Derby Days

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We woke up on Saturday morning so excited for Derby Days! This was in fact the reason we had trekked to Melbourne for the weekend. Just so you guys have an idea what it is...basically like the biggest horse race in Australia & the world is on Tuesday and is called the Melbourne Cup...however, everyone comes on Saturday for Derby Days, where there is racing all day and people are dressed to the nines! All of us had brought our best dresses and were ready for a day of fun. Also, women are supposed to wear some kind of ridiculous hat or something in their hair, out of our group just Julia & MN found something to wear...nope, not a hat, but a fascinator. Now, none of us had ever heard the term, but that's in fact what it is called. They were actually really cute and we had a good time laughing at them haha! Anyway, we stopped off for a quick bite at Subway and were on our way to the fields around noon. We took the train to the field and were in shock when we first saw the whole scene. Now, we have all been to some really big college football games, but I have never seen a crowd like this. Tents were everywhere filled with people, not to mention the actual racing stadium that was an absolute zoo. It was amazing! Our first stop was the champagne tent! We all got our favorite thing, pink champagne, and tried to decide where in the world we would go. We made our way into the stadium and couldn’t believe the scene. Without really anywhere to go, we found this nice area on the grass and sat on down. We were right by where they show the horses before each race and was very happy with that. The horses were all so beautiful! Also, at this point, it was way more interesting to do some people watching and look at everyone’s elegant and crazy outfits haha! We made our way to the gates to see one of the races….it was absolute mayhem! After getting through the mass crowd, we were finally up front and the race was about to start. It was so exciting! I personally have never seen a horse race, it was really cool! Everyone was cheering so loud, good times! We made our way back to our fave spot and stayed there for a while! It was definitely the funnest part of the day. The atmosphere there was so fantastic. When the races were over we made our way back to the train and headed home. We were all pretty hungry so we found this Mexican restaurant! We made our way in definitely causing a scene with our dresses & fascinators and relived the fun day. After a most scrumptious meal, we made our way back to the PENTHOUSE and were all asleep by 8, since our flight was another early one and we had to be up at like 5. After all talking about it, Derby Days was definitely the most fun day we’ve had in Oz! Everything about it was so fantastic…..the atmosphere was great, we were all dressed up (fascinators & all) and everyone had just such a great time! Will definitely be one we remember for a really long time!

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Photos

The WHOLE Crowd!
On our PENTHOUSE terrace before the races

MN Lynds & Julia
On the train

MN Alida & Me
After the races on the train

the whole crowd
At our fave spot right by where they show the horses

Alida Me & Elizabeth
On the way to Derby Days!

Comments

[Mom]

Look's like ya'll had a great time. Everyone looks great(fascinators and all) !!!

[Esther]

I've just gone through your blog, you look like you're having an awesome time! i'm coming to australia with two of my friends in february for some time...we're getting work visas...I'm just wondering what costs were like to take your Fiji detour and things like that... [e-mail] - if you could give me some info! thanks a lot...keep on having a great time!

[Mammy]

wow what a trip I have 4 letters to catch up
This sounds to good to be true. I feel like I am haviln the trip also. You are really enjoying it. I love the pictures also. Will be in touch shortly. With lots of news. Love you