Ah, Spring Carnival - the epitome of racing in Australia and just one party that I absolutely LOVE to attend!

Over the years I have refined my attendance preferences - start with Turnbull Stakes day (though I missed that day this year to go to the NRL GF in Sydney this year), skip Caulfield and save energy for Cox Plate Day then go hard for Flemington with Derby, Cup, Oaks and Stakes.  The video I put together doesn't quite capture the fun of the days but it is all I have so I am going to try to make the most of it!

Bali. Little Australia.

I'd been here once before to attend a wedding. As my travel partner at the time was on crutches I didn't leave the (extremely lovely) Sofitel Resort in Nusa Dua much so really there was a feeling for me that this was my first adventure to Bali! That said, I myself spent 2 of the last 3 weeks on crutches this time so that took the shine off any particularly ambitious plans.

Our hotel was overlooking the beach in Kuta - so bogan central. The photos online were a little deceptive and disappointment I hadn't gone with the Pullman started to creep in but a room upgrade and a couple of cocktails by the pool later things didn't seem so bad.  Heading out to Ku De Ta for some drinks and dinner we passed the various other locations which had been considered and I have to say th...

A great effort by the team - would have loved a win, but still pretty happy!