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Published: August 6th 2007
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Me & Bagel!
He's a heavy wee thing! We made it, we're in Brisbane! Half way through our travels and half way up east coast Australia! I can't believe we have hit the halfway mark already, scary! But the sad part is that in 6 weeks time we'll be homeward bound. Well we just have to fit in as much as we can (...and no that doesn't mean drinking!!) We arrived into Brisbane on the 26th April and me and Sus, being organised (for a change) had booked our accommodation ahead at the Brisbane City Backpackers for a four share dorm. We figured it was time to give another hostel a try seeing as we always booked into the reputable, reliable YHA's for so long...big mistake! The one time we wanted everything to fall into place effortlessly (as Lindsay was to join us that day for the big trip north) and we got nothing but hassle regarding our booking. Upon our arrival the unprofessional idiot at the BCP hadn't got a clue and as it turned out a staff member had booked us into the 30 share dorm!!! Yes 30! How do you manage to mix up a 4 share with a 30 share? God knows, but instead
of being apologetic and attempt to try and reslove the issue which was a mistake on the hostels part, the guy became smug, rude and downright obnoxious and told us that if we walked out of the hostel we would be "cutting off our nose to spite our face" and that we "would not be able to find anywhere else." Very professional I must say. But I would rather camp outside than give that idiot my money. I definately would not recommend that place, they just don't care.
As it turned out we didn't have to camp outside, however the graffetti and rat poison in our new dorm room give it an outdoor alleyway feel!!! We managed to track down 3 places in the Yellow Submarine Hostel but what it lacked in appearance it more that made up for in ambiance and the staff were very helpful. The place ran a punch night where everyone pays $10 and gets slooshed together. They also organised an accoustic night across the road in Cloud 9. Managed to bump into two Belfast boys John and Aidan, a lovely lad from Leeds and Carl from Belgium. Those staying at the hostel were a pleasure
to be around so there was plenty of good vibes and chit chat.
Shortly before Lindsey's arrival I'd given her a call to brace herself when entering our room but as it turned out she was pretty happy with it! I'd say she's seen some breath-taking sights throughout Asia!!!
The three of us wasted no time in catching up and bonding over pizza and wine as we settled into our accommodation and sang along with Oasis blasting from the hi-fi down at the communal basement/ drink your carry-out spot!
Next day I had made arrangements to meet with a friend of mine formerly of my work place who recently immigrated to Caboolture with his family from Belfast. It was great catching up with Mark "I'll give it a go!" Delaney (what a legend!) He's well missed in Belfast circles so how lucky was I to be the first out here to visit him. I introduced him to the girls and we had a good catch up before I took the train with him to Caboolture to see his new property being built (sorry about the portaloo joke Mark!) We had almost a year to catch up on and it was
clear to see how well he and his family have settled here. Megan and Connor (his kids) even have the cutest wee Belfast/Aussie accents! (Great seeing you all and enjoy the Aussie life!)
Getting back to Brisbane and meeting with Linz and Sus afew hours later, we were a bit pushed to find stuff to do. Brisbane wasn't exactly buzzing but we took a walk along the Brisbane River and sat down to some hearty food at Tin Billy's pub.
On Saturday it was time to venture out to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. We'd heard from the staff at the Yellow Sub that you actually get to cuddle a koala so it was a must do! And there he was in all of his glory, Bagel our koala awaiting us for some cuddling. It was pretty easy to tell if it was a boy or a girl as his claws went straight for Lindsay's boobs! (He must have been pretty disappointed with me after Lindsay!!! lol) Had such a great day with the girls watching the koala demonstration, the birds of flight show and the aussie sheep mustering show (really liked that one, the dogs were fab!) and having a
nosy at the crocs, dingos, kangaroos and of course koalas.
All the walking definately made us thirsty and for our final night in Brisbane we hit the bars and dancefloors of Fortitude Valley, the nightclub district. R.G's and the Empire were pretty happening places and we met some interesting people who decided to hyjack our cameras! Also managed to meet up with a Byron buddy in Mustang's who escaped his fellow travellers for some boozing with the girlies. Hope the head was ok the next day Brian! Our's wasn't, especially after those shots! (Damn you Linz and Sus!) And what better way to overcome the hangover the next day... by travelling on a bus to a new town, my home from home and were I left my heart 3 years ago....Beautiful Noosa...
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Anna Banana
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Yooooooooooooo!
Hey B my lovely!!All is looking ace as per(but I do think that the koala is staring rather inappropriately at your chest! oo-er!) I'm sure the luxury hostel was the highlight of the trip so far-looks like class craic actually!Well,minus the silly rude man!! Watched your wee video message to Jonny last week-so bizarre seeing you and was a wee bit emotional!:( Anyway,I look forward to reading about the next leg of the trip,and you are as always greatly missed! Love Anna.