a million and one times. Mostly all over your legs and then you are allergic so they welt up horribly and itch so bad it wakes you up at 3:30am....

This being said, we are pretty miserable when it comes to the intense itching happening. And then you get itch cream from the nurse and can't find it when you get back cause your roommates probably threw it out.....ughhh. Someone help us!!! Send us bug spray and itch cream! We are desperate!

We still love you, and sorry for the complaining

<3 Lindsey and Britt

More pictures!

 mermaids!

 cappucino and corona with an amazing view

 the Texas, so gorgeous

 Jeff, our boss, and his old friend hanging out while waiting for the ferry

 that's a curloo!!!!! they look taller than the photo shows