Brisbanification

The story you’ve been waiting for.. or maybe not :) Before I start I should give you some background info on the trip.. Last April I booked my flights to Brisbane because of… rugby! I knew that Australia and New Zealand would play there the last of the Tri Nations games [for the non rugbyphiles, the Tri Nations is a competition between the Gods of the Southern Hemisphere -> Australia, NZ and South Africa] so I reckoned it’d be a good excuse to visit my beloved Brissie. When I told Caribou#2 about my plans she was keen to come along, though not terribly excited about the rugby but thought pourquoi pas. Good on her.

So… after much anticipation, it was time to go!!!

While having brekky at the airport C#2 realised that she will be stuck with me for a whole weekend and prays anyone above that it’s going to be alright ! A couple of hours later, we land in the Sunshine State, take the train to the city, drop our bags at the hostel and start roaming the streets of Brisbanelphia. We go past the Treasury Building (which is now a hotel and casino) and the funky metal ball and make our way to the other side of the river aka South Bank. See the giant wheel? Well ... it wasn't there the last time I was in town earlier this year. We gave it a miss but a ride on this smaller version of the London Eye will definitely be on my next trip's to do list. Then onto another attraction: the Nepal Peace pagoda which was built in 1988 for the World Exhibition. The carvings are simply amazing.

Then we walked underneath the Grand Arbour (top left) - Twin Peaks might be interested to know that it is bougainvillea that grows on the wires, and wandered around the market, full of goodies (craft, clothes, jewellery, etc.. ) and while C#2 was shopping I stuffed my face with a delish churro coated with cinnamon sugar – my mouth is watering just thinking about it ! Time to cool off (my trademark photo.. ie my feet) at Brisbane’s own fake beach! Why fake?? The city is inland so the real thing is not exactly close by so a fake version will do .. just like in Paris, but in Brisbane it's here all year long.

Then we walked across the Goodwill bridge, along the river, enjoyed the view with the Story Bridge in the background, stopped at the City Botanic Gardens to rest our feet and legs, then back to the city for a yummy vegetarian Indian lunch.

More walking and we come across an interesting piece of art: a hand sculpture. There were actually two hands: this one and a the other that was sort of lying on the ground (C#2 pretended one of the big fingers was crushing her foot while I tried my best impersonation of the Little Mermaid on her rock). Such a great photo opportunity!! We entertained ourselves very much and as Tyra Banks would say .. here’s our best shot (see above).

Later on it's finally time to head to Suncorp Stadium for the game of the year. The Super 14 final was a big event but this was bigger and better as it turned out to be final of the Tri Nations as South Africa was out of contention. It was a very close game but the All Blacks won 28-24, that’s why they look pretty happy with themselves on the photo. Why wouldn’t they??

They won two trophies in one night: the Tri-Nations Trophy and the Bledisloe Cup (a contest between Australia and New Zealand). My heartfelt thanks to C#2 for coming to the game and putting up with my unruly behaviour! If you ever need a hearing aid, I’ll contribute :)

Our Sunday started in Fortitude Valley. Halfway through our stroll around the market we had a delish brekky – pancakes for both of us – how Canadian! :) - plus bacon and eggs for yours truly…yum! With a full stomach we had another look around the market then embarked on the crossing of the Story Bridge.. it didn’t take as long as I thought it would and we got a better view of the city.

On the other side of the bridge the area is called Kangaroo Point.. you wonder why because kangaroos are nowhere to be seen, ha ha ha. Anyway... with all that walking under the sun yours truly was a wee bit thirsty and requested that we stop at one of Brisbane's icons: the Story Bridge Hotel. Some hotels in Australia are actually pubs and some other hotels are still hotels, like the Hilton or the Sofitel.. confusing I know. FYI, I had one drink and it didn’t contain alcohol.

After a short ferry ride, yes you can take the ferry to go from one side of the river to the other, we were back in the city centre for a bit more shopping. Our last stop was the Museum of Brisbane, a tiny little bit of culture doesn't hurt. Unfortunately the Tower Clock was closed so we didn’t get a chance to enjoy the city from above.

Sadly all good things come to end and it was time for us to get back to the airport and fly back to Sydney. Boo. But .. I'm already looking forward to my next trip to Brisbane and/or another adventure with C#2.. not sure she'll sign up for it, maybe.. on the condition that there is no rugby involved :)