Love love, lady: An Evening With Julie Andrews*

*highly original heading, right?

You know when you get that itch to get out of town? Be it for a vacay or a Sunday drive through the mountains - it just has to be scratched!
Since Sam & I began dating, we usually spend a few weeks each year travelling; exploring a new city or relaxing on a sunny beach or catching up with far flung friends. Whatever it is, it scratches that itch pretty damn good - enough to leave us feeling inspired, motivated & fulfilled for the other 350 days of the year.
Unfortunately, last year was a crazily expensive time (car troubles plus animal illness plus every white good & appliance dying = not much left in the kitty!) so we abandoned all plans for a visit to Sydneytown, & ever since, I have had an insatiable itch. The kind I was convinced could only be satisfied with a romantic Parisian holiday or an adventure in Japan.
Turns out all I we needed was a night away in a tiny apartment overlooking the Brisbane River...& meeting Julie Andrews, well that's the cherry on top!

It all began a couple of months ago, when Sam discovered her most beloved childhood actress was traveling to our shores & for one night would be in a Brisbane theatre to share her life story with thousands of her adoring fans. She hinted at the wonder of this occasion & for once, I clued on without any further prompting.
Phone calls were made, credit cards charged & plan put into action. I kept my lips sealed (believe me, this is difficult with such an exciting event!) knowing that I had succeeded in what may be the greatest birthday gift ever*!
I had almost forgotten about it all, when I received the call from an insanely excited wife that an unexpected package had landed on our door step - of course, addressed to her. The cat was out of the bag! We excitedly booked our apartment, made plans for a furbaby-sitter & daydreamed of our weekend away.
Before we knew it, the day was upon us - we packed an overnight case, jumped in the car & sang our way down the mountainside to the bright & bustling city.

The next 24 hours were a whirlwind of activities - moments of relaxation mixed with an intense intake of atmosphere & culture of the beautiful city. We took a late afternoon walk through Queen Street, marvelled at the vast view from our apartment, enjoyed breakfast in bed as the sun rose then a brunch of Max Brenner before walking along the winding river back to our diggs. Oh, & you know, revelled in An Evening With Julie Andrews!

*I am not sure how to top this one...& I fear it's a steady downward spiral from here!

Last, but certainly not least... Whilst I was sitting in the 'nose-bleeds', Sam was spoilt* to VIP seats, delicious treats, & a one-on-one meeting with the divine Julie Andrews...