Oct 2011 b

Tue 18 Oct 2011

Here's a photo of the Acelor Mittal Orbit about 3 weeks from completion of the external structure.

This appears to be London's answer to the Eiffel Tower; it overlooks the Olympic Park, and will be furnished and ready for business by mid 2012 in time for the Olympics. This is the view from Jen's work's roof terrace.

Sat 22 Oct 2011

So today we went back out to Henley-on-Thames, and picked up our "new" 11 year old Porsche Boxster. Steve's grin was stuck on his face the whole way driving it back home! Here's some pictures driving past Westminster and the Tower of London, and finally, safely parked at home.

Jen finished packing and we headed out to Heathrow where a weepy Jen went on through Security alone.

Sun 23 Oct 2011

Jen's still in the air at this stage; meanwhile Steve used his Laurel powers for evil, concocting a hideous mess known as EPIC mealtime - "fast-food lasagne". This thing has a bottom layer of 6 Big Macs, then a layer of Jack Daniels meat sauce and bacon strips and cheese, then a layer of 6 quarter pounders, the JD meat sauce again, bacon and cheese. Definitely a heart attack with every teaspoon! Apparently very yummy, so the work-mates said.

Mon 24 Oct 2011

Jen finally touches down in Brissie, and sleeps much of the day. In the evening, Giles was good enough to play chauffeur for Jen while she's jetlagged - and she surprised many of her old SCA friends by appearing at the local Fighter Practice.

Tue 25 Oct 2011

Jen wandered about South Bank parklands and beach overlooking the city. Wow, absolute paradise in the heart of the city!

Her high-school best friend (Kylie) picks her up and they spend the afternoon chatting, then a fab dinner and overnight stay at Kylie and Tony's place. Best to visit a few days out from their wedding (the purpose of Jen's visit) rather than only a day or two before.

Above: Tony, Kylie, and their "fur children"

Wed 26 Oct 2011

Mmmm, Red Rooster..... say no more!

In the evening Jen brought along fish and chips dinner for her in-laws. Here's Steve's mum outside the family home where he and his 7 older siblings all grew up.

Thu 27 Oct 2011

After over sleeping, Jen headed off to her sister Kathy's place to hang out. It was great to catch up! Then onward to Stanzi and Gab's place, (thanks for the Red Rooster dinner guys!) where Liza, Leisel, Morde and Giles also dropped in to say hi and catch up. We all left feeling it was too soon to leave, but everyone did have work to go to tomorrow.

Fri 28 Oct 2011

This morning's mission: to buy twisties, mint slice, and assorted other tasty aussie treats to bring home to London. 

In the evening, Jen had dinner at a restaurant n Bulimba with Liza, Leisel, Morde, Giles and Buzz, then headed off to the movies and watch "In Time" together. A good thought provoking film, actually fairly well acted too.

Sat 29 Oct 2011

The big day has arrived! Jen enjoyed being the cool person who turned up from the furthest away (other side of the planet), and had several compliments on the speech she gave too. The wedding seemed to go quite straight forward, and the reception was a relaxed affair too. Kylie and Tony of course had very sore cheeks from smiling after all the wedding photos of them were done.

Bridesmaids Michelle and Summer got up to mischief with Jen, at the reception

The reception wound up quite early, about 7.30pm, so Jen made her exit and freshened up and changed at home, and headed out to a Halloween party while the night was still young. The party's host, Nemain, was completely gobsmacked and speechless for the first minute or so, not believing her eyes. "I was in the area and thought I'd pop in" maybe not the most original line, but fun to say anyway. Great fun to hang out with old friends!

Meanwhile, Steve drove up past Cambridge to attend a proper American style Halloween party with Deb and Clancy.

Sun 30 Oct 2011

Worryingly, this was today's newspaper headline in Brisbane.

Jen spent a couple of hours trying the ascertain whether her flights home to London, scheduled for tomorrow, would be affected. But there was simply no getting through to Qantas' switchboard which had a meltdown with this major action.

Tonight Jen enjoyed a traditional Sunday night dinner with her family, as part of a final farewell before (hopefully) jetting off back to London tomorrow.

Mon 31 Oct 2011

Jen's mum took her to the airport a bit early so we could ask what the deal is.

As it turns out, Jen's flight would be the first international Qantas flight to depart Bribane in 2 days. It was delayed for an hour waiting on the CASA to give the go ahead for Qantas to resume flying, but that still allowed for a leisurely 2 hour transfer at SIngapore.

Tues 1 Nov 2011

Jen's flight touched down at Heathrow pretty much as scheduled. Steve had the day off, and we were very happy to be reunited, and to catch up with each others' adventures (and unpack the twisties).