Hunter Cup - 5 February 2011

The Hunter Cup is Run over 3280 metres a Group 1 race, held in Melton, the home of harness racing in Victoria. The field included some of Australia and New Zealand’s biggest names in harness racing.

This year we were invited to attend the event, with seating and dining in the 'Sky Box' which is the premier location for viewing the races, directly opposite the finishing line.

We stayed at the actual track which made everything ever so easy. It was not even a 5 minute walk from our room to where we were spending the evening watching the races and having dinner.

Our Room!

Race 3 saw Washakie win, which is managed by Kevin Jeavons, who we met in Queensland and again at Melton at the Victoria Cup. He is also going to Christchurch for the Interdominion event and we expect to meet up with him again there.

Kevin Jeavons and Washakie

Angela enjoying the evening

View from the Sky Box

Inside the Sky Box

Weekend - 12 and 13 February 2011

We had a great weekend which started with breakfast at one of our favourite breakfast places, the 'Cafeteria' in Black Rock. It was lovely to start the day seeing Ingrid and Oskar.

Oskar

Having fun

Daydreaming whilst enjoying apple juice

Ingrid and Oskar

After breakfast we were off to the shops to do the weekly shopping. Ingrid and Oskar also popped in to get a few supplies. Oskar was a great help pushing around the basket.

So cute!

Busy shopping

On Sunday we went and checked out some cars to decide on one for Angela's new job. Mum and Dad came along with us to help us out.

It was a warm afternoon and thirsty work, so once all the business was done we went to the Brighton Beach Baths for a little refreshment.

Mum and Dad

Peter and Angela

Afterwards as we walked back to the car we saw a great view of the City of Melbourne... where I will soon be working!

Angela's Birthday - Hermes - PM24 (Part 2)

On Sunday morning we had a lovely sleep-in, something we NEVER seem to get time to do, and then went down to the 35th floor for a lovely buffet breakfast. After a relaxing morning we returned to our room to pack up and check out - drats! I think I could have stayed for a much longer time quite happily!

We then returned to the lovely lounge on the 35th floor and enjoyed a hot drink and relaxed in the lounges, took in the fabulous views of Melbourne and unwound.

At 2pm Mum, Dad, Ingrid, Oskar and Nan all arrived in the foyer. We made a quick detour up to the 35th so everyone could check out the views as well! Oskar found it fascinating.

Returning to the First Floor we had a reservation for a High Tea, my birthday celebration with everyone.

Angela's Birthday - Hermes - PM24 (Part 1)

Well we are going back in time just a little, to my birthday which we celebrated on the weekend of January 15. For a special treat Peter took me into town for dinner and a night at the Sofitel. The hotel was just stunning, everything we could need for a nice relaxing weekend, lovely accommodation, lovely food, lovely staff. 

You can see below the view from our room which was on the 50th floor! Melbourne looked just beautiful with views across the Arts Centre, Tennis Centre, Albert Park, and the Bay in the background.

Our room with a great set of windows with a stunning view

The view from our room

The room had all mod cons, with a fully electronic system for managing the lights and tv and anything else electronic in the room, all via a little console next to the bed which I thought was terribly clever - I wonder if Dad can make me one for home?

Part of our room

A big surprise were the Hermes toiletries, my favourites of course! They were arranged nicely of course... this is how they look at home now as they came home with me.

After settling in Peter and I went for a walk around town and we checked out a few shops, as we set out the first shop we walked past was Hermes, but Peter was insistent that we leave that one for last.... after a lovely stroll around the lovely shops of Collins Street and surrounds we headed back up towards the Hotel and past Hermes again, where we popped in to have a look.... whereupon Peter told me that he would like to buy me something here for my birthday.

After LOTS of looking around (its nice fun) we left with two perfect orange boxes, well, aren't all orange boxes from H perfect?

Inside the little box is Hermessence.....

Hermessence

The most wonderful pure scents I have come across....

From left to right: Rose Ikebana, Vanille Galante, Vetiver Tonka and Ambre Narguile

This is the description of each from the Hermes website ---- for those who are interested in any event!!!

Rose Ikebana 

The contrast of rose petal and crisp rhubarb. Airy, delicate, sparkling.

Vanille Galante

A sensuous vanilla murmuring gently. All its depth with an unexpected lightness. Airy, sensuous, paradoxical. 

Vetiver Tonka

The strength of vetiver softened by delicious hazelnut. Comfortable, fresh, confident.

Ambre Narguile

Amber honey with swirls of smoke from the East. Savory, sensual, enveloping.

We then asked about the 70cm classic scarf called 'Ferronerie', I have been longing for this scarf ever since the first time I saw it - high on my list of 'must have H scarves' (yes still a couple more to collect).  It had been released for 2011 in a beautiful pink colourway with orange highlights, delicious! Given the few they release of these  I doubted they would have it, or that I would get my hands on one!

We asked the Sales Assistant who said she thought that they didn't have it...they were still waiting for new items from the 2011 collection to come in, but as we stood at the scarf counter a pretty pink colour caught my eye... I wonder I thought, could that be it????? and it was!!!.... it had only just come in and I knew it really needed to come home with me from that first glimpse. I tried it on and its just PERFECT! Wow... what are the chances they would have it?

Safely folded in the box

I will have to provide a photo of me wearing this.... I think you will agree its perfect!

Stunning!

In the early evening we met with Natalie and Kieren on the 35th floor canapes and drinks - champagne of course! It made the day very special to have some time with them both, and particularly to meet Kieren and to see Natalie outside of work. I had a lovely time relaxing indeed.

Then we were off to dinner at PM24 - a new restaurant run by Philippe Mouchel. The atmosphere in the restaurant was lovely and relaxed, and we were made to feel right at home.

Blue swimmer crab cake with divine heirloom tomato salad and anchovy vinaigrette

Burgundy style snails - tomato fondue, garlic and parsley butter, toasted bread

Organic Chicken
Rosemary and preserved lemon, vegetables Rôtissoire

Rib 400g, dry aged, shallot beef jus, bone marrow, sauteed green beans

Peas french style

Paris Brest Tradition with Praliné icecream

Stay tuned for Part 2.....

Sydney - Various holiday shots

We actually had lots of things to do in Sydney - events and exhibitions to go to as well as having some quiet and relaxing time in the hotel. We spent the best part of four days relaxing and having fun arriving in Sydney on Friday 28 January and getting back home on Monday 31 January, 2011.

It was a great little holiday.

I didn't take many photos at all, and in fact, just took my little pocket camera so I didn't have to carry the big one around with me. 

The following are some various shots I took:

The Bridge

The Bridge

Opera House

Angela!

Opera House

The Bridge

Outdoor gambling :(

Queen Victoria Building

Queen Victoria Building

Monorail