- Friday, July 26, 2002

I arrived in Sydney last night... it was dark, raining and freezing... and wonderful:)
with my one and only jacket I braved the taxi queue to my hotel and was pleasantly surprised about my ability to stand the sub zero ( well not quite) conditions. Checked in and went downstairs to try to find Juggie in the bar only to spot him dissappearing out of the hotel door... I called out and then joined him, Bruce Allen and wife Carla for dinner at an old favorite, The Bayswater Brassierie, for dinner. A few hours later and considerably tireder I wandered back to my hotel room, a small but groovy space at the boutiqu-ie Kirketon. Watched Dynasty on cable and wondered why anyone EVER thought it was good and argued with the airconditioning about what was a respectable temperature for a suffering Singaporean resident.

After trying to sleep with "poor circulation - cold feet cramps" I evetually got up at 7am to brave the outdoors on my way in search of an ATM ( for some Aussie cash) and then real coffee after way too many Starbucks style offerings in Singapore. Both satified with a few digtal pics on the way I headed back to the hotel to wait for our "transport" to the judging session of the day. A foyer of assorted people were collected, possibly for the same purpose as me but no one seemed to be "chatting". Eventually our Two De Force "Cruise Director" arrived to take us to the "judging zone". Many coffees some good some filter, lots of arguments and a photoshoot at Sean Izzards studio, it was all over and we headed to a lunch at "Longrain", one of my favorite Sydney restaurants... and Asian extravaganza with a twist.

3 hours later I headed back to the hotel for a quick drop off before heading out to brave trhe elements again in Paddington with fellow judge and Art Director Tanya (Melbournian) the off to an impormtu Kelly organised get together at the Lord Dudley in Woolahra. A pub I am sad to say I never once visited in 10 years of living in Sydney.

Kelly, Emma, Marie and Hugh were all there to meet me... I was so honoured and flattered that they nventured out on suce a bitter night ( and a school night too). Soon Tommy arrived (sans Jen) and then Dave, Dick and Olivia (sans Ed).

A wonderful night.......check out the pics:)

I am now back chez the Kirketon and pooped from being up for 18 hours.... MUST sleep....

Tomorrow? shopping, sleeping, and eating... hmmm maybe the Korean bath house... mmm thats a good idea :)

posted by jen @ 1:03 AM