Broadbeach, Gold Coast conference Day 1

It was 540am today that Jetstar announced passengers to board. Yes, it was damn early and I was prepared with the packing and checking in online one day prior. I was especially early and on schedule. As soon as the plane took off, I snoozed all the way to Gold Coast.
Arriving early morning with a bit of humidity and sun were blissful. I missed the warmth and forgot how good it felt after spending winter in Japan trip. As the cab driver took me to Sofitel, I remember bits and pieces of the place. The last time I went was like 5 years ago. Things have changed- more serviced and luxury apartments are built. The biggest and the main shopping mall, Pacific Fair still exists.
I was lucky when arrival that a spare room was available and I didn't have to find something to do to kill time till check in. At the start, I thought I should be resting but since I love hotel breaky buffets, I took the chance to dine in within the one and half hour.
The breakfast was a delightful and fulfilling with everything you could imagine. There was the pancake industrial machine that caught my eye. There were more like pikletts. Nevertheles, I wasn't too fuss and ate them even though I was almost full.
To digest my full stomach, I decided to venture Pacific Fair, which only took me ten minutes walk. The shopping mall was huge with shops held outside and few of childrens' ride, which it looked like a fair. I thought I would never buy anything but I did, mainly clothes. I couldn't believe how cheap they were. More varities and practical for Melb's winter....surpringsly.
About noon, the storm hit Broadbeach and I was prepared with my umbrella. The wind was so fierce that my umbrella flipped twice. At that moment, it was rainy and windy, I couldn't be bother to use it anymore. It was too difficult. The day changed quickly with my balcony viewed of beach of high waves and grey sky. It wasn't a good looking view anymore. I brought my bathers and it was a pity that the pool was outdoor only.
As I bummed in the hotel room, I waited for my massage and facial I've booked. I was so bored and handicapped without the internet that I decided to pay the wireless with the cost of $26 for the two days. With an instant, it made me happier and assisted me to kill some time.
As time flies, I walked to the massage resort which was just down the road. I booked the package of massage and facial, hoping they would relaxed me. The masseur/beauty therapist was a young lad and she had the most gentle touch ever. So gentle that I only felt her firm massage on my neck/shoulder. Prior to the massage, I did mentioned VERY FIRM, but I guess that was all she could exert. The facial was a disappointment. She didn't assessed my skin integrity or to even ask questions, she simply put the applicators onto my skin which I HOPED that I do not react harshly to them.
When I got out, the weather continuely to be grim and windy. I quickly walked into the liquer shop and bought a bottle of Wirra Wirra, as well as to Safeway to buy some snacks. I decided my dinner would be room service. I didn't wan to dine alone nor to be blown away. The menu sounded alright and I ordered the salmon fillet and oysters. The food standards were excellent, just like the breakfast. Although the servings were small, I was completed with a full stomach.
So whilst I'm writing the blog, I'm lying on the softest, fluffiest pillows and blankets with a glass of red's. I think I"m about to call it for the night. I don't mind sleeping really since I had four hours sleep the night before and my conference starts at 8am, stretching to 5pm.
It has been a relaxing day, despite the horrendous weather. I've spent quite a few during my shopping spree and chilled in my room. I think I'm ready for the long day tomorrow. It will be like the Uni days of sitting down and listening to lectures all day. Fun......ah hem.