It was an early Saturday morning start when my roommate (Helen) came to wake me up (again my alarm did not go off, I'm starting to think that 5:30 is too early of it as well). We grabbed our bags and headed outside where Emma was waiting for us with the cab. Got to the airport, met up with Sally and headed to the plane. We were only one girl down (other Emma) but figured she would make it in the nick of time - which she did. A quick flight to Melbourne and we were rocking and rolling. Snagged a quick breakfast, our rental car and were on the road to Daylesford.
None of us had ever been to Daylesford, but as the welcoming sign confirmed, it is "The Spa Capital of Australia." The exact thing that we were looking for. As we drove into town and down the main road, we noticed a heap of rainbow flags hanging everywhere. We knew that Daylesford is also a gay friendly town, but this seemed a bit over the top (even to me). As it was about lunch time, we sat down in a nice cafe and ordered some food. Had a nice relaxing lunch and were ready for our Saturday Spa treatments. On our way out the waitress told us to enjoy the festival.
The festival? We did not know of any festival...then a sign appeared "ChillOut: 2011 Bollywood in the Bush." What is this festival? Well I'll let them tell you in their own words.
From humble beginnings, ChillOut has grown to become the biggest and longest-running queer pride event in regional Australia, and the largest festival in Hepburn Shire. While events in the capital cities might be a lot bigger, ChillOut retains a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to let your hair down, and has found a special place in the hearts of gay men and lesbians across Australia – and the world. - Chilloutfestival.com.au
Yep, only we could pick to go to Daylesford during the largest gay festival - but that could only mean one thing: There would be some wicked dance parties. We started to become excited.
We had some time to do a bit of window shopping, look at some other menus in the windows and decide which bakery we could go to for some cakes.
Then it was off to the spa. I went for the 90 minute hot oil massage - which was wonderful. Some of the other girls got a scrub, some massages, others facials. Afterward we all met up at our house.
Ironically enough it was called the Whitehouse (was it coincidence from our party in February??). This house was amazing. The lady that owns it is an interior designer which is apparent the moment you step in the front door. The attention to detail is impeccable and you immediately feel like you have stepped into your own imaginary world, but with a complete sense that you are at home. This place was just amazing.
That night we headed to A Perfect Drop for dinner which was highly recommended (which I know would pass on). The food was delicious. I ordered some Asian rice (it is more interesting than the name I'm giving it) and stuffed zucchini flowers (one thing I can never turn down). There were three orders of steak and one order of lamb. Obviously I was not too into sharing that night.
After dinner we headed back to the house (the ChillOut dance party that night was country themed and as I didn't bring my boots we figured it would be best not show up under dressed). Back at home, we threw in a movie and had a complete girl’s night. Watched The Devil Wears Prada, and discussed the important things in life (fashion, wine, chocolate, and why guys are idiots).
The next morning woke up and headed to Cliff's for breakfast. The waitress came to take our drink order and the moment I said a skim flat white, this guy pops out of nowhere (like seriously I have no idea where he came from, and I tend to know my surroundings) and points to the bottom of the menu confirming that they don't do skinny drinks (or chi tea or decaf). Well, then I guess I'll just get a normal flat white...
Then it came to ordering food. You could get eggs and bacon, but you couldn't stipulate how the eggs were cooked. The chef determined that all eggs would be cooked a certain way each day. Well, my friend Helen only likes scrambled eggs, and asked politely if she could get some scrambled eggs and bacon. The answer? A big fat NO. You could only have the poached...Poached? Seriously, that is easier than scrambled? Well, she ended up having poached eggs. I on the other hand had baked beans with eggs and olive bread, and it was one of the best breakfasts that I've had (a close runner up to Snooze's Huevos Rancheros).
After breakfast we hit the markets. Walked through a few stalls, then Emma asked if I smelled something. I was like yeah, I can smell something - but didn't think too much about it. Then not even a minute later she started to freak...turns out she had dog poo on her sandal. We were all amazed at how it actually could have happened...it wasn't on the bottom, wasn't on the side, just on the top - like the dog put it there himself without her knowing. Anyway, we tried to get it off with some leaves but without the proper equipment it was difficult. So we headed home for some cleaning supplies.
Once the sandals were under control, it was back out on the town. Did a bit more shopping and went to the bakery for some good cakes. Then again off to the spa. This Spa was the killer of them all. Helen, Emma and I got the works. A mud scrub followed by a sauna and jet scrub, a facial, head massage and finished with a full body massage. It was unbelievable - and all up in a tree house like atmosphere. A great way to relax.
At the Spa it had started raining, so our walk around Daylesford Lake had been postponed indefinitely. Sally and Emma planned a nice trip out to the country for some cider tasting. They had three different ciders, one medium, one sweet and one dry. They were all nice but not like the typical cider that we're use to. Supposedly, cider was originally made flat (i.e. without carbonation) until the "big guys" got their hands on it and made it sparkling. See you can learn something while drinking...
We ended up at home and not knowing what to do for dinner. There was always the ChillOut DJ dance at the town hall tonight as well, but after finding out that it was $50 we vetoed that idea. Instead we ordered in, some pizza and Thai food, put on Sex in the City (the movie) and another girl’s night began. While going through four bottles of wine (with only one mishap with a wine cork), we periodically stopped to analyse the scenes and what we would want our friends to do in these situations (not that any of us will ever be in these situations, but nevertheless it is always good to know). Yeah, it’s a good thing there were no guys around...
The next morning we cooked a feast for breakfast, coffee, juice, toast, eggs, tomatoes, bacon, and pancakes. It was a great way to finish up at the house. Then into the car a quick trip to our fountain and back to Melbourne.
On the way back we stopped at a few small towns, but as it was a public holiday there wasn't much going on, so we made it to Hanging Rock. Originally we had this notion that Hanging Rock was the place where four girls went for a picnic and three disappeared never to be found again. This idea was based on the movie Picnic at Hanging Rock, which we thought was based on actual events (turns out the movie was based on a book and the book was totally fictional). Oh well, we were there and ready to hike...kind of.
We weren't really ready to hike, there were only two of us with sneakers on - but we were the most fashionable hikers going up to the summit. Luckily it was only a 20 minute hike to the summit and not too difficult. Since everyone (excluding me) was looking so fashionable, it was a good time to take lots of pictures.
Then a quick stop at the factory outlet shops (after about five U-turns and consulting the iPhone) for some power shopping. Each girl only had 45 minutes to get through all the stores she desired...and go...they were off and I kind of stood there in bewilderment, not sure what to do. I walked through a few stores but then I saw it...the food court! Went straight over and got a falafel roll. Well, my shopping is now completed...
Everyone met after our allotted time and there were some good buys had by the Emmas. We then headed back to the airport for our flight home. All in all a great weekend with the ladies!
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