Brisbane

Where do I start? Brisbane was amazing! I would have to say it is one of my favorite cities of all time. It is quite small, only about 1.5 million people. It is really hot, with palm trees, green everywhere, and a huge swimming lagoon. My host, Sara, a former coworker from London was home visiting her family. She and her friend Sarah (whom I knew from London as well) picked me up at the airport. We returned to her home in The Gap (a suburb of Brisbane) and immediately started the festivities. I experienced my first barbie (BBQ), with loads of meet, salad, and of course, grilled onions. Sara had several friends and her family as well.

I had a great time. We went out to Fridays that night and had a blast! Quite a bit of dancing and singing followed by a trip to the Elephant and Wheelbarrow (a pub in the Valley). Too much fun was had by all.

Sara and I talked a ton and I caught up on all of my London gossip. Sara was an amazing guide and basically dropped four days to show me around. We walked through the city, ate at some really nice places, and had drinks at a couple of her favorite watering holes. Her friends were with us quite a bit so I recieved the true Aussie experience.

Four of us took a road trip to the Gold Coast. We stopped and had world famous Yotimi's (spelling?) pies (I had beef, bacon, and cheese pie plus a sausage roll) and then on to Surfer's Paradise. We watched the sunset, walked the beautiful beach, and strolled the tacky tourist trap of a downtown. We stopped by for Wendy's hotdogs...man were they good! We finished the night back in Brisbane at Kangaroo Point, a cliff side view along the river over looking the City.

Sara and I spent some crazy time on the CAT (a public transport boat that goes up and down the river). We pretended to be posh English folk, owning the boat and most of the magnificent homes along the river. We stopped by at New Farm Park and strolled through the lovely rose gardens, commenting on all of the named flowers and where they were from...a very fun time had by all (including the onlookers).

We went to Kareoke (?), although I did no singing, watched the Super Bowl (I explained American football to Sara and her brother Paul; I came out of the office and she was screaming "interception, interception!!!!!" I know what one is!!!), ate loads, had another barbie for her birthday with all of her family and friends, and finished the trip with a spectacular view over Mt. Coot-tha.

I have to say that the trip was splendid! No complaints here! It was warm, I ate heartily, and had a good ole merry time!

I also met a couple of other Aussies from around and now have their contact details with the potential of some more local guided traveling, as well as the possibility of hosting some of them at my flat.

Alright, I am off to Eric's for the night. Tomorrow will have me continuing my job search as well as my flat search. The Aussie resume and cover letter are finalized. A couple have been sent out, but we will see what I get.

I hope all is well and everyone is enjoying the cold weather!