12 February 2012

A Quarter of a Century

Yep, it's true, I officially turned 25 over the weekend!

And like clockwork, the very next day found out that I need glasses, how's that for perfect timing!?

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This year Jurg took me to see Phantom of the Opera at Monte Casino for my birthday.  It's my very favorite musical and it worked out perfectly that it just happened to be showing in South Africa over my birthday weekend!

The show didn't disappoint and the dancing, singing, costumes, and special effects were all amazing!  I was sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time with goosebumps and have had all of the songs stuck in my head ever since.  I think Jurg was a little bored and confused {such a boy!} since this was the first time he'd ever seen it, but after asking me tons of questions during the intermission he perked up a bit for the second half.  If you're in the Johannesburg area, I highly recommend getting tickets, I think the show's running through the end of the month.


Afterwards, we popped over to @Monte Wine Bar to grab a drink and wait it out until midnight.  We had a blast dancing around like kids, screaming the lyrics to our favorite songs, and submitting song request after song request to the DJ.  Jurg even met his brother from another mother, i.e. a guy dressed identical to him from head to toe!

Loved the decor!
Midnight!
See?  What did I tell you - "brother from another mother!"  
I couldn't believe my luck when they actually agreed to be in a picture together!

Once the midnight celebration had come and gone we wandered around Monte Casino for a bit since it was the first time we'd ever been there for more than a couple of minutes.  Although I will admit that it's extremely touristy, there's something charming about the atmosphere and it definitely rivals any of the major hotels/casinos in Vegas.  In future, I'm sure we will be back to try some of the nice open air restaurants.  

From the side this guy is blowing a whistle, but from straight on it looks like he's being punched in the face!
Sore feet!
My ever so handsome boyfriend ordering us burgers, classy!

We ended the night with burgers from Steers, which is the perfect way to end any birthday in my opinion!

****

Also...

Thank you so much to everyone who sent birthday comments, tweets, and messages my way!  You all really helped to make the day so special.  Every time I glanced at my phone and saw I had a new email or message from one of you, I realized how truly blessed I am to be a part of this wonderful community.   

Also a huge thanks to my sweet boyfriend for surprising me with the nicest birthday blog post and for making this birthday one that will go down in the books as one of the best ever.  

Jurg, you're incredible and I love you so much!

24 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh, this brings back memories! In 2010 my Mom and I went to Joburg to visit family and I remember going to Monte Casino. It's so beautiful there and I couldn't get over the roof- how it was painted. x

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  2. what a great birthday! and ending with burgers makes it even better! and best bf ever with that post! too cute!

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  3. glad you had a great birthday :) that picture of jurg holding your heels is really precious, just a small cute gesture.

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  4. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! What an amazzzing weekend. I want to see Phantom of the Opera SO badly!

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  5. A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!! QQQ

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  6. Oh my.. I LOVE Phantom of The Opera! I can sing every song Ha! My brother in law is going to Johannesburg South Africa for two years!! :)

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  7. Happy belated birthday!

    I went to see the Phantom of the Opera in Cape Town over Christmas (I've seen the London show and aw the previous SA run back in 2004) and I loved it.

    It is my favourite musical, fantastic music, story, lyrics, costumes ... and that opening scene when the chandelier rises up into the theatre ... I get tears in my eyes every single time.

    I am also now a little bit in love with Jonothon Roxmouth, who played the Phantom - what a talent!

    http://unpublishedworksofme.blogspot.com/

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  8. happy 25th sweet girl!! love the pics!

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  9. Happy birthday!!!! May the year ahead be filled with love,light, laughter, champagne and cupcakes!!!

    I got tickets for my mom and I to see Phantom in April....cant wait!!

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  10. Yay! It sounds like you had a great Birthday! But yep, 25, sounds old..I'm still ONLY 24 ;)

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  11. gorgeous pictures! looks like you had a lovely weekend :-) happy birthday!

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  12. Happy 25th! I'm thinking that this is going to be our year! or at least.. it better be! (shakes fist in the air)

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  13. Happy Birthday!! Your birthday is just one day before my little sister's birthday. What a cute post from Jurg. And I LOVE Phantom of the Opera. Your birthday looks like it was perfect!

    And Thank you for all your sweet comments on my blog. They mean a lot to me :)

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  14. Wow what an amazing birthday, Jurgen really spoiled you! (which he shoudl of course!:) I'd love to see the Phantom again, I only saw it when I was little and back then I didn't understand it... That photo of Jurg and the other guy with exactly the same clothes is too funny!

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  15. happy birthday! looks like you had a blast!!

    xo the egg out west.

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  16. stumbled onto your blog and just wanted to show some blog luv! def enjoyed this post! def enjoyed the pix you shared!!

    http://infinitelifefitness.com
    http://mscomposure.blogspot.com

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  17. Steers at the end of the night is the best end to a birthday ever! That pic of Jurg holding your heels is awesome. Let's definitely go to some of the restaurants at Monte soon - I'm also intrigued by this place after going to the cinema and a show there xx

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  18. hi jenna! our anniversary is the 15th, one day before yours! SO cool! :) happy belated birthday, looks like it was so much fun. thanks for your sweet comment! happy v day and anniversary!

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  19. i love that he is holing you shoes in that last pic - so adorable!!! and DANG - south africa has HUGE glasses of wine! haha

    hope you had a beautiful birthday love. my sis would be so jealous - she's been dying to see phantom of the opera ;)

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  20. Well Happy Belated Birthday my friend :) xoxo

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  21. Aww Happy Birthday! Looks like you had a lot of fun :)

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  22. Happy Birthday! 25 was my favorite year!

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  23. We just found and love your blog! Can't wait to read more about your adventures! We are fascinated with expat blogs! Happy belated bday!
    We are now following you and would just love if you visited our blog.
    Have a great day!
    Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

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  24. Already sms'ed you, but I love this post!

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Thanks for the love!