Australia Day

Day 9 – Tuesday 26th January

Was real sleepy this morning for some reason. I blame the chilli and phili just before bed watching Tsonga and the Spanish guy. What a great match that was. I woke up at half 6 but then dozed until just after 8 when I got up to speak to Jemma. She had been to see Croppers who is back in Nottingham with Noah and Thea. Good news. I also got texts off cousin Dava who reckons he is coming out to Oz some time, watch this space.

After brekkie I ventured off into Brisbane for part 1 of my Australia Day. It’s another scorcher of a day and I’m glad I got well covered in sun cream. I even made myself a little picnic for lunch on the South Bank. Barby time is later.

Saw the raising of the flags and the 21 gun salute but I’m not sure if the camera caught the F-111 fly past – oops. I was a bit surprised that more of the Aussies weren’t singing the national anthem at the top of their voice – I thought they were all a real patriotic bunch.

When the formalities were over I decided to treat myself to a trip on the Brisbane Wheel. Not sure how much the London Eye costs, or even the wheel at Nottingham, but I thought $15 wasn’t too bad. Apart from anything the gondola was air conditioned! It also had a commentary about the city and some of the landmarks.

After my ride I went for a wander around the south bank to catch the atmosphere. It was packed and there was loads going on. There were a couple of guys doing a comedy magic show who were pretty good. One of them pulled out a bit of thread, swallowed it then pulled it out of his eye – gross. Even his mate was cringing. There were loads of barbies going off in the park and then I came to the beach! Right there in the city with life guards and everything.

I strolled back along the south bank and through the rain forest walk (where I came across Lizzie’s older and bigger brother) and headed for the Kurilpa Bridge, the one that looks like a yacht with rigging. I really like how it looks so thought I’d cross there. I’m glad I did because there were water fountains all the way across and the water was beautiful and cold. By the time I got back I was pretty weary from the hot sun and my birkies had given me a blister – can you believe it!! – they’re supposed to be the height of comfort. I guess I’ll put it down to the heat and the sweat and the mammoth walk. A nice cup of tea and some cookies and all was good again. Time to start thinking about the Regatta barby.

I got to the Regatta about 6 hours too late I reckon! There was certainly no chance of making Jemma’s challenge as the whole pub was well into friends and family stuff and the vast majority were well oiled already. I stopped for a couple of schooners of Hahn Super Dry and a bit of the cricket and also exchanged a few texts with Stuey. Then it was off home to watch the tennis and catch the fireworks en route. They were pretty awesome but the ‘fireworks’ option on my camera wasn’t quite as good.

I sorted myself some steak and rice and bottle of TED and settled down to watch the tennis. Mark called and we had another debate about time zones and I had to concede that I wasn’t watching the tennis live. Don’t get it but there you are. I’m having enough trouble getting used to the time difference with home without having to worry about local stuff as well. Anyway, as I write this Murray is one set up but 4-2 down in the second. You’ll all know how it turns out by the time you read this. Oh and I’ve put some new photos on the slideshow.