Relaxing on the Gold Coast

We are now three days into our stay on the Gold Coast and we are loving it. In two visits to Australia, this is the first time we've been able to chill at the beach and enjoy the sunshine and relaxed, laid back living.

Waking up to beautiful views of the ocean, lovely bright sunlight and the ability to fill our days doing whatever we want to has been wonderful.

After settling into our apartment, Tuesday was spent getting a bit more active.  OH and I started the day by using the facilities on hand and had a game of tennis. I hadn't played for a number of years so was a bit rusty, but it was great to do something more energetic.  I then spent 15 minutes in the gym on the rowing machine, after which we walked up to the next resort, hired some bicycles and took a ride up the coast.

When we got back, OH and LB went swimming in the sea, whilst I enjoyed a leisurely lie by the outdoor pool, followed by a swim in the warm indoor pool and Jacuzzi pool. It was a pretty energetic day all told, but we felt much better for it and the jet lag is receding rapidly. In all honesty, the facilities at the apartment are fantastic and there are still more to try with a sauna room and squash court if we ever get around to trying them.

Wednesday, was a totally different kind of day. It started in a similar way, with another game of tennis and a bit of time in the gym, then we had to take the bikes back to the hire place and met up with OH's cousin and his wife who live 20 minutes away.  We all went for some beers and lunch before heading back to their house for more food and to meet the kids who were returning home from school.  We haven't seen them as a family for several years, so it was great to catch up with their news and spend time with them. We had a fabulous day with them, eating, drinking, laughing and generally just enjoying their very hospitable company, before returning to our apartment much later.

Today, we'll be back to chilling by the pool and doing our own thing. Here's a couple of pictures of the poolside here. We virtually had it all to ourselves this morning.  Bliss!