*DIS Girly Weekend Trippy ~ Birmingham, September '09*

[mandymouse]

Castmembers

Mandy (mandymouse), Karen (CustardTart), Corinna (dolphingirl47), Joh (wilma-bride), Claire (Chilly), Theresa (Latte Lover) & Nat (natalielongstaff)

Date : 4th/6th September 2009
Location : Birmingham
Hotel : Ramada, Mailbox

Friday 4th September

I was ready and waiting for Nat & Joh to arrive, and they got to my house around 11.50am. Foolishly I asked if it was too early to crack a bottle of wine open, and Nat replied 'well it is 5 o'clock somewhere', and at that moment the Girly Weekend began

An hour and one bottle of wine later, Paul came home and we piled in the car and we were off to Birmingham. We arrived about 2pm, and once we checked in at the Ramada, I sent Karen and Corinna a text to tell them where we were. Joh and Nat dumped their bags in their room and came down to ours and in no time another bottle of White Zinfandel was opened along with a box of Thorntons Continental (and some Breezers for Joh)

Over the next hour or so, Corinna arrived, then Claire and Theresa, and finally Karen

We sat around in our room for a few hours just chatting and having a laugh and we easily finished off 4 bottles of wine, 4 Breezers and the chocs

I'm sure around 6ish, everyone went off to their rooms and we got ready for our first evening in Brum. We had a reservation at Old Orleans for 8pm, so we all met in the lobby around 7.30pm and walked up to Broad Street, which was uneventful except for the taxi driver who wasn't impressed with me standing in the middle of the road like a lollypop lady, guiding everyone across, so he beeped his horn and I made a little gesture too

We started off with cocktails in pitchers, then moved into the restaurant. From what I can remember the food was fine, and we had a lovely time apart from the annoying magician who came round doing some cheesy tricks, I was only impressed when he was actually standing there holding my watch (how the heck did he take that off ??? ). Useful tip from Claire - 'don't look at him, then we don't have to give him any money'

Goodness knows what we were laughing at here

After dinner, we walked down to Reflex. We had a lovely time in here. Claire was lucky enough to persuade the bouncer (or whoever it was), that we were on her hen party weekend, so she got a bottle of wine and a pack with some dressing up bits and bobs, like little horns, giant sunglasses and a headband

118 118 Nat ???

Reflex was lots of fun and it was great hearing all the 80's music, and the revolving dancefloor is cool too

I think Corinna was the first to leave (she was staying nearby at the Crowne Plaza with her hubby), then a little later (around 1ish I think) me, Karen, Claire and Theresa headed back leaving Joh and Nat (the party animals) in the nightclub. I was impressed, especially as Nat had killer heels on that were literally killing her poor feet too

I'm sure I was out for the count around 1.30am, and Joh and Nat lasted another hour before walking back to the hotel and running into a guy they named Ben due to his Ben Sherman top - poor guy, I hope he felt safe walking along the canal with Joh and Nat approaching (only joking girls )

A great day !!

 

[mandymouse]

Saturday 5th September

Karen & I were up around 8.30am, and we all met in the lobby at 9.30am and we wandered down to the City Centre. We stopped off at Starbucks for drinks and a snack, and Karen was sat looking rather worried and going through her bag, as she couldn't find her engagement ring. So poor Karen headed back to the hotel, and we all waited at Starbucks for her. Thankfully she rang to let us know that she'd found it in the room, and that she was on her way back (which was just as well as the coffee shop decided to stick their air-con on and it was blooming freezing)

So we were back on track and heading to the Bull Ring. Nat made her escape to Primark, but Joh headed her off, and told her that Primark was to be left till later as the pub hadn't yet opened We started at the Disney Store, and many purchases were made in New Look, Next, Selfridges (for Krispy Kremes) and Jane Norman

We had lunch in Pizza Express, and were thrilled to be given a round table in a quiet area of the restaurant. It wasn't long before I delight was turned to frustration, as our waiter was soooooooo slow. It took ages to be asked what drinks we wanted, then those who ordered dough ball starters didn't get them until their mains had arrived (and we had to ask for them), and there were other things, but at the moment I can't remember them (no I hadn't had anything alcoholic at that time ), it really felt like we'd been there for hours .. needless to say he didn't get a tip .. we were not impressed !!!

The highlight of my lunch, Tiramisu, Mmmm

After leaving the Bull Ring, it was Primark time. Nat, Claire, Theresa and Karen went into that shop of horrors, and Joh, myself and Corinna had more sense and hit the Yard of Ale. We were happy bunnies as Breezers were 4 for £6, and shortly after we were joined by Claire and Karen (more drinks bought), then Nat (more drinks bought) and finally Theresa, where I'm sure we might have forced down one more round

As we left, the town was surrounded by riot police (had someone tipped them off that we were there ?? ). There was some kind of demonstatration being held near the City Centre. I really felt quite anxious as there was so many police in their riot gear and the police helicopter was overhead. As we neared the Mailbox you could see lots of youths heading towards the town, and I was just glad to get back to the hotel

We all went back to our rooms to get ready for our evening out, and we met in the lobby at 7.30pm as we had a 7.45pm reservation at the Ha Ha Bar & Grill, which was just above our hotel entrance

We started off with some delish cocktails, then made our way to our table. The food was nice, but we were sat near a speaker, so it was hard to hear what was going on at the other end of the table, but on the plus side, their Cosmopolitans were yummy

Poor Karen had hurt her toe a few days before our weekend away, and unfortunately the shoes she wore tonight had really affected her toe, and there was no way she would be boogie-ing tonight. So after dinner Corinna went back to her hotel, and we all decided what we were going to do. Karen, Theresa and I stayed at the Mailbox, and went to Bar Estilo for a couple of cocktails and a nice chat, and we still lasted till gone 1am, and Nat, Joh and Claire went to Reflex, and the dirty stop-outs stayed out till 3am - I'm sure they'll fill you in on their antics later

Another lovely day

Sunday 6th September

We all had breakfast at the hotel, though Karen & I were quite late as we legged it to the station to pick up Karen's train ticket, as she didn't know what time her train was leaving

Breakfast was very nice, just a buffet (no characters )

We met in the lobby at 10.45am, and we all checked out. We stood outside the hotel saying our goodbyes, then me, Joh & Nat went to find Paul who had come to pick us up

Once again it had been a great weekend, and I can't wait for next years

Thanks girls, I had a brilliant time

 

[natalielongstaff]

Well done Mandy you remembered loads ! Just want to say Thank you to everyone for making the weekend so much fun

bring on next year

I will add some more pics later xx

 

[darthtatty]

wow sounds like you all had a brilliant time, lovely photos

thanks for the report Mandy.xxx

 

[craigs bride]

sounds like you all had a great time !! cant wait to read more of your antics lol.

 

[Tammy Stringer]

Wow glad to see you didn't waste any time posting this Mandy.

Sounds like you had a brilliant weekend. Glad you all had mucho fun.

Tam

 

[wilma-bride]

Great recollection of events Mandy, thanks for posting this. I had an excellent weekend (yet again) and loved every minute of it. I am absolutely knackered now and it will probably take me about a week to recover but I am really looking forward to the next one

I would also like to add how much I enjoyed meeting Corinna (finally) and I am very pleased that she felt brave enough to come along and join us

 

[Minniespal]

Wow, sounds as though you all had a wonderful time.

 

[UKDEB]

So sad that I missed this. It looks and sounds as though you had fabulous time. You all look absolutely gorgeous. Claire, I can't believe how much your hair has grown! You're going to be a scrummy bride. Karen and Corinna - it would have been lovely to meet you. Maybe next year .

 

[CustardTart]

After a few detours, I'm finally home!!! And OMG - who knew there'd be photos already??!

Thanks so much for such a lovely weekend, ladies. I had a fab time and it was great to take a little trip down memory lane - tho' TBH I wondered if I'd strayed into mammary lane in Reflex on Friday night!!!

The highlight for me was finally meeting Mandy after so many near misses - thanks Roomie for putting up with my lack of focus and attention to detail. Over the course of 2 days, I managed to forget wine, purse, money, rings, train times - I think you get the general idea... What can I say, I don't get out much...

Another plus was getting to chat, spend time and quaff booze with Joh, Nat, Theresa and Claire (she'll always be Chilly to me ) as I'd previously only met them briefly at the Kingston meet. I enjoyed getting to know you better, girls...

Huge congratulations to Corinna for having the courage to spend her weekend with a bunch of strangers - hope to see you again at a Girly weekend near you...

Here's to next year...

 

[wideeyes]

looks like you all had a great time and you all look fab too.

 

[mark&sue]

sounds like you all had a great time and some brilliant phots. Especially loved the cocktail photos.


susan

 

[mandymouse]

I would also like to add how much I enjoyed meeting Corinna (finally) and I am very pleased that she felt brave enough to come along and join us

Huge congratulations to Corinna for having the courage to spend her weekend with a bunch of strangers - hope to see you again at a Girly weekend near you...

Yes Corinna, you were a star. I'm so pleased that you came and I hope your hubby enjoyed staying in Birmingham too

Maybe next year .

I hope so Deb

The highlight for me was finally meeting Mandy after so many near misses - thanks Roomie for putting up with my lack of focus and attention to detail. Over the course of 2 days, I managed to forget wine, purse, money, rings, train times - I think you get the general idea... What can I say, I don't get out much...

Aww, it was lovely to finally meet you too Karen. I was only upset at you forgetting the pink, fizzy stuff from M&S that you'd promised to bring the money was no problem

Here's to next year...

 

[jjk]

great pictures , looks like a fab time was had by all

 

[CustardTart]

I hope so Deb

Me too - I NEED to meet you, Deb!!!

Aww, it was lovely to finally meet you too Karen. I was only upset at you forgetting the pink, fizzy stuff from M&S that you'd promised to bring the money was no problem

I am soooo glad you've got your priorities right, Mrs Mouse!!!

PS: Ssssh don't tell anyone but I'm kinda glad I forgot the pink fizz - I'm enjoying a glass now...

 

[mandymouse]

PS: Ssssh don't tell anyone but I'm kinda glad I forgot the pink fizz - I'm enjoying a glass now...

Cheers Karen, nothing like rubbing it in

 

[CustardTart]

Cheers Karen, nothing like rubbing it in

Eeee I thought you wouldn't notice if I whispered...

 

[florida sun]

Great photos girls, and great report Mand, looks like you all had a brilliant time

 

[BRobson]

Sounds like you had a blast ladies Hopefully I will manage to meet you all one day - its not fun living soooooo far away

 

[dolphingirl47]

I had an absolutely fantastic weekend. I am so glad that I was able to come. I wish I had know that most of you were just going out for a few drinks after dinner yesterday. I would have been up for that. Still, there is always next year.
I have just opened I nice bottle of White Zinfandel in memory of the Girly Weekend.

Corinna