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| Guest Review |
Julie and Steffi July 2006
Prior to coming to Australia, if asked to describe how I thought it would be I would of said hot, dusty, barren landscape. How wrong could I be?? From leaving Brisbane airport and traveling south to Upper Coomera where Julia and Tony live, the landscape is beautiful. Trees, Mountains, and lots of green. I was also surprised by how “American” everything looked while traveling down the motorway (or Highway as it is known here). Loads of little retail parks, with loads of places to eat. They drive like the Americans as well!! – It’s every man for himself, but as it’s on the same side of the road as us, it’s easier to cope with!!
Considering we arrived in the depths of their winter (sunglasses, little strappy tops and air conditioning still being a must!!) we were surprised by how warm it was. We’d been advised by Julia prior to our leaving that we had to pack bikini’s and thermals, so we knew we had a lot of scope to play with!
Guest Accommodation
Excellent! – Lovely big Bed.
Loads of wardrobe space – a MUST if you have someone like Steffi with you!
Gorgeous bathroom with large shower .
Their home is fab. Loads and Loads of space. Plenty of room for lots of guests (Sorry Guys, you may want to delete that part for fear of being in-undated!!)
What I really like about their home is that it is really “social”. There’s a kitchen area, Dining Area and Lounge area all combined, so everyone can sit and be in the same room while doing different things. There’s also a formal lounge (for when Julia and Tony need to escape the guests!!). there’s also an office, as well as a rumpus room!!
Location
Where Julia and Tony have chosen to live is to me just perfect. They’re at the bottom of Tamborine Mountain, which can be seen from their front door. They’re five minutes away from Movie World and Dream World and Wet and Wild should they want a day out with the kids, and they’re only 20 – 25 minutes away from the beach – Surfers Paradise as well as Sea World. They’re only 5 minutes away from Coomera River where they take their boat on a weekend.
What I’ve learnt while being here
Rumpus Room – means playroom to us.
Lollies – means sweets
Chips – Means Crisps
Round The Circle – Round the Round-a-Bout
Soccer - Football
No matter how many shops you go into you are asked the same thing, “Hi How Are Ya??”. I have been tempted to say “Well actually I’m not very well bla bla” but haven’t had the heart to do so.
Lorakeets _ Apologies if spelt wrongly!
Julia and Tony have bird seed trays in their garden and the Lorakeets come throughout the day and early evening to feed. They’re beautiful and are really noisy!! – I have been fascinated by these, and never tire of watching them.
Highlights of our Holiday
Seeing Julia, Tony, Nicola and Jonathan. They’ve grown so much. Was quite emotional when I went to the school to meet them on the first day, so I quickly put my sunglasses on!! – Didn’t want to embarrass Nic .
Going to Big Brother twice!! – It was as they say here “awesome” and really had a brilliant time. Went to a live eviction and a Friday night Live – brilliant.
Going out for the day on the Coomera River on Tony’s boat. To me that day was perfect. We travelled down the river and pulled over at a sandy cove and had a picnic while there wasn’t any noise except for a variety of birds in the trees above. We played on swings which were attached to trees and sat watching a pelican trying his best to come as close as possible to scrounge some food – he should of known better than to try and get food from us!! We then went back down the river and fished. And truly it was the scenario of the “one that got away”. The fish was massive. At first it took Julia’s bate, then proceeded to try and take her fingers as well (which the fishing rod was wrapped around). It snapped the line and got away. A few moments later it took Tony’s bait. Tony managed to get it to the top of the water – and it was massive – then it snapped the line again and got away. We sat in the boat, drank wine, and had the most brilliant time.
Going to Surfers Paradise and walking along the beach. It was heaven. The water was beautiful, it was red hot and I could not believe we were at Surfers Paradise!!. Then went to a Surf Club for lunch – how big was that sandwich???
Springbrook/Tamborine Mountain
The roads were hazardous to say the least – good job Tony was driving!!
The views were out of this world, and the scenery fabulous. It amazed me that only 30 – 40 minutes away from home they were up a mountain!!
Conrad Jupiters – The Atrium Bar
Julia, Steffi and I had a girls night out at the Atrium Bar – Great Night – and we met some interesting people – didn’t we girls??
Julia falling in Jonathan’s sick when he was poorly. Sorry hun, but it was really funny, honest. And you’re a**e didn’t look any bigger - honest!!
Me coming out of a shopping mall – can’t remember which one, and saying, “this weather is beautiful, you’d think you were abroad wouldn’t you??”
Overall
10 out of 10. How can you not enjoy yourself at the Gold Coast. There’s so much to see that you never stop. With Julia and Tony as your hosts it’s all non stop fun and sight seeing. Now going home to have a rest!!
Thanks Julia and Tony and Nic and Jonathan. Had a brilliant time, and sorry to tell you, we’re going to return!! Not only did you welcome us to Australia, but you welcomed us into your home and family. We’ll always remember our very special first time in Australia
xxxx
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