Day One – The Gathering of the Fellowship
Yesterday our group began to gather in Melbourne, traveling by planes, trains and automobiles! Breast cancer survivors from four states of Australia, and even from Malaysia! The weather in Melbourne seemed unseasonably cold, and those who have ridden with us before in the UK were wishing they had brought their thermals – we hope it warms up in the week to come!
We are staying in Melbourne in the Hotel Claremont, a lovely old building from the 1800’s that has been transformed into inexpensive group accommodation. Sharing two or three to a room, it’s a great chance to get to know each other. Melbourne’s famous Chapel Rd shopping district is only 100m down the road, as is the Channel 10 television studios where we will begin our ride on Friday.
Last night we all met together as a group for the first time to talk through our plans for the week, and to introduce ourselves and begin to share our stories. As always there were tears and laughter, and absolute delight when our first time Amazon Heart riders were presented with their brand new Harley-Davidson jackets – the smell of new leather filled the room!
Then we were off down Chapel St for some dinner. Melbourne lived up to its reputation for unpredictable weather – we opened the hotel door to see rain bucketing down, then 5 minutes later it was clear. We wandered down Chapel St and stopped at a cool looking restaurant – Café Greco – a greek bar/restaurant as the name suggests!
Melbourne is the second largest greek city in the world after Athens, and the largest outside of Greece, home to many expatriate Greeks and fabulous greek cuisine as a result!
Dimi, a greek Australian who spent several years working in Greece, came to the rescue and did some serious negotiating on our behalf in Greek to secure a full banquet at a bargain price.
The staff set us up at our own table at the rear of the restaurant, which we had all to ourselves, and took fantastic care of us – and the food was terrific!
Then it was back to the hotel, again through unpredictable downpours, for an early night before our big day today.
Hi to all my Amazon Heart sisters, Lizzie, Donie, Syd.Donna, Sharon, Suzanna, Megan & Meredith. I am eagerley waiting to follow your new adventure and hope the weather is kind to you as it was to us in the UK. Sounds like you are off to a great start with dinner last night already proving some special times ahead. Old and new adventurers enjoy this special journey and the special people you will meet and get to know. I will be following the blog and be with you all in spirit. take care, ride safe and most of all enjoy!
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Welcome Mee Yee my dear friend to the land of Aus. It's your pink survivor dragon boat mates of 3 years from the team that inspired you in Malaysia. We had so much wanted to join you on your 1st visit to our wonderful country - but we were too late to register. We hope to meet up with you. Please tell us what would be best - Strathalbyn, Clare or Adelaide - lots of love and hugs from Lynn, Helen, Barb, Francis, Janis and of course David.
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Ladies,
I so wish I was there with you all.
To every one who is a first time Amazon, you are now part of a sisterhood words can not explain. To all my siters (and fellow amazon Addicts) I love and miss you all.
Bad Aussie, be sure and have a cleansing ale for me each night and throw a buck in the pokies at every pub!! Can't wait to see the pics, the smiles on all your faces will make me feel almost like I'm there.
Love you all
Stacy, Amazon Heart Changing Gears 04,05(x2). And Amazon Heart Thunder 06 and 07.
PS. Hope the rain stops!!
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To all my Amazon Heart Sisters from 2006, may you all have a fabulous time and add to the tales you have to tell from you adventures last year. For all the first time participants, I hope you all have a great time and make this your first adventure of many more to come.
I hope you all have a great time and keep each other safe. I look forward to reading the blog and hearing about all that you get up to via the brissie gals upon their return.
Keep the Shiny Side up and share the love.
Peace Love and Happiness
From Squirt, US & AUS 2006
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Hello girls,
best wishes to you all for another fantastic adventure!
I am "riding" in the van with Donna, keeping an eye on you!!! Have the best time Amazonheart sisters. Hugs Donie and Lizzie, Megan and Meredith.
Love Ruth
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Hello Everyone !!
I am going to follow you guys every day. Boy I would have loved to try some of the greek food--maybe next year !! I hope you have as much fun as the girls from the US ride and I hope the weather stays good for your stay !! Be safe and enjoy the ride.. Remember it is the journey not the destination !!
Luv to all !!
(Megan hope you are feeling better !! )
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To all the Amazon Women- Good Luck on your wonderful adventure. Hello to M & M- I miss you both, Cheers Marie !! Hi to my Aussie girlfriend Sydney Donna and Bad Aussie try and be a good girl on the ride-no corrupting the new riders !! Hello, to Lynda and Suzanna- wish I could join you on this adventure in beautiful Australia. Love to All. ~ Fearless~
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To the Amazon Heart Women best wishes for good weather on your ride and have a wonderful time.
PS Hi Sharon :)
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Hi Jo Trace
What a fantastic time you are having! I missed seeing you on the TV (was at work)but are keeping up with your trip. I see that Melbourne kept up it's reputation - 4 seasons in 1 day. I'm heading off there tomorrow for a few day and have packed a bit of everything!
Bet the Great Ocean Road is fantastic - being on a Harley would make it even more unreal. Hope you enjoy your time in Adelaide.
Keep safe, have heaps of fun and don't forget to bring lots of photos to the next get together with the 'girls'.
"Hi" to all the other girls on the trip.
Love Jill M
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Hope you are having the best time Elizabeth!! Bring back lots of stories and pics. I dont know how Adam is going to handle a Sunday without your pancakes!! Love Agus
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Hi Lizzie, Donnie and Jo. Following the blog with interest. Proud of you girls. Am sure you will be having the time of your lives. Lots of Love
Val Grainger MBT
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