How do I put a perfect day into words? I’ve always struggled to put my thoughts down in print, so I’ve been delaying writing about my twenty-first birthday because I couldn’t express just how wonderful it was.
For months before my birthday my mama had been pestering me about what I wanted to do. Of course all my friends back home had been having big twenty-first parties with all their friends and families, but I’m not really a party person. I barely drink except for the occasional glass of red wine, and I certainly don’t like big crowds. I kept telling her I wanted just a small dinner with the two of them and Martin, something simple and sweet. Of course that wasn’t going to go down… and so everything was organised without my knowing. I was told I would be going to dinner and stay in a hotel in the city for something a little special. A month or so before, mama sent me an email ‘quiz’ asking me to number lists with my preferences. I thought she had made up this big quiz to secretly ask me one or two questions (such as my favourite drink and my favourite kind of food), little did I know that every one of those answers would be fulfilled on my birthday.
The day of my birthday began at midnight, with a pile of presents to be opened in bed from Martin (who also had no idea of the plans ahead of us). He had taken two days off work to celebrate with me, which I thought was one of the best presents! I’m a child at heart and I absolutely love birthday’s and poor martin had been listening to me for the weeks before saying “Did you know it’s my birthday this month? Did you know it’s almost my birthday?!” (sorry Martin!). On the morning of the 25th I woke up early, packed an overnight bag and quickly cleaned the house (I’m a complete clean freak… I will even clean on my birthday). At 10am we were picked up by a chauffeur and the kind man who was driving asked if we knew where we were going. We told him we suspected a hotel in the city and he smiled at me. Once we were driving down the road away from our home, my stomach began to flutter with butterflies. Where were we going? And my thoughts were soon answered when we took a left turn onto the freeway instead of the right turn to the city. We were driving to the airport.
Once we arrived at the airport my mum and step father were waiting for us out the front. I was so shocked I felt tears stain my cheeks. After our hugs my mum handed me a brown card, inside had there was one of the quiz questions “What is your favourite city to visit?” and my answer “Sydney”.
We walked inside to get a drink at a cafe, I was in complete shock but so excited. Here is a rare picture of Martin and I while we waiting for the plane.
Our plane was huge! And we were in row forty-four. I stole the window seat of course and I had bought myself russh magazine to read on the plane.
When we were coming into sydney I could see the bushfire smoke from the Blue Mountains, my heart was breaking for the families who live there and the poor helpless animals.
A hazey Sydney.
We could barely see the city in the distance.
Once we landed we found ourselves a taxi and headed to our next surprise location, the four seasons hotel! the sweetest girl behind the desk gave me a balloon.
Looking down at the pool from our room, it was so beautiful and I felt like a princess. After opening presents (I was feeling terribly spoilt) we decided to venture to the spa for a swim.
The view from our window out onto the water was incredible.
A birthday gift from the hotel, the sweetest girl brought it to my room.
After enjoying the spa and relaxing in our beautiful hotel room, I began getting ready for my birthday dinner, all the while admiring the view.
I asked Martin to take a picture of me by the window.
Walking to our next surprise location.
On the streets of Sydney.
My mama and I.
Reaching our next desintation, a gorgeous restaurant that happened to be on the corner of Young street! They also had a completely separate vegetarian menu that was amazing!
Surprise number four! Tickets to see Cosmo Jarvis in a little pub by the ocean. During all this mama had been handing me little brown cards with my quiz answers, this one was “What is your favourite entertainment option?” which I answered with “Band”.
Late at night making it back to our comfy hotel room.
The view was even more beautiful by night.
The next morning we explored the streets of Sydney.
And had breakfast at a german cafe.
Walking along the harbour and taking it all in.
The next surprise was a river cruise organised by my step dad so we could see the amazing sights!
Attempting a panorama on a very rocky boat…
The most magical part was seeing a mother whale and her calf.
Final goodbyes to our beautiful hotel.
So sleepy on the way home, from the moment we were in the air I drifted off to sleep.
I will never forget this birthday, how will any other ever compare? I have been blessed with the kindest, most amazing parents in the whole wide world. Even my papa drove all the way from Whyalla to spend a week with me. And of course Martin, who takes care of me better than I could ever take care of myself, who loves me even when i’m being a grump, and who understands me more than I could ever thought a partner could.
(ps. Sorry for all the soppy stuff! (; )
