Beautiful beaches, rum cocktails and swimming with the sting rays.

So far Antigua definitely hasn’t disappointed. After a quick nine hours flight and copious amounts of alcohol (2 wines, 5 Proseccos and 4 vodkas to be precise) we arrived at Pineapple Beach Club and we’re greeted by a cold towel and a rum punch (oh god not more alcohol!).
We were shown to our waterfront room and we’re so impressed with the huge super king size bed and the balcony overlooking the ocean. The moon was huge and it was perfect hearing the sea and the crickets singing away.
Our first night was rather tame as we were both exhausted (and drunk!) so it was dinner, cocktail (yuck!) and bed.
I knew I’d made a rookie error of going to bed too early when I was awake at 4:30am. We eventually both got up about 6:30am and decided to jog to Devils Bridge.
It was only 2.4km away and after jogging along a very dodgy dirt road, we then got back on track and found the sign to Devils Bridge. I was a little confused as the pictures I’d seen before showed this stone bridge that had been created by the ocean crashing into it. We couldn’t see it so we finally headed back to the hotel. I chatted to a member of staff later and she explained it’s actually tiny and lots of people zoom the pictures so it’s no wonder we missed it.

Sunday night was the prime night to head to Shirley Height. We were told it wasn’t to be missed. We arrived to a great steel band playing and were met by an amazing (yet hazy) view. After taking some pictures we had a walk around to see what else was around.

We decided not to eat there so we most hung around and listened to the band. We arrived about 4:45pm and wasn’t heading back till 8:00pm. To be honest, we got a little bored. After seeing the view, having a little dance and a beer, we were ready to head back.
One of the highlights of the evening was seeing Ainsley Harriett. An old colleague saw him in Barbados and it turns out he’s visiting eight Caribbean islands in four weeks.
Today was the day I was super excited for. We’d booked a trip to swim with the string rays. I’m always very conscious when I travel about the travel industry exploiting animals so I did plenty of research on Sting Ray City and discovered the sting rays are completely wild. They hear the boat engines and head over to be feed.
Of course they are wild animals so you have to be cautious. Simply things like when in the water, shuffle your feet along the sea bed instead of taking steps and if you don’t want them close to you, push them away.
The experience was even more incredible than I could’ve imagined. We were so lucky and we’re the first boat to arrive. It was just Peter and I and one other couple. We had about 50 sting rays excitedly swimming around us.
I must admit I did squeal like a little girl multiple times. They were huge! The females can grow up to 6ft wide (taller than Peter) and the males were much smaller (yet they have two penises).

Peter was overwhelmed with the experience too. He had the biggest grin on his face and he was even still smiling when one of the females could a little too excited and gave him a hickie on his leg (ok bloody thigh!).

After the incredible trip this morning we heads back to the resort to chill and play around on the beach. Peter is amazing and humours my requirements to mess around with acrobatic antics.

Antigua is incredible. I’m so blessed that I’ve got to experience my 50th country with the man I love. Peter has loved every moment so far. It’s been utter paradise. Here’s to plenty more rum punches and cocktails this holiday.

Noosa, Sunshine Coast

After my great trip to Moreton Island, it was up early on Sunday to head to Noosa. 

Vicki has planned everything perfectly, I’ve really appreciated it. We stopped off at her parents and we were having a chat about how scared I am of snakes and spiders, they all reassured me that they’ve seen no snakes in all the time they’ve lived here. 

On the way to Noosa, we stopped at a lovely watering hole. It had a nice little waterfall and swings that people were swinging off into the water. 

It was pretty busy with lots of people enjoying the sun and cooling off in the water. Vicki assured me they’d be no anacondas lurking in the water or crocs so  I swung into the water with a little squeal. 

It was so nice and refreshing. We jumped off the rocks (sorry dad) then we were simply chilling in the sun. I looked to my right and there with it’s beady eyes was a snake (a blue and yellow tree snake we found out afterwards). I jumped up, run and screamed so fast. I was literally hyperventilating and crying because of a stupid snake. Everyone else found it highly amusing. 

After that abrupt appearance, it was time to head into Noosa. Noosa is a lovely town on the Sunshine Coast. It has beaches and a river. It was buzzing with lots of families enjoying their Easter weekend. 

We stayed in an amazing Air BnB. It was so clean and had lovely woodland view. I was always keeping an eye out for a koala. 

Monday we had planned a nice coastal hike. It was 10km in the National Park and walked along the edge over looking the sea. 

Along the way I saw so many spiders! And although they were pretty damn big, they were ok as they were chilling in their webs. 

The views were breathtaking and when we got to Hell’s Gate (lovely name), we saw a turtle bobbing its little head out of the water. 

After our little walk (in at least 28 degree heat and high humidity), it was time for lunch and beach. The main beach was nice and busy. The other beach we went to before was infested with bluebottle jelly fish. 

As we were relaxing on the beach, then there was a medical emergency. We’re not quite sure what happened but the man had done something to his neck. I must admit the life guards on the beaches are incredible. They are all so on the ball and professional. 

We decided to try some stand up paddle board (SUP) before heading back. I’ve never tried it before but it was great. You need good balance and I found I was clenching my feet to get some grip which was a bit sore. 

We were going up and down the river but it was pretty busy with boats and jet skis. Every time one went by, it created waves and that was the point I thought I’d fall in but thankfully I didn’t - just lots more squealing. I even managed to do the splits on the board. 

It’s been amazing spending time with Vicki in Brisbane (and surrounding areas). Vicki and Toby have been the perfect hosts. We’ve still got a couple more fun days exploring Brisbane before heading onto the next place.