February 09 – Dinner @ Russell’s Pizza…where’s the camels?

Well this is a first! We were all booked in for a fun time of a camel ride around McLaren Flat at sunset to be followed by a delicious dinner at Russell's Pizza - but there was only one problem. The camels had heatstroke. The camels. Heatstroke. Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realise ALL of Egypt was AIR CONDITIONED! Hello! You're a camel, stop trying to go on workcover! Well the official story is that they acclimatise and the 40 degree heat was too much for them. As we are staunch supporters of the R.S.P.C.A., I guess it's not in keeping to demand these poor creatures haul us lovely Ladies around all dusk - even though none of us tip the scales at more than 51 kg........ sorry, I'm back, my husband was reading over my shoulder and chose an unwise time to laugh. Also, new addition to next months Ladies Day event - secret adventure, B.Y.O. shovel and gum boots.

Now where was I? Well, with the poor camels sipping cocktails poolside, we stopped for a quick drink ourselves at the pub before heading over to Russell's for dinner.

And WOW. I knew Russell's Pizza had been on numerous T.V. shows, for both its food and unique atmosphere, but it was STILL even better than I had expected. It took 5 months to get a booking (special kiss for Awesome Anita's forward thinking), deservingly so, and for a set price, you B.Y.O. drinks and receive all you can eat, entree, pizza and dessert. We feasted on miniature meatballs stuffed with fetta, salads and delicious dukkahs. Pizza's followed in rustic shapes featuring gourmet toppings, even oysters on the half shell! (just for you, Lady Michelle!).And for the less adventurous, pizzas with more traditional topping were available upon request as well.

With the raffle being drawn( and if you don't like your prize Ladies, do remember, it is free and we do try our best) and Lady Jamie Lee receiving the Legend trophy for texting Anita, in all seriousness, as to whether or not one can wear a full length summer dress to camel riding! (For those who are wondering, no, they don't provide side saddles for the camels!) We sighed a collective sigh as relaxation set in.

Whilst sitting under the cover of stars, watching the twinkling of candles and fairy lights or observing the occasional impromptu conga line weave by, full of delicious pizza and desserts to die for, one can't help but think - it's lovely being a Lady.