[Stillpraying]

Rumour has it there is a bit of excitement buzzing in parts of this forum with a possible meet up next July when one of the northern hemisphere members is visiting Australia...

Stay tuned................ 

[LaughLoveLive]

Jumping on this thread!

[fidelle]

Yay for you SP..I'm definitely on board 

[hopeandfaith]

Sounds very interesting! Will keep a very close eye on this thread!!

[What Next]

StillPraying,

Hope its ok with you (& others) that I've set this thread as a 'sticky' so we can keep it visible on Page 1. 

Personally I am on board, and as I am planning to book my tickets before the end of the year, I'll be paying close attention to where and when. 

Great!!

[xyzcf]

On My...what temptation. I turn 60 next year and I was thinking Hawaii but...who knows. It's certainly on my bucket list!  Will have to think about it....

[Stillpraying]

Hawaii is not too far from our east coast (in comparison to everywhere else)........   hey maybe a meet up there on day would be an idea

[What Next]

Ok confession time! I turn 50 next May and the theme for my party was going to be Haiwai 5 - 0 (I know cheesey!!!) 

I was planning on visiting Haiwai on my way to LA, so that's a strong possibility for me!

[Miggs]

Wohooo, how exciting! Hopefully I can make it

[Princess Grace]

Ok I am in for an Aus meet up X staying tuned X

[LaughLoveLive]

In the interests of GAL and creating happy family memories, I am thinking of flying to Singapore with D11 in July to meet up with D18 who is planning a trip to Europe in her uni break. Please don't plan a Southern Hemisphere gathering in late July!!!

[What Next]

Well it looks like we might be narrowing the date down! 

I'm hoping to be on the move from late Jun so early July or even early Aug would work for me right now.  Planning to book my flights by end of Nov this year, so I'll be watching with interest.

 

[Voyager]

Hmmmmmm I think I might venture over too! I've been thinking of taking a long trip it would be fabulous to see you all 
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[LearningIamOk]

I will keep a watch on this also. Not sure about the cost factor for me, but it is intriguing.

[xyzcf]

Does anyone know a good travel agent that could figure out a land package? Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and we could provide our own flights?

We need perhaps to consider how long we'd like to go on this adventure for (unlimited time frame anyone  ) and who is truly interested and perhaps get a better price if we booked as a group.

[What Next]

who is truly interested and perhaps get a better price if we booked as a group.

I'd be interested in this!  I have a rough route I want to take (Mumbai, Hong Kong or Beijing, Australia (I'm planning about two weeks in Oz) New Zealand, Hawaii or Los Angeles, Boston)

I went online last night trying to find the best company to plan this with, found this site:
http://www.roundtheworldflights.com/plan.aspx - really interesting!
But thought I'd call into the Irish branch of Trailfinders for some Face-to-Face advice.  I'll let you know how I get on.

XYZCF, Learning / Voyager - would be great to get the class of 2013 back together!!!

 

[LearningIamOk]

sounds like a great plan, WN. I was hoping you would stop by me next year.

[Shantilly Lace]

Wohoo, Come on down and meet us.
This could be great fun.

Winter but great fun.

[Duthla]

I'm sensing another impulsive decision!

[hotwheelsaust]

Oh yes, a meet up in Australia. How bloody fantastic.

[summer90]

I live in Australia so good for me too - where are you thinking, it's a big place

[leemo2000]

I'm in Sydney, Australia.

[LaughLoveLive]

Any progress?

I've booked trip to Singapore 23 July  for a week so lets avoid that week please 

[Breakingthecycle]

And I need to start saving if a plane ticket is required.........

[What Next]

Folks,

I'm planning to be in Australia 15-25 july and New Zealand 25-28 July, so I am hoping to be part of any meetup if possible!

Not sure who is taking this on to arrange but I can definitely sign up within those dates. 

[Duthla]

OMG What Next! I'm so excited for you!!!   

[LaughLoveLive]

I don't know who is an "arranger" amongst us but I am assuming either sydney or Melbourne as the easiest place for all Aussies and kiwis to get to by direct flights.

And I also assume we will be looking for a weekend

So I'm starting the ball rolling....

1.  Dates...we have settled on early July, I think
To fit What Next's itinerary we are looking at the weekend 19/20 July
It's not great for me but I'll make it work


2.  Sydney or Melbourne?  State your preference.
I am OK for either, Meloburnes closer but I know Sydney better
What Next where will you be?

Then once we narrow down a city what do we need?
Do we all stay at the same hotel?
Is that all we need to organise?

[fidelle]

Sounds so exciting...and LLL, you seem to be a born organiser    I would be very happy to hop across the ditch for that weekend.. I've never been to Melbourne so would be keen to meet there but would be happy with Sydney too if it suits better, I think it would be fabulous if we were all in the same place....and I can do anything that needs to be done in NZ. What do you think, HeyJude ...shall we hop together?  

[Stillpraying]

I may find it hard to get to Sydney.  Will have to check when exH has the kids.  He has them every second weekend.
If it's in Melbourne, then no problem as I live there.
I also agree it's best to plan around What Next's itinerary.  Wherever she is....we can try to be there?
If it's in Melbourne and we have the time....I can organise something in the Yarra Valley (wineries) for a gathering up also.. Just another option.

[LaughLoveLive]

Did somebody say winery?

I'm leaning towards Melbourne too

[fidelle]

If there's a winery, I'm definitely in 

[Duthla]

Mmmmmmm.......wine....

[Stillpraying]

Oh there's plenty...but if wine is not your thing the views and food are just as good.  And.....Healesville sanctuary is close by with all the native Australian animals.

Plus......I have a 7 seater car

[What Next]

Oh I am starting to get butterflies! 

I will be in Melbourne for that exact weekend LLL, so that would work great for me though I am more than willing to be in Sydney as well (with a little notice).  I plan to arrive in Brisbane on 15th for a few days and making my way to Melbourne to catch up with old friends.  Going to Melbourne is like going home. 

StillPraying, I love Healesville, the Dandenongs, Wilsons Prom, Philip Island (love those penguins), you name it and I will be there!  Though I won't feel I've arrived until I stand in the entrance to Flinders Street Station.  If I only get that far and get to meet all of you, I will be very happy!   

Duthla, I'll bring your spirit with me!

Fidelle - how funny if we meet first in Melbourne!

[LaughLoveLive]

Woohoo!!

Melbourne it is then and we have the dates: 19/20 July

AND I checked the dates again and they do actually work for me so I am happy 

What now???

[What Next]

LLL, This is very exciting!  I am planning to stay with friends and/or city hotel.  Happy to share those details nearer the time so we can plan meetup times and venue.

Melbourne is a great city to visit in itself, we should definitely plan for some walkabout time there (I'm cliche enough to say a stroll around Elizabeth market is a must) and dinner in Lygon Street would be lovely!  Ok don't let me get carried away!!! 

[Breakingthecycle]

I've just put those dates in my diary!  Can't wait

[LaughLoveLive]

I swear I am not a fixer or organiser  but this is organising itself 

Place: Melbourne

Dates: 19/20 July 2014

Venue: city hotel TBA, perhaps wherever What Next ends up, somewhere with a lounge or bar downstairs where we can all gather

Itinerary:

Saturday: arrive and meet...lunch somewhere, a day exploring Melbourne and yes What Next can walk through the markets....

Saturday night: dinner in Lygon St...yuuummm I'm thinking Italian! 

Sunday: group excursion Yarra Valley thanks to Still Praying 

If you are interested put the dates in your diary and respond here!!

[Stillpraying]

All good....just done my calendar and exH has the kids that weekend.  So I'll slot in to clean the car

Yarra Valley...here we come!!

[What Next]

LLL,

You are marvelous! That is my idea of a perfect weekend! I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight!

Thank you

XXX

[fidelle]

I'm going to check out tickets right now ...yippeeeeeee 

[stayed]

I am green with envy!  If this were July 2015, I think I could swing it.  I desperately want to go to New Zealand again.  Desperately.  Never been to Australia but it would be so cool to meet up with you lot!  With What Next... omg, can't think of anybody I would rather be in Australia with...

Sounds like it is shaping up to be one heck of a weekend... I have latched onto this thread just because I want to hear all about it.


Hugs Stayed

[hopeandfaith]

Can't believe I have not checked this thread in a while!!!

LLL you are a champion for organising this.  Count me in.  I was just over on your thread and picked up on the fact that we are talking about Melb in July.  Sounds fab.

Yayyyyy

[Harley]

Keep me posted on date. I get back from Canada at end of July school holidays, so it will depend on date for me.

I'm off to take your life back Seminar run by Anne Bercht from Beyond Affairs in Brisbane on 7 - 9th Feb. If your interested you could probably get in.
.
www.beyondaffairs.com.au

[PolarBear]

I'm generally interested, but as of now, the suggested dates don't work for me due to me having the children that weekend. If I can change that and swing by, I will post it here.

[Strongwind]

What could be better than meeting wonderful friends who have been with me since the beginning of my nightmare and have not given up on me? I would love to come. Where and when? 

(((hugs))) 

Strongwind

[Stillpraying]

Hi Strongwind....Melbourne is one of the places....
Please scroll back up as I forget for now which weekend.


LLL and Summer90.....we will need to start planning in a couple of months

[LaughLoveLive]

It's the weekend 19/20 July. It will be here before we know it!

I was looking up flights today and texting hopeandfaith who lives in the same city as me. I am a definite, she is a probable.

[Blackhen]

Hello all - I'm a probable too, my daughter lives in Melbourne and I owe her a visit. Will just have to see if I can shuffle some work committments.

[Breakingthecycle]

Anyone else going from Qld?

[Strongwind]

I have family in Australia but I think that may be way to far to go for me right now. Do you ever have one in US?  Thanks for the responses.  SW

[xyzcf]

Anyone can organize a meetup anywhere. There have been a few meetups on the east coast and California. The distance factor seems to be a problem for people in the US.

It's a matter of putting it out and seeing if people are interested in  getting together. The UK and Europe seem to have a great amount of success with their meetups, 2 of which I had the immense pleasure to particpiate in.

[LaughLoveLive]

Well today I booked my plane ticket to Melbourne for the weekend of this meetup ... Hopefully other will also turn up!!! 

[fidelle]

I'll definitely be there to see your fabulousness 

[What Next]

LLL,

I'm booked too (as of yesterday  ).  Looking at the Mercure Hotel in Little Bourke St - central to everything.  But I am open to any other hotel suggestions, in that bracket 

http://www.mercurewelcome.com.au/accommodation/standard-rooms

[LaughLoveLive]

Worse case scenario it's a party of three then!!

I don't know Melbourne all that well WN so don't really have any hotel recommendations although I could ask around. But I checked the link to the mercure and it sounds pretty nice and a cocktail bar where we could all meet up.

Sounds like a plan 

[serenity]

Hi LLL,

Hope you have a fab meet up. I'm envious - I'd join you if I lived there.

Have fun!

X

[BennHurr]

i am from Melbourne.
when and where is this meet up

Benn

[What Next]

Benn,

There is a rough plan to meet on Sat 19th and Sun 20th.  LLL, Fidelle and I will be staying in Melbourne for that weekend. I was looking at the Mecure in Little Bourke St - do you know any other hotels to recommend?

I think the rough plan is a page or two back and I am sure we will finalise with times for both days nearer the time.

Looking forward to seeing you there 

[LaughLoveLive]

Party....of....four...

[fidelle]

Party....of....four...

...make it 5...Hey Jude will be there too   

[LaughLoveLive]

Party.....of.....five

Looking forward to meeting heyJude

[HeartBrokenforme]

Make that party of 6. Count me in. Also know a few more guys in the same boat. I am from Melbourne.

[LaughLoveLive]

Party.....of.....six.....

[summer90]

Including me LLL?  I'm so looking forward to this

[LaughLoveLive]

Of course including you summer!!!

Party......of.......seven...

Getting exciiiittttted

[Stillpraying]

mmmmm....think it may be more than 7 as I remember offering my Avensis (7 seater) to drive around Yarra Valley Wineries (and cheese )
But I think we may now need a mini bus

[summer90]

Hi everyone,

I have trawled through the pages and have come up with people who said they would definitely and probably make it and here's the list.  Sorry if I have left anyone out. 

Stillpraying
LaughLoveLive
Fidelle
Whatnext
PrincessGrace
Miggs
Voyager
Xyzcf
ShantillyLace
Duthla
Hotwheelsaust
Leemo2000
Breakingthe cycle
HopeandFaith
Blackhen
BennHurr
Heartbrokenforme

And me - Summer90 - so that's 18 on my count.  What a great group!! Stillpraying and LLL we will have to confirm and hire more than a minibus if there are 18 people - WOW.  Let me know if I can help with anything.  I have a 7 seater car at the  moment (unless H takes it away) but the back 2 seats are for children really, so you have to be short

So exciting!!!

[Stillpraying]

Yep...a BIG bus is now needed

In any case....I can still go and collect the out of towner's from Melbourne and bring them east to jpoin the rest and do whatever we are doing...Saves the hassle and cost of purchasing a Myki card for public transport.

Or we can get a bus from Melbourne and they can pick us easterner's up along the way

[LaughLoveLive]

I'm not sure about that list....

Fidelle has said that heyJude is coming
But I don't think hopeandfaith will be coming
 

[Duthla]

Oh I wish I could...sadly it won't happen for me this time. I want to see pictures though lovely LBSs!! xo

[BennHurr]

what are we planning for this event?
a winery tour?
would we be best to approach a company that already does this and try and negotiate a deal?

cheers Benn

[PolarBear]

Still so tempted to come along. If I didn't have the kids that weekend... I would be there in a heartbeat. Maybe I can figure something out.

[LaughLoveLive]

Would be great to have you there PB.

Meanwhile ... Maybe it's time for a roll call of who's definitely coming to this fabulous function


1. LLL  flying in Friday night, out Sunday night, staying at the mercure

[fidelle]

2. Fidelle flying in Friday morning (obscenely early from windy Welly  ), flying out Sunday afternoon (late-ish). Staying at the Mercure 

[Stillpraying]

I'm a local and don't have kids that weekend so should be Ok.

I also work right next to Southern Cross station but usually from home on Fridays.  However, I can come into the city that day if it helps to meet up with anybody coming in to Melbourne..  Feel free to PM me for my contact details..

[BennHurr]

which weekend is it guys?
im in melbourne too.

cheers

[hopeandfaith]

Is there anything on the agenda that's locked in.  If I can swing it and don't come until Sat morning, what time would I need to be there by?

[LaughLoveLive]

In don't think any things locked in hopeandfaith. Plans are vague...gather Sat morning, markets? Lunch somewhere, dinner somewhere? Sunday we were thinking a winery for lunch -still praying had some ideas - being the local and all

[hopeandfaith]

I've just left a msg for my SIL to find out about babysitting possibilities. The fact that it's the end of the school hols might work for me or against me depending on her...long story! I'll be looking to sort this all out sooner rather than later.

[Blackhen]

Greetings All

I'm arriving early Friday morning and leaving mid-Monday morning.

I've never been to Melbourne, so i figured in for a penny in for a pound.

I'm up for anything - but just hanging out and eating is fine with me!

I'm planning to go to the theatre at least once - what's on?

[LaughLoveLive]

Ooh theatre is a good idea

[What Next]

If anyone would like to send me their personal email address by PM,   with days / times they would be available over the weekend, I can put together a rough schedule and email out to see what  the "group" thinks. This tends to work for "locking down" a plan and the rest can just happen as we meet.

Blackhen, it  will be lovely to meet you, been a long time since I was in Melbourne,  we can explore together!

[hopeandfaith]

I am all confirmed for the meet-up now.  Sooooo excited.  I will be arriving in Melb at 8.30am on the 19th and leaving with LLL on the evening of the 20th.  Also staying at the Mecure.

Did I mentioned how excited I am??

[BennHurr]

awesome :-)

[What Next]

Its the night before (very early hours of the morning of) the start of my trip which will bring me Downunder next week and I am very excited. 

At the last count we have 8 confirmed, for what is sizing up to be a great weekend.

Stillpraying and I thought the following 'draft' plan might help get us started:

Friday 18th July - Dinner (place to be confirmed - perhaps the locals can advise  )
Fidelle, Blackhen, Stillpraying, BennHur, Summer90, LaughLoveLive and What Next
We could aim to meet at the hotel where most are staying for pre-dinner drink (and wait for LLL to arrive before going to dinner)

Sat 19th July
Morning stroll around City for anyone up and about.
Meet for lunch and catch up with Hopeandfaith before heading off to visit one or more wineries
Dinner at Winery or back in the city???

Sun 20th July - morning
Open to explore the city or sit around over a coffee  and plan the next meetup

Looking forward to seeing everyone next week,

Safe travelling,

XXX

[fidelle]

Sounds like a great plan, WN 

Happy travels and....

 SEE YOU SOON...YAY!!! 

xxx

[hopeandfaith]

Sounds great! I'll be in town by 9am on Sat so don't plan too much fun without me   

Wish I was coming over the night before now!

[LaughLoveLive]

Sounds amazing!!

My flight lands 8pm, not sure how long to get into the city (40 mins or so?)so would it be be better if i meet you guys at whatever restaurant you decide rather than you all waiting for me?

[Blackhen]

I found out this week an old friend is in Les Mis which has just opened in Melbourne and I managed to score a cheap ticket for Friday night. Yay! So I wont make dinner unless it's really early - but I'm up for morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and/or supper!

[summer90]

Where is my ticket Blackhen???  I love Les Mis.  Apparently, the Melbourne production is critically acclaimed as the best in the world.

Find that a bit hard to fathom but if the critics say so.........

You are so lucky!!!  The good tickets are $300.00  I definitely need a job.

[What Next]

H&F,
 We will probably be still having breakfast!!! Sat will definitely be the main day!

Blackhen
Delighted you got your show organised. I can remember seeing Phantom of the Opera in Melboune in 1991 (I think) and it was amazing,  I can only imagine Les Mis wil be awesome.

LLL, if you want to PM your mobile number to Fidelle or me, we can definitely let you know where we will be on Fri night.

XXX

[xyzcf]

Have an absolutely wonderful time! I have you all in my thoughts!

[hopeandfaith]

Just moved a post for Summer onto her thread as it's more appropriate there. 

[BennHurr]

ok so have we determined what is happening and when?
i can meet anyone on friday, saturday i can do during the day but have a function in the evening and sunday afternoon is good too.

i would think a meet up at the hotel that most are staying at would be the ideal way to meet and get acquainted then head off from there. Its hard to know peoples budgets and tastes so it might be good to consider something basic to make sure no one feels left out.

any thoughts on that?

cheers Ben

[Blackhen]

Hey Ben!

I am kind of flitting about for some of Friday a bit independent of the meetup as I have a son-in-law to catch up with and a ticket for a friend's show and a haircut scheduled! But I'm free the rest of the weekend and will touch base in the morning - I guess we will make it up as we go along. Meeting at the main hotel may be a good idea.

Anyone have a plan?

Looking forward to seeing you!

[kikki]

Hope you all have an absolutely wonderful time.  After a mini LBS get-together in recent weeks, I'm sad I won't be able to be there, but will be thinking of you all.

[summer90]

Hi gang,

WhatNext has a plan, maybe can post it here for comment?

Thanks

[What Next]

Folks,

I'm travelling with sketchy access to wifi, posted a reply yesterday but it must have gotten lost.

I agree with BH, we basically know how the weekend is shaping up, so lets just agree a time to meet at the main hotel in Fri for pre-dinner drink. How about 6,30pm? I'll pm the hotel name and location.

Blackhen, does this give you time to meet before your show? If not, shout out with a time and lets see what everyone can do. I'm completely flexible.

From the hotel we can decide where to eat as suggested by BH, and we can let LLL know so she can join us later.

Hopeandfaith, we'll make rough plans for Sat based on your expected arrival time, no worries.

I'll check in when I can otherwise I'll be meeting Fidelle at the hotel in the afternoon and hopefully everyone else there at 6.30.

Looking forward to it,

((((HUGS))))

[LaughLoveLive]

Sounds just fab WN

Fidelle and I have each others phone number so we can be in contact to catch up fri night.

I also have hopeandfaiths phone no and she is staying at the same hotel so all should be well!

Safe travelling everyone

[serenity]

Hope you have a fab and brilliant meet up. I'm so jealous I can't come too.

Much love

X

[Stillpraying]

My H is sick so I now have the kids this weekend... AAGH MLCers!  Hoping to still catch up for some part of the meetup

[LaughLoveLive]

Bummer SP
Don't worry things will work out
(Hugs)

[Stillpraying]

Well almost a year on since starting this thread and it's no longer a 'placeholder'.  We DID it!   met everyone today and had a great time. 7 women in my car, lots of laughter and talking.  Great company, food and views.

After 3 years I finally met some of you! It's amazing this bond we share on the forum with people we've never met before.  It felt like we did know each other and were just catching up after a time away.

Hugs,
SP

[LaughLoveLive]

What a fabulous weekend with a group of wonderful, warm compassionate, loving people. So much fun, so many laughs, so much wisdom.

I am rejuvenated, refreshed and relaxed and feel empowered to face whatever the future holds.

Til next time xxxx

[summer90]

Well what a weekend!!  We are probably banned from all venues for having way too much fun and laughter.

I felt an instant connection to all of you and will carry you in my heart until the next time.  The MLCers are truly missing out on having some amazing people in their lives.

We did have a discussion about who told their H or W about the weekend and what they were REALLY doing.  There was a mixed bag of excuses and explanations on that one.  We came up with what we thought would be a reasonable letter to leave for the MLCer to explain things very clearly.  This one should leave them wondering and looking like

The letter should be read with acronyms not known to the MLCer,

So here goes:

Dear H,

I am going to GAL with HV, P&D, GD, HC, & LO.  We are having a LBS/MLC meet-up but will not be discussing your EA/PA, IMHO it's NOYB anyway. BTW, you will have to look after the needs of S12, D13, S16 & D17.  There is plenty of cake to eat in the pantry as I know you love to eat this.   Try to keep away from OW and give some thought to some IC for your FOO issues while I am GAL. 

I hope this is not TMI  for you.

Your W (STBXW)

Well, that explains things

We are all feeling like this after the weekend

Until next time.........................

[hopeandfaith]

Haha, that's awesome. Others would get a chuckle from that. Perhaps you can put it on your thread too!

[Blackhen]

Ha ha ha Summer! Even funnier than the rehearsal!

Oh my goodness it was such a wonderful weekend. It was so good I came home last night feeling like I'd had a religious experience, truly. (And I still feel that way)

Thank you all so very, very much for the gift of your company and fun and compassionate wisdom and humour.

Love you all heaps, special friends.

xox

[fidelle]

I'm just coming back to earth after that fabulous weekend! Thank you all for the chance to accompany you for a little step of your journey and for all the laughter and wisdom and insights....and for the wonderful generousity of our Aussie hosts.

 It was a brilliant weekend, over far too quickly but the memories will stay for ages 

Summer, your post is brilliant! And your H is an idiot...another thing MLCers have in common 

Love and big hugs,
xxx

[Musica]

Sounds like you all had a wonderful time. Fab!!

xxxx

[Stillpraying]

LOL...Was I buying a Milkshake for D5 when you drafted the letter?  Great job... We don't need to change a thing.  Just copy and paste

Hey Blackhen...I get how you feel after the weekend.  I feel a bit like that too.  And so relaxed and content (apart from trying to round up 4 kids each morning )

And ladies....it was really cold here today...only hovered around 7 celcius at best.

Hugs,
SP

[What Next]

Big thank you to 7 wonderful LBSs: Stillpraying,  Summer90, Laughlovelive, Hopeandfaith, BennHurr,  Fidelle and Blackhen!

Brought Melbourne to life and provided me with great "new" memories and thought provoking insights. All of which are preparing me for tomorrow 

SP & Summer, special thanks for your very generous and warm hospitality,  true Aussie style xxx

[BennHurr]

I had a great time. Thanks to everyone.

[hopeandfaith]

We'll be right there with you WhatNext.  Let us know how you go.

Lots of hugs xxx

[Venus]

Wow! Sounds like you all had great fun together, how amazing!
Next time, I may jump on a plane too!
Nothing beats getting together with other LBSs. I am fortunate to have two others near me who I meet up with.

Love & Light
Venus x