Daft Punk - Nevereverland

Now, not often do you get big name bands, acts or groups coming to Perth. But summer is nigh and they're finally starting to make appearances.

Daft Punk played on Sunday night as a part of the Nevereverland tour. Last week Robin and I had thought about going, but with tickets at almost $135 each, that's a lot to pay for one group. The rest of the line-up for the tour (to me) were no-names.

Later in the week we saw the stage go up on The Esplanade, and thought "we could just rock up on the bike and watch from there"... and so we did. We saw Daft Punk from across the road in full view, full noise, full light, full boar and for free!

Robin and I parking up near the foreshore

They emerge on stage

Our view

The set was from Alive 2007 (which I had acquired previously) and they really DO put on a show. There I was, on the Swan River foreshore dancing my little unfit heart away, rocking my socks, jocks and everything in between screaming out "TELEVISION.... RULES THE NATION!"

I was buzzing for hours!

Baker Hughes Christmas Party

Friday was the Baker Hughes Christmas Party. I was invited by Robin and was excited to actually go to someone else's work Christmas Party as my own one I would have to pay for :P

We booked into the Sheraton Hotel where the event was staged, then proceeded down to the foyer where we were greeted with beers and wine (yes please) and mingled with Robin's workmates; a couple I recognised. It was then into the ballroom where crackers were popped and wine was sipped. We had a good table, in the corner of the room, not too far from the food, not in front of the speakers, just right. Tucked away. The food was a buffet (all you can put away) but for once I didn't take it as a challenge. Prawns, oysters, hams, turkey, chicken, fish, pork, beef, salads, pastas... Oh and the little cakes!

Matt offering "Free Mustache Rides"

We're lookin' hawt!

The band

The night wasn't a long one, but we ate and drank and danced then kicked back in the hotel room, checking out the view from the 18th floor.

Symphony in the City

Tonite I went to Symphony in the City with the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO).
Originally I heard about it from via Julz and a few of us were meant to go... So I dragged Robin to come with me. None of the original members were to be found, so we ended up going ourselves. We had a terrific night.

Pieces to note included Beethoven's 5th Symphony, Puccini's La Boheme, Wagner's The Ride of the Valkyries and Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. With cannon's a-firing and Swan Bells a-ringing, it was truly a sensation!

Gathering earlier in the day before sunset

Cheeeeeeeese!Once the sun had dipped

Best of all, it was a free event! After the set, the crowd cheered on for 3 encores including the Can-can.

Look Out! She's Armed with License!

***NEWS FLASH***

I've literally just gotten home from another awesome day at Wanneroo Raceway. But why is today more awesome than any other day? Because today I got my Race License! This means I can participate on my R1 in Clubman or Superstock, or even in the Formula Two with the 400.

I couldn't have done it without the help of my favourite pit-bitch Robin, who ended up kindly helping out all the fellow riders near my bay with their paddock stands. He also gave me lots of support during sessions and even let me have a nap on the grass after lunch on his beach towel. It was a good idea to have a nap as I was fresh for the next two sessions; the ones I would be graded on.

During the day I was running consistent 73-73 second laps, with a few consecutive 71's. In all I was feeling good, but not till later in the day when I had loosened up, had lunch and most importantly - had a nap!

Thanks again Robin, you're a star =)

Race number to be announced as I need to fill out some more paperwork.

YEY!!!
I'm a racer girl!

EDIT: Photos now added courtesy of Mags @ Checkered Flag Photography

How to Save the Environment

Reduce carbon emissions.

Walk to the pub.

Brisvegas - Two Weeks Running

Brisbane; twice in one week. Last week I passed through Brisbane on my way to Townsville.

As I've said before, conferences mean more time off work! This time, I was at an Automation in Mining conference held by the Australian Journal of Mining. I've been staying at the Novotel enjoying the views of the CBD from the 12th floor, sipping on CC and dry, watching the LCD TV.

I've been in Brisbane since Monday. I flew in from Perth in the afternoon, checked in and went straight into a conference workshop. From there I grabbed the camera and took a walk around the city. Of course, you can't be a real tourist without grabbing a CBD and *still* getting lost!

I can see why they call it Brisvegas, even on a Monday night there's people everywhere, music, dancing, food, wine, clubs, pubs... A very lively city even on school nights.

On all three nights so far, I've adventured into the CBD for food. I'm not one to eat in hotels as such so I made it my mission to find some good food. Monday night was the Embassy Hotel, Tuesday night was the Belgian Beer Cafe Brussels, and tonite was Wagamama.

I was armed with a camera too...

Sunset from the Novotel

On the River Foreshore, the Story Bridge

Queen Street Mall

At the Botanic Gardens

Brisbane Popo

Arty stuff all around the city

From the River Boardwalk

It's back on the plane to Perth tomorrow morning, but Brisbane is the kind of city I'd like to visit again, and then drive up the coast to check out more coastal cities.

Townsville

I've been a bit of a jetsetter of late, as I write this I'm currently in Brisbane, but I'll get to that in a later post.

Townsville, for those that don't know is a 2 hour flight north of Brisbane. It's on the coast and in layout is actually very similar to Cairns.

So I flew out for work to take some photos of a drill rig and do a check off before it was to be sent to site. It was a rushed booking and basically I was going to be there and gone within a day. Turns out the rig was going to be a day late...

I only ended up being in Townsville for 24 hours, but I managed to eat the most awesome steak at the steakhouse and pig out on the buffet at Jupiter's Casino.

I had a hire car so I did a bit of cruising, not too much due to time constraints. If anything, I got to visit more of Australia and clock up some frequent flyer points.

The view from my hotel roomThe beaches...