1.2 million population in Brisbane...yet seems small

Yesterday, June 5, I took the local bus to the mall and then switched buses to go to downtown Brisbane. It was pretty easy to figure out..especially with Anna's insight about how it works. Bus ride cost $4.40 one way. Remember...it's 84 cents on every dollar...so the US price is a bit cheaper, but In general, things cost more here than in USA.

Once I arrived, I followed the walking trail that was highlighted in my travel book. For a big city, it's really not all that big. It was very easy to navigate around the city. The main street is called Queen Street (but used to be called King Street). The streets are named after royalty (albert, edward, george, etc and on the perpendicular streets you will find margaret, ann, charlotte, mary, etc).

All of the streets are named after British Royalty

Here's what I saw/explored:

Brisbane is divided by the Brisbane River that flows in and around the city.  I didn't do a boat tour...ran out of time.

• City Hall---went up the clock tower to get a nice overview of the city, beautiful concert hall inside the hall as well, home of the Lord Mayor's office. Asked who this was..what we would call the Mayor of the City.
• Museum of Brisbane-good overview, apparently Brisbane played a big role in motion pictures as lots of museum dedicated to that
• Churches-beautiful churches. Went to a Catholic Mass (walked in on one so just stayed to admire church and get some spirituality)
• Train Station-located in central downtown in a beautiful building
• ANZAC Shrine of Memories-to commerate those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in various wars, very touching memorial site with an eternal flame
• Botantic GArdens-quite large in the middle of the city. Some very unusual trees and a very large banyan tree
• Queensland University of Technology--neat campus in the middle of Botantical Gardens and downtown.
• Old Governor's Home. First Governor's home in 1850 or something like that. Today, it's being renovated into a museum. Am amazing building. The lady told me that a few months ago, they used this building for a new movie, "Fools Gold" that will be out in 2008. Kate Hudson and Matt McConnaghy will star in it. She said she met them.
• Parlimanent House. Very beautiful building. Closed to public...darn...I would have loved to have seen the inside of it.
• Court House-saw lawyers wearing the long black robes and the funny hair pieces like you always see in England
• Treasurey Building....which is now a casino. Didn't go in...not much of a gambler
• Lots and lots of shopping malls. I  just walked past them. Since I will be coming back to Brisbane to fly home, I will do my shopping then.
• Once I finished all of this, I went across the Victoria Bridge to the other side of Brisbane, called South Bank
• In 1988, Brisbane hosted the World Expo. Everything was built for this. Someone had a real vision when they created this. Beautiful gardens, winding paths among all kinds of flora and fauna (did you know that there are lots and lots of palm trees here) and an almost jungle like atmosphere. Quaint cafes, stages and performing areas, several ponds, a swimming pool (that looks more like a pond), etc. The whole place is amazing. It's quite large as well.
• Walked around Performing Arts Center, Art Museum and the Australia Museum. Very nice museum and free. Showed all aspects of life in Queensland from aborgine tribes to lifeguards to animals to clothing to transportation, etc. Very good museum

By this time, it was after 5:00 p.m. and I met Anna for dinner. We ate at a Thai restaurant. good...but a bit spicy for me. We took the bus back to a car park and picked up her car and then drove on home.

Last night and all day today, it has rained. As I mentioned, Queensland is in a real drought..so this rain was much needed. Only supposed to take a 4 minute shower...must turn timer over when you get in shower. I'm getting real good at being done at 3:50.

Today, I'm just chilling at the house. Repacked my clothes (Danute was nice enough to do my laundry for me) in my backpack. Everyone in the family has gone somewhere...so I have the house to myself.

Watched, "Blood Diamond" the other day. Great movie based on a true story about diamonds in Africa...but oh so gory. I recommend it...but be aware of gore. Also watched, "Wld Hogs". Better than I thought it would be.

Tonight, I fly to Sydney. Arrive at 10:30 p.m. I will take a train to downtown and then metro to my hostel. Tomorrow, I will contact Yeeka Yau to see what is transpiring with me visiting him at his house.

So...my next adventure is about to begin,

Adventure on,

Julie