Meriton Gold Coast [12/12/2008 3:07:08 PM]   Last week I checked out/stayed at the latest Meriton Serviced Apartments at the Gold Coast, well more precisely Broadbeach. Meriton is located just across the highway from the casino, 100m or so from the beach and just a short walk (we drove, it was hot) to Pacific Fair. I stayed at Meriton's Kent Street property a few months ago so I expected good things from their first Queensland property. It didn't disappoint as I got a great rate for a two bedroom, despite just staying one night. The apartment was spacious, very nice, modern (of course) and had everything you could possibly need. Ours looked over the casino but some friend's who were on the other side of the building had partial ocean views and a massive wrap around balcony. The property itself is still undergoing some finishing touches but is definitely the best value option in Broadbeach if you're staying with friends. Its also the only option where you can get a two bedroom apartment in Broadbeach for just one night on a Saturday. Andre hits Brisbane [2/12/2008 3:21:48 PM]   We're glad to report that Andre Rieu has not let us down and has indeed filled Brisbane! We knew it was coming so we had plenty of rooms ready to go. It was a late pick-up but we have just run out of rooms and the city is full for tomorrow (the 3rd) and close to it on Thursday (the 4th). Thanks Andre ... I really haven't heard your music but we certainly enjoyed your tour of Australia!! Gold Class - James Bond [2/12/2008 3:15:06 PM]   To finish off the truly great 24 hours that was Wednesday/Thursday last week, after the long lunch Adam and I were invited to join the team from Constellation Hotels at Gold Class to see the new James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace. Constellation put on dinner and drinks and as always it was a great night and good to catch up with their team. Mystery long lunch [2/12/2008 3:01:17 PM]   Last Thursday I was lucky enough to be invited by FCM Travel to join them on a mystery private charter and 5 star lunch. We've been pretty busy over the last few weeks but there is no way I could say no to an invite like this! FCM (corporate arm of Flight Centre) have recently developed a preferred partner relationship with the charter organisation, AERgO (www.aergo.com.au). To celebrate the new partnership they took us on a private charter flight to Hervey Bay where we had a long lunch at Peppers Pier Resort. It was a fantastic day and I truly appreciated the invite (thanks Mel, Catherine and Kristy from FCM). Cirque du Soleil [2/12/2008 2:50:39 PM]   Thanks to Sally from the Oaks Group, I was again lucky enough to get an invite to the dress rehearsal of Cirque du Soleil (last Wednesday). Susan and I went along and thoroughly enjoyed the performance. As always, some of the acts are just amazing and the show is well worth seeing if you can get your hands on tickets. Here is the official blurb on the show: Dralion is the fusion of ancient Chinese circus tradition and the avant-garde approach of Cirque du Soleil. The show's name is drawn from its two main symbols: the dragon, representing the East, and the lion, representing the West. Dralion derives much of its inspiration from Eastern philosophy with its perpetual quest for harmony between humankind and nature. Suspended in time between the past and the future, Dralion is a celebration of life and the four elements that maintain the natural order: air, water, fire and earth. Innovation soars to new heights as it defies the laws of nature. Dralion is a dynamic performance that transcends the boundaries of the imagination and leads us into a dreamscape with a new and sparkling perspective.