All-Star Weekend

Like every other weekend Clare and I had planned too much in 2 days. We had gotten some friends together to go camping at an island called Cockatoo. This island used to house convicts and a steel/shipping plant. When you stay overnight you basically get free reign to explore all of the old shops, buildings, and grounds which is really neat. However, in classic Clare/Jess style we hadn't fully planned like we should. Clare called at 5 on Friday for me to meet her at a convenient store to pick up some snacks. The plan was to get some goodies, come home and pack, and then head to the grocery store for dinner before getting on the ferry that takes us to the island. When we got back to the apartment Clare looked at the ferry schedule and realized that the ferry we needed was leaving at 6:15. It was 5:55 and we had no choice but to forfeit getting things for dinner and rush to the ferry. We got to the island with chocolate, gummy bears and apple juice but at least we made it! Luckily our friends that arrived not long after us had brought some kebabs so Clare was able to eat dinner. I tried.... but they just aren't for me. We had some really cute older couples staying next to us and they liked us so much they gave us a bottle of wine. They were just trying to warm us up though because they had forgotten their pillows and wanted ours.

Also, the same night we were staying on the island there was a private function for media guests in an old warehouse. A music group called Empire of the Sun (who the night before won like 6 Aria awards) would be performing. Clare and I had a few hours to kill before our friends arrived so we walked around a bit. At one point we were about to walk through the tunnel that would take us back to our campsite but a few girls were getting in pictures in the tunnel. As we waited we began to start conversation with this guy who had extremely bleached blond hair, a bright blue solid outfit and some pretty necklaces. Obviously he was not camping and we asked him what he was doing on the island... Oh he was the lead singer of the band. Clare was freaking out inside but trying to remain cool. I had no clue who they were so it wasn't as big a deal for me but it was really neat to see them before they performed.

On Saturday the entire camping crew went to Manly to enjoy the very hot, humid day. The waves were huge and so was the tide but it was a great day to be on the beach. Also, Ben and Jerry's opened at Manly which is the first B& J in Australia. They were giving out free ice cream all day so we got in line for ice cream and took pictures with the cow.

On Saturday night Clare and I went to Darling Harbour for the lighting of the Christmas Tree. They had tons of people walking around on stilts, dressed in red and green. However, meet pudding and some elf riding him. She made sure I knew this was not Rudolf but pudding. Apparently Rudolf gets all the attention she told me.

The tree to be lit that overlooks the harbour. The video below shows the finale of the fireworks and the tree.

As we were walking home I saw my dream car and just had to take a picture. This was the second Lamborghini of the day that I saw.

On Sunday I finally got to see Darlene sing at Hillsong! I had been waiting for her to come to the city campus and she was amazing leading worship. I met Clare down in Bondi for lunch and then met up with my friend Lisa for a a bit before heading back to church that night. Needless to say I was exhausted by the time I got home and was so happy to just relax on Monday. It was very needed!