The journey to Bendigo last weekend began in January 2015. No, I didn't go through a lot of stopovers or crawl there. January 2015 was when I met my roommates in our Orlando apartment. 6 girls living together. 2 of them were Crystal and Taylor. Crystal's boyfriend, Jack, was basically roommate number 7. We forged some lifelong friendships in apartment 22103.
Fast forward to August 2016 when Taylor messages me to say Jack would like to organise for us to surprise visit Crystal for her 25th birthday.
I said yes, booked my ticket and just a few weeks later was bound for Bendigo. Taylor was flying from Brisbane and I was flying from Sydney, but we were catching flights expected to land just 5 minutes apart. Our planning could not be more impeccable.
Jetstar had other ideas.
After an hour delay, followed by a drive through the Victorian countryside, Jack, Taylor and I arrived at Crystal and Jack's place.
Taylor and I walked into Crystal's kitchen, who slowly turned from cooking pizza wheels to greet her two friends. Crystal suspected Taylor would be arriving the next day. She had no idea I would be there at all. Consequently our eyeballs got a little sweaty.
After much hugging we were ready for pizza, moscato and a side of AFL for dinner.
My trip to Bendigo reiterated just how much the southern state loves its AFL. I will reluctantly admit that when Hawthorn missed the final goal against Geelong I cheered.
Following a tiring and exciting day Crystal wandered off to the land of nod. The rest of us began hanging decorations.
Jack took the task quite seriously.
A short time later Crystal proved she had not yet reached the land of nod by exclaiming, "It's my birthday!" Indeed it was. It was midnight and apparently Crystal could see decorations through the crack in the bedroom door. She came to inspect.
Jack was excited to reveal the theme was Hollywood Studios - a Disney World park that Crystal, Taylor and I all worked at.
Day 1 of the Bendigo adventure had been a success. Taylor and I got to stay in the Tiki Room.
Day 2 began with breakfast by Jack.
Crystal received a few presents too and I prepared fairy bread - a most magical Aussie dish.
The celebrations moved over to Crystal's sister's place. Ebony, along with their mum, Sharon, provided a lovely high tea of sandwiches, scones and the second glass of moscato for the weekend.
Accompanying the posh meal was the soothing sounds of old school hip hop. Wholesome lyrics encouraging everybody in the club to get tipsy really set the mood.
Every birthday princess deserves a castle. This birthday princess' castle happened to be one you could jump on and was decorated with the noble symbol of the Playboy Bunny.
After a jump everyone helped set up the final decorations for that evening.
Bugs supervised.
Back at Crystal and Jack's we gave ourselves makeovers then returned to Ebony's for the party.
The evening began with a little photo shoot.
We captured a couple of selfies.
Beer pong was played. Stars of the game included Jack's long time friend, Fletcher and Crystal's dad, Bill. The jury is still out on whether any cheating occurred.
The castle was bounced on and a delicious cake baked by Ebony was eaten.
We danced like it was the 90s and after another quick bounce the party was over and bed was calling.
Day 3 included cleaning up the decorations and cleaning out the fridge of leftover party food.
A brief weekend in Bendigo came to an abrupt end.
Since returning home I've discovered Bendigo is the birthplace of the chiko roll. So of course I'll venture back to try one. I also need to get a photo out the front of the first Bendigo Bank. Thanks Crystal and Jack for being my surprise hosts! Xo
