One of the absolute highlights of our Gold Coast stay isnโt about theme parks or viewsโitโs about reconnecting with my high school crew. Glen, Vicki, Michelle, Troyโsome of my closest mates from back in the mid-90sโmade the trip down from Brisbane to join us for a BBQ and drinks at the apartment.
Weโve all stayed in touch over the years, but it was our 20-year school reunion in 2016 that really brought us back together. Since then, especially during the stretch when I was travelling to Brisbane regularly for work between 2017 and 2019, we made a point of catching up often. Now, even with me based in NSW and no longer traveling to Brisbane regularly, I make it a priority to see them whenever Iโm even remotely nearby.
The group chat never sleeps. Between drinks, weโre constantly at it with rugby league banterโand the mix is chaos in the best way. Weโve got Broncos, Sharks, and Eels supporters in the mix. Even funnier, one mate is a Sharks fan who cheers for Queensland, while another is a Broncos fan who supports New South Wales. The shifting allegiances are confusing, illogical, and an ongoing source of absolute hilarity.
For this catch-up, the crew made the 60 to 90-minute drive down to the Gold Coast and we spent the evening doing what we do bestโlaughing, eating, reminiscing, and giving each other a good-natured ribbing. The BBQ at the apartment was top-tier, made even better by the amazing ocean views from 14 floors up. Good food, better company, and the kind of relaxed vibe you can only get with friends whoโve known you since you were a kid.
It was also the first time they got to meet my partner, Gill, which made the night even more special. Seeing those connections formโpeople from different parts of my life coming together so naturallyโwas something Iโll treasure.
Thereโs nothing quite like the company of old mates. Life gets busy, we move cities, we raise families, chase careersโbut when we do catch up, itโs like no time has passed at all. I miss them already.
