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Post by vanderdb9 on Feb 11, 2010 7:58:49 GMT
I am going to drive. cityrail will never get me there
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Post by Mayfayre on Feb 11, 2010 9:09:10 GMT
A question open to Sydneysiders: Is Cityrail really that bad? Surely Melbourne's Metro can trump it or is it really that bad? Any city that has a Metro / Underground etc thinks that theirs is the worst! London Underground almost ceases to exist some weekends because of trackwork - FAR more than the Sydney one. The difference is that there's usually an alternative route in London but not iin Sydney. They do occasionally respond to special events but not very often. When we were there, we found it works fine, especially if you have a travel pass, but the few days we didn't have one, it was a pain because we always seemed to need to get a bus as well as a train to get somewhere, then you couldn't buy a ticket on the bus and there were no machines at the bus stops (like we have over here). |
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Post by vanderdb9 on Feb 11, 2010 9:13:01 GMT
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Post by lindenchase on Feb 11, 2010 9:31:59 GMT
tvnz.co.nz/close-up/tear-gear-roars-into-town-3361628/videoJames and Jezza being interviewed on New Zealand television. Very funny one. I really like the chemistry between the two of them. If Top Gear ever stops, I do hope they will work together in some other format. James mentions the kiwi girlfriend again, the reason they broke up was that she went back to New Zealand. Awww.
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Mystik
Filthy Mayhemer
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Post by Mystik on Feb 11, 2010 9:34:54 GMT
WOMAN STIG. "I have looked very closely and can't see any evidence of.. womanhood there" lol!! ;D
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Post by jacqui on Feb 11, 2010 9:48:15 GMT
Aww sweeeet! Wonder if they will 'catch up' with each other ;D  |
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Post by jacqui on Feb 11, 2010 9:50:19 GMT
That'd be right. sh.ttyAnd Jaqui, no I can't recall what Jo'burg pic you mean? (perhaps he's just holding it all in in that photo above then? ) This one ;D  |
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Mystik
Filthy Mayhemer
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Post by Mystik on Feb 11, 2010 12:45:26 GMT
oh right! Hah yeah I see your point. Angle of view perhaps? (or wishful thinking on my part?  ) |
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Post by jacqui on Feb 11, 2010 12:55:55 GMT
or he was breathing in very deeply ;D |
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Post by Wyvern on Feb 11, 2010 15:41:25 GMT
...or Jeremy's put a bun in his oven...
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Post by Maid of Astolat on Feb 11, 2010 17:21:14 GMT
His lovely tum is usually concealed but its not hidden in t-shirts. As the rest of him is quite skinny then angle does count a lot
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Post by TheDaisy on Feb 11, 2010 23:04:24 GMT
...or Jeremy's put a bun in his oven...  Something I don't even want to think about there ;D  |
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Mystik
Filthy Mayhemer
55 MPGiesel
Posts: 776
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Post by Mystik on Feb 11, 2010 23:27:17 GMT
LOL @ buns in oven. A terrifying thought. Well, I've just finished making my JMB sign to take tomorrow. Didn't have enough card to make a big one, so just did a The and J, M, and B lettering instead. (easier to take with me as well ). Now all we need to do is find him. *determined face* ;D |
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Post by From Afar on Feb 12, 2010 0:03:36 GMT
LOL @ buns in oven. A terrifying thought. Well, I've just finished making my JMB sign to take tomorrow. Didn't have enough card to make a big one, so just did a The and J, M, and B lettering instead. (easier to take with me as well ). Now all we need to do is find him. *determined face* ;D ;D Good luck Asparay ;D HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Post by Jacksgirl on Feb 12, 2010 9:54:49 GMT
13 HOURS TILL I GO TO SDYENY ;D ;D*gets really excited* i put my ticket staright away in the backpack |
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Post by jacqui on Feb 12, 2010 13:23:26 GMT
LOL @ buns in oven. A terrifying thought. Well, I've just finished making my JMB sign to take tomorrow. Didn't have enough card to make a big one, so just did a The and J, M, and B lettering instead. (easier to take with me as well ). Now all we need to do is find him. *determined face* ;D Good luck!!! Look forward to seeing pictures of said findings ;D |
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Post by Jacksgirl on Feb 12, 2010 21:43:50 GMT
I'm ready to go now i just have to wait now for the parents ::)lol, i've already checked like 3 times(again last night )to see that i still have my ticket&for reading material Notes From The Hard Shoulder( which ive just started.................................................. WELL I'M READY TO GO NOW MUM&DAD!!!(and they tell me i take forever to get ready*tsk tsk* |
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Post by vanderdb9 on Feb 12, 2010 22:10:58 GMT
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richmondgal
Filthy Mayhemer
"Brace yourself, viewers"
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Post by richmondgal on Feb 12, 2010 22:53:43 GMT
I went there last night and... OH MY GOD THIS KEYBOARD IS ANNOYING ME!!
OH AND IT THE WHOLE THING WAS BLOODY FANTASTIC!!
(I'm at an internet kiosk by the way)
Alright, just doing things bit by bit without spoiling it for people going today (Hopefully you'll do better in the SIARPC race compared to us).
Took a lot of shots, the majority of them are of James and Jeremy and Greg blurred. Some good jokes too and also some unexpected bits too (Jeremy got acid on his jeans). Overall, an awesome experience and something I will never forget, because once we got outside after the Paddock Tour (which was good by the way but a lot of people so get there early at Gate 8) it was pissing down with rain and a thunderstorm and lighting was hovering over us. I had an unexpected shower from it (even the top gear merch bag couldn't protect me) but it was a relief, as yesterday was really hot.
Anyway, got a tee from the merch, although I should've gotten the Where's Stig? Book but I don't know how much it is in the bookshops.
I'll put pics up once I get home on Sunday night. Hope you guys have a great time there today. You're a long way away if you got Gold or Silver tickets. Deffinately the best present I've ever got.
PS: I saw a girl who had made a tee that said "We miss you Richard" And then had a pic of Richard on the back.
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Post by Doofey on Feb 13, 2010 6:54:24 GMT
I have put together a review of the show etc. If you haven't been yet and don't wish to have anything ruined please don't read it.
Also I didn't mentioned meeting 3 awesome young ladies from this board while in Sydney. Wasn't sure if they wanted to me mentioned.
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Post by Doofey on Feb 13, 2010 6:55:59 GMT
A Birthday to Remember
As I’m approaching the dreaded “big four o”, birthdays have become less exciting. That is until this year, 12th February 2010, my 37th birthday. After a year that is best to be forgotten my stupendous other half found it in his wisdom to shout my Mum and me to a trip to Sydney to see a show that I had longed to see since the previous February. A show based on my all time favourite TV show and some would say my addiction. Seeing they refuse to come further “down under” to Melbourne a whole trip to Sydney was in order. For those of you who know me will be in no doubt what the show in question is but for those of you who are wondering it is Top Gear Live.
Last February it was easier for fane indifference to missing out on the show as my personal favourite presenter would not be accompanying his colleges, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, and again for those of you who know me (and Top Gear fans) are well aware of whom I speak...the most wonderful Mr James May. So when it was announced that James would be joining Mr Clarkson on this year’s tour to Sydney I was unable to hide my dismay at not being able to attend. After many not so subtle hints TOH suggested Mum and I go. (Note: Don’t get me wrong I do love Richard Hammond and he was sadly missed at the show).
After a few months of blatantly obvious excitement and causing everyone severe ear bleeds from my constant mentioning of the fact that I was going to TG live the day finally and mercifully (for my family and friends) arrived. As our flight was not leaving until about 1pm we struggled to fill in the time before we needed to get to the airport. We did have to drive for an hour and a half so that assisted us in this endeavour. Dark, ominous clouds closed in and we were afraid that a storm would delay our departure therefore destroying our well-planned day. In hindsight it probably wasn’t prudent to put our trust in an airline to get us to our destination in time on the actual day of the show. Luckily for us our flight took off 10 minutes early and our plans remained intact.
We arrived early at Sydney airport after a non-eventful flight. The highlight being a nice view of Canberra as we passed by.
Now for the biggest challenge of our day, finding our way, by train, to Olympic Park. We hadn’t realized just how far out it is from the city of Sydney. To our dismay we discovered that most trains in Sydney are not air-conditioned!! It was 31 degrees Celsius and extremely humid and for us so called heat deprived Victorians it was absolutely horrid. As the makeup melted from our faces and the sweat made us eligible for a wet t-shirt competition we made our way to the first station where we needed to change trains.
My God I have never seen so many frigging stairs in my life. While I lamented (well whinged) to Mum about how on Earth a disabled person is supposed to get around this darned humid, smoggy city we found what we thought was the correct platform. A lovely gentleman in a business suit and a City Rail employee both assisted us in determining which train would be best for us to get to Lidcombe Station. With the aid our two heroes we choose the best option. The City Rail man enquired as to where we were headed and when we stated that we were off to see Top Gear Live he exclaimed, “You’re going to see Top Gear Live? Gee I married the wrong woman!!”
On to yet another blasted station and more God forsaken stairs. What a shocking thought of having to do this every day for work. I’m starting to sound like a whinging Pom now. J
Finally we found the last train and we were on the home stretch. We were nearly there drowning in our own sweat and cursing the bloody roller suitcase that we had lugged up over a hundred billion stairs. I knew I should have taken James’s advice on these things.
Exiting the last train station felt like emerging from the bowels of hell and the slightest cool breeze was like heaven on rather soggy skin. The sanctuary of our hotel loomed large in front of us. Cool, air-conditioned room with a big, soft bed. Only one thing stood between the lobby and us, the gateway to absolute bliss, another bloody big staircase sent to further test our already burning leg muscles. Once at the top I felt like I had triumphed over the tallest mountain in the world. I looked around for a flag to place in the sodden earth to signal our triumph.
The ambience in the room on the 16th floor was so longed for. The excellent view mostly ignored as we fell onto the bed and sighed a sigh of utmost relief. Now we had to uncover from somewhere the strength to reapply our melted makeup, change our sweat-laden clothes and try to salvage any semblance of the hairstyle we had left the airport with. I couldn’t have agreed more with Mum’s comment as we trudged through one of the stinking hot stations “Hope they bloody well appreciate us coming all this way to see them!”
The Show
The short walk from the hotel to Acer Arena was made difficult by our aching, melted muscles but the sight of the huge banner showing the faces of James, Jeremy and The Stig (well the helmet of The Stig) drew us forward towards the stadium. The sounds of roaring engines filled our ears and were a warning to the audible assault to come. Quickly having a glance at the cars on display – too tried really to give two fat rat’s clackers, we soon found ourselves ready to locate our seats. We had our bums firmly planted on our seats with about 30 minutes until the performance.
The 70-minute duration of the show was filled with so much noise, adrenalin-pumping thrills and not to mention the enigmatic personalities of the wonderful Poms James and Jezza. They were joined by V8 racing driver, Greg Murphy, who James insisted on calling “Grig” imitating his Kiwi accent.
Now I must warn you not to read any further if you are yet to attend Top Gear Live, as I’d hate to spoil any of the surprises in the show. I’ll give you a few moments to close your browser...
Ok so those of you still reading want to know all about it. Many of you will have already experienced the thrill of TG Live but apparently there were a few changes for the Aussie shows. My friends from OS will be able to enlighten me on the differences. I will try to recall as much of the show as possible but with my shocking memory it may not be possible.
Fire! That’s what the first part was all about. A woman with a fantastic figure – she wasn’t the first great looking woman I’d seen either (hate them all, only joking) – twirling fiery sticky things and 2 racing cars literally on fire sliding, spinning around the stage. Every so often huge explosions of fire would erupt scaring the living suitcase out of everyone and scorching the eyebrows, eyelashes and fringes (those who had fringes that is) of those who paid lots of money for the privilege of being close to the action.
Next was the arrival of the two likely lads from London (I know only one lives in London). Both in a ute, one a Holden and one a Ford in accordance with the Australian ideal that one should be either a Holden or Ford fan. This is where I am not classed as a true Aussie because I couldn’t give a flying foxtrot which is better. Jeremy made some comment about not wanting to drive James’s car because he wasn’t a “Westie”. An Australianism for those who are a bit, shall we say, rough around the edges. The guys asked which ute we preferred. I went with James’s well because he’s my favourite and I’d never miss a chance to prove Jeremy wrong! They went on to introduce their co-host, Grig, who began the show by insulting our fine English guests. If I recollect properly something along the lines of pasty white, fat, Poms. Don’t worry they were not about to let him forget about being a New Zealander! Jeremy announced that someone had finally advised him on the correct pronunciation of Bathurst, it’s not Barthurst. James then began a tirade about his bathroom pronounced without the r sound. He described the small white square object that he found in his bathroom that tasted terrible. Jeremy commented on the strange thing that sprinkles water on you. Grig inquired as to how often they bathed and Jezza announced that he had a good wash every October! J
There was more amazing driving in four little Toyotas (assuming they weren’t Priuses as they could brake very effectively). The three hosts re entered the arena to more banter and introduced us to their homemade vehicles made from items in the shed. James on what looked like a Harley, Grig had the sun lounge, which gave him an excuse to give the Pommies a ribbing about their lack of sun back home. Jezza’s outrageous contraption proved to be useless as he spun uncontrollably around the stage – shouting as usual. James’s bike was ok but slow, very apt for his nickname. Grig’s sun lounge was by far the fastest. I’ve seen the photos from English shows that James “drove” the sun lounge and I’m assuming when he won the race that was when he did his winning dance. So as a result we didn’t get to see the famous Captain Slow dance. L
This was followed by, I think, some little drifty cars with another scantily clad lady in very high heels. This is where my memory really starts to abandon me. I’m sure I’ve missed something here and there. At some stage Jeremy and James did the “Cool Wall”. As is the normal case Jezza admired a ladies very nice rack and embarrassed her greatly. Of course there was the obligatory abuse of a few men for bad haircuts, shirts, cars driven etc. As expected the results for the wall were predetermined by Jezza and what we had to say had no impact what so ever.
A highlight of the show was the three-wheeled Robin Reliant race. Two guests joined the 3 hosts for this race. Carl Stefanovic from the morning show, Today, on channel 9 (the new home of Top Gear in Australia) and Michael Slater, former Australian cricketer and now cricket commentator (also in channel 9!). This was ironic, as Mum adores Carl and my s.i.l. loves Slats. The race was hilarious as the Robins tipped on almost every corner. Spoil sport Grig won this race as well. I suppose that’s what you get for having a racing champ as co-host.
I’m sure there was a lot more screeching tyres, smoke, fireworks but those memories are lost. Jezza entered the stage on of all things a pushbike. Not a good look Jezza! Possibly it’s got nothing to do with the exertion required to propel one of those things or the whining environmentalists that turn Jeremy off from riding one of these. It could be the fact that he looks like a goofy birk on one. But as we know nothing Jeremy Clarkson does is the in the usual way and this was no exception – it had a jet engine on the back! He roared around the stage looking like a complete loony and lost control and with no brakes that meant trouble. He flew off the stage and was there was a loud crash. James announced that Jeremy had been killed to death and followed by the agreed, anyhow...
To James’s dismay and complete disappointed the most fatuous man in the world returned a little while later but this time on a Segway. This occurred in the middle of “Ken not the Block” screaming around in the Caterham almost taking Jezza out. It was the audience’s turn to take a lap around the famous Top Gear track. We would control the cars by the amount of sound we made and by holding up our cards to turn corners. I was absolutely chuffed to be in the half of the audience on James’s team. After leading most of the race Grig’s team’s car passed us on the penultimate corner defeating us. Yet again we were robbed of seeing the May happy dance. Due to Grig’s team Jeremy was delighted that the lady with the nice cleavage who he taken a photo of was to represent the winning team and would go on the lap board and go with them onto New Zealand.
One part of the show that I enjoyed even though James wasn’t part of it was Carmaggedon. The Stig finally made his appearance and was pitted against competitors in fierce looking cars with guns on them. They raced around firing the guns at Stig but Stiggie boy was too slick for those losers and ultimately defeated all of them and concluded with the loop of death.
The finale was a spectacular arrangement of stunning super cars. Even with the omission of the Bugatti Veyron the line up was impressive. When asked which of those cars we’d have Mum chose the Aston Martin. I found the choice very tricky. I do love the Pagani Zonda. There’s something outrageous and flamboyant about it that gets to me. But how can you go past the Lambo and the Ferrari? What an outrageous decision to have to make.
That is basically the show but as I’ve previously mentioned I have probably left out much of the details. No doubt I have omitted some great things. To be honest I am astounded at how much I actually do remember of the show.
What followed could be only described as one of my worst nights’ sleep ever. After such an eventful day I expected sleep to come very swiftly sadly that wasn’t to be and I spent the night tossing and turning in a vain attempt to get comfortable. Mum was in a similar situation and wished me a happy birthday in the very early hours of the morning.
Extremely glad to see daylight we were up and on go early. Back on to the trains to find the day even more humid. My birthday would contain more wet t-shirt competitions; hope we didn’t seriously scare anyone with the sight that must have confronted them.
Following two different train trips we spotted the glorious view of Circular Quay. The white tiles of the Opera House glinting in the strong sunlight and the dark solid metal of the Harbour Bridge greeted us. It is truly one of the most beautiful views in the world (not that I’ve had the opportunity to see many of them).
We walked towards the bridge and The Rocks (the original part of Sydney and most probably where our ancestors lived when they arrived in this strange distant land on the First Fleet). We found a glorious grassy spot with a view of both the Opera House and the bridge. You can imagine my absolute delight when I looked up at the hotel we were sitting in front of to see no other but Mr May sitting on his room’s balcony having a morning ciggie. I tried to remain calm and alert Mum to his presence all the while bursting inside. I didn’t want him to think I was a complete pillock so acting nonchalant I had photos taken in front of the bridge and the Opera House. I was in for a further surprise when the doyenne himself, Mr Clarkson, came out on to his balcony for his morning ciggie. I decided not to draw attention to them or ask for a photo (even though I was dying to), as this was their private time in their private space. The thrill of just being that close to them was enough and it is in my memory forever.
It will probably be the one and only time I get this close to two of the people who have helped me get through some of the hardest times in my life. They provide many laughs and a release from the traumas of life. People may think I am weird to feel like this but they can go jump as it assists me to cope with life that, to be honest, hasn’t been the easiest. I wish I’d had their distraction during the awful 12 years I suffered so much. These guys make me feel like a groupie (just with a little more decorum, well I hope so anyway). I would have like to say thanks to them.
The time had come to get to the airport. I felt as though I couldn’t take another step especially with the prospect of another train trip.
Again as we boarded the plane storm clouds gathered and threatened the flight. I do believe that someone was watching over us and helped everything go so well over the two days. Thanks Daddy. I’m sure you were saying “Geez Brooke I don’t like Top Gear anymore after you drove me mad with it.”
Even though this was my first birthday without my Dad it was fantastic thanks to my patient, understanding husband who’s not one bit jealous of my love for James! Thanks my darling, I am truly blessed to have you xxxxx. And thanks to all who have read my recollection of my best birthday gift ever!
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Post by lew on Feb 13, 2010 8:52:23 GMT
What a lovely review  glad you had a wonderful time, and even more glad you made the stairs ;D |
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Post by Jacksgirl on Feb 13, 2010 9:38:35 GMT
I'M HAVING MAJOR WITHDARWLS.....................I WANNA GO 2 SEE TOP GEAR AGAIN  (especially James ) i started to say that at like 5:45pm in the car driving back to Canberra  I had a fantastic time*ofcuz i just squealed when James came on |
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Post by Doofey on Feb 13, 2010 9:55:12 GMT
I hear you Jacksgirl! I love them more than before, if that is possible.
Thanks Lew, glad you liked my review.
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fallatyourfeet
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Post by fallatyourfeet on Feb 13, 2010 9:56:55 GMT
Doofey,thanks for the brilliant review,it was like a ray of Sydney sunshine for those of us shivering in Blighty! Kudos to you for not bothering James and Jezza during their down time. |
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Post by Doofey on Feb 13, 2010 11:29:30 GMT
I wanted so badly to just quietly and politely ask James if I could have a photo but it just didn't feel right. If he'd been out the front of the hotel and if I was feeling courageous I would have asked.
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Mystik
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Post by Mystik on Feb 13, 2010 11:50:25 GMT
JUST got back from the 8pm Saturday show. Wonderful Eclair, Soraya and aussie were with me - great seats. Pretty much the same lineup as doofey has gone through above, but without Carl Stefanovic and Slats. Have to say though, the Westie comment absolutely killed me - I'm a Westie (ie from the western suburbs, ie bogan-ish area. Not a bogan though. ). Would have loved to have had more time with the boys on stage TBH. But I guess it's a car show, not a comedy show. Other hilarious bit: when they both go into the audience when they're comparing cars, a drunk guy wandered up to Jeremy, and started talking to him about nothing in general. Jeremy thought he was the guy coming back to the empty seat he'd just pointed out. Basically ended up with him asking the drunk guy to sit down about 5 times ("Sorry, but we've got a show to do here. You're getting in the way." "Go and have another drink!" etc  ) and eventually trying to shove him away by almost-headbutting him. Security eventually got him ;D Waited at the carpark afterwards, as by now it was BELTING with rain (still is as I type this) and eventually they both drove away. And into a red light around the corner. So, we had about 2 minutes to wave and generally say hello through the rain from about 5 metres away. Jeremy waved, James looked a little confused Overally, a really fun night. Will definitely be planning my weekend away next year for it again. Probably have to see more than one show this time, I think. |
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Mystik
Filthy Mayhemer
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Post by Mystik on Feb 13, 2010 13:57:46 GMT
Oh and I also failed with my quest to get a JMB sign/gathering photo NEXT YEAR, PEOPLE. SERIOUSLY. Bloody rain. Always turns up at the WORST time. |
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Post by crumbs on Feb 13, 2010 15:09:13 GMT
Doofey - what a fab review! I found it really touching as well. Your heart must've been pumping when they appeared on the hotel balcony.....blimey - what are the chances eh?
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Post by jacqui on Feb 13, 2010 19:43:09 GMT
Great review Doofey ;D So glad you had a great birthday and i'm sure your Dad was with you in spirit  AND.............. seeing the man himself in his natural habitat ;D thats got to be one of the best birthday presents ever ;D |
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I love a man who can handle a gun 
)
Something I don't even want to think about there ;D 
(especially James 
) and eventually trying to shove him away by almost-headbutting him. Security eventually got him ;D
