Venture down to the Gold Coast

Animal of death...haha at least in my imagination.
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After fun in the sun in Noosa it was time to head to Brisbane for some city living. This was my second return to the city. Much of it appeared unchanged, but I was also able to see things that were new to me.  Last time I came, much of our time was spent running around with the girls trying to take it all in. This time Rachel and I tried to just enjoy the everyday life of the people and the prime location.  We spent a great deal just walking through the gardens and along the river. One afternoon was spent just laying in the garden reading.  If I lived in Brisbane I would utilize the park to jog, bike ride, and study.  A ferry ride gave us a good view of all the city bridges, including the amazing Story Bridge.  While meandering through the Roma Garden, we went into the Fern Gully (gotta love the movie). We came across the biggest reptile i've ever seen not in a glass case. Rach was on one side and i was on the other...I couldn't get past. Honestly, I could see it mentally preparing to attack my leg. I survived. The city is also a shopping haven. Large malls and shops everywhere. For Rachel it was heaven, for those of you who know me well...it was my personal hell. There is something about overpriced retail products, anxious women, and borderline rude sales representatives with commission dollar signs in their eyes that just turns me off. At some points, I sent Rachel into the store while i entertained myself watching a nearby street performer.

My new friend!
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Rachel has never been privy to the wild animals of Australia. Therefore we took a trip to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Over 130 koalas in residence. We fed kangaroos, watched the animal attendant fear for her life trying to feed the not so people friendly wombats, watched a dog herd sheep, and learned a great deal about the grotesque history of koala killing.  I also learned that if i see a big black/silvery snake to run far very very far. If bitten it leads to death if untreated or to paralysis if not treated somewhat quickly.

...learned a great deal about the grotesque history of koala killing.

Rachel among the little beasts.
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We ate quite a bit of sushi because neither of us lack the strength to turn it down.  Other foods that I was pleased to eat again in Australia were Wedges with sour cream and sweet chili sauce and Tim Tams! Oooh Tim Tams. Imagine a chocolate covered double decked cookie that makes you feel like you are in momentary heaven with each bite. Take a moment. Mmmm. Ok enough of that.  We also took the initiative to cook a few meals at the hostel to save a buck or two. I had my first gas stove lighting experience...don't worry i didn't singe to much of my hand off.  We made friends at our hostel and in many ways it was starting to feel a bit like home. We were really starting to get a feel for living in the city.

Story Bridge by night
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Other random activities included a trip to the theater with others from our hostel. We saw Night at the Museum in Imax for only AU$6...way cheap. Good movie. Rach fell asleep, not much surprise there.  A short ride up to Mount Coot-tha gave us a panoramic view of the city at night. Really neat. Again I dragged Rachel to St. John's Cathedral for a tour. A sweet old lady gave us a personal tour. Did I mention that the people are extremely nice and helpful.

Brisbane is simply a great city. We travelled to and from Noosa on SunCoast Buslines which was inexpensive and comfortable. The city is definitely a must stop along the Aussie East Coast and is convenient for its close proximity to places like Frasier Island, Byron Bay, and Surfers Paradise. One interesting aspect was that Rachel was able to use her paper copy of a passport to get into anywhere. Sweet right? Our passports were indisposed at the Brazil Consulate in Sydney. On the otherhand, we were able to fly to and from Brisbane without being asked for identification once! Either they consider Queensland to be really safe place or their security is severly inefficient.

Fig tree action!
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Nonetheless, it is a very diverse city that attracts people of all sorts. Shopaholics to Temporary job seekers to Surf bums would find a way to make this city a valuable stop on an Australian adventure.