Got up around 8.30am and was surprised to see Rowena up and about as it was a late one last night. However once she had let the carpenter in she went back to bed, and with Matt busy on the computer I contemplated what to do for the day. I downloaded a free one day gym pass for Fitness First in the city, jumped on the train and spent a few hours in the gym ‘bashing out a good session’ as we used to say. The gym had hair straighteners which was rather exciting, so I could actually make my hair look semi nice! When I got back, Rowena and I moved the chest of draws from the downstairs bedroom up into the room I am staying in and re-organised the furniture. I then had a ... read more

Even after an early night, my 5am alarm clock was not welcome, today I feel tired! Alas morning daily routine completed and it’s soon breakfast time. I headed out to the station fairly early this morning and caught the 7.59am train, changing at Coopers Plains for the express train to the Gold Coast. I now have the local public transport system sussed, and to think, only a few days I looked like a rabbit caught in the head lights as I caught the train to the city for the first time. After the hour and a half journey on the train, I hopped on the bus to complete the rest of my journey to Surfers Paradise. It’s a very commercialised area with high rise buildings and lots of very tanned and toned looking people wandering around ... read more

I have given in and am now living on ‘locals’ time, meaning I get up at 5am to play sport and do things. People here seem to utilise their mornings like we do our evenings, and running at this time is FAR more sensible. Getting up at 5am also means I can have a leisurely morning at a relaxed pace, perfect way to start the morning. Matt was off the station to catch the train to Uni, so I grabbed a lift with him at got on the 7.27am train into Central station. From here I then navigated to the correct platform, not too much of a challenge once I sussed the boards, and caught the train out to Beerwah station for the zoo. From home to Beerwah the journey took around 2.5 hours, and even ... read more

Another fairly early start, especially for a Sunday. Up at 8am and headed into South Bank in Brisbane to meet Amelia and Leighton – Matt and Rowena’s friends, for breakfast. South Bank is a lovely modern area with beautiful walk ways crafted from steel and bright pink hibiscus growing over, lines of trendy restaurants, plaza’s and a lovely relaxed atmosphere on the edge of the river. We all selected a nice looking place for breakfast and I had amazing muesli with yoghurt honey and fruit all mixed in – tasted fab (would be considered far too unhealthy by you though mum!) After a few hours of chatting, Rowena, Matt and I headed to the best bit of South Bank……the fake beach with a large lagoon style swimming area. Its great just relaxing and swimming whilst overlooking ... read more

I was intrigued to see what customs in Oz would be like, especially after my warning from Leonnie and Amelia about what you can and can’t take into the country. However after filling out the entry form and ensuring I didn’t have any of the prohibited items, I sailed through without even being checked. Matt, Rowena’s fiancé was waiting for me on the other side. Like a true gent he unburdened me of all my luggage and we drove to their house. After the tour and choosing which bedroom I would prefer I unpacked and had a snooze. After I managed to skype dad as he was back from Saudi, nice to catch up in person (well, as close as) on all the goings on. Before long Rowena arrived home, we chatted, the wine got opened ... read more