It was a cultural visit this time, punctuated with newly discovered coffee shops and sporting events. A varied and enjoyable break over the Easter period.
I arrived down Wednesday night, after driving down in the ute. Taking the inland route and stopping along the way to chat and talk to other travellers. A leisurely drive which I enjoyed.
Thursday I waited home all day for the Telco to arrive within their allotted time, which of course they didn't. The company gave me a 5 hour window in which to wait, seems fair, but then to be another 4 hours late... GRRRR, I was getting annoyed because I was to do my pre Easter shopping on Thursday and here it was 5pm and they still hadn't showed up. Finally a knock on the door, and I opened it to a wet, bedraggled redhead. He looked beaten, demoralised and exhausted. I let him on with a smile, and he proceeded to connect our ADSL. Luckily we were his last job prior to his Easter break, and he left happy in the knowledge he had 5 days RnR coming up.
Thursday's waiting continued for me, as I spent 2 hours waiting at the Airport Service centre for Hugo's flight to arrive, having been delayed by bad weather, and then another 1 hour 50 minutes waiting in traffic to actually collect him. My patience had worn thin by that time, and unfortunately for Hugo, his homecoming was frosty.
Friday saw the weather turn a little with rain overnight and an overcast day. Hugo and I, along with two of the Brisbane dwelling children set out on an adventure to Mt Cootha and Toowong Cemetery. Amidst short bursts of rain and intermittent sunshine, we wandered our way through the 120 000 graves at Toowong. Time was quickly passing and we moved onto Lunch, vowing to call again another day to complete our investigations at the cemetery. It's an interesting place, I've never seen a cemetery on a hill before, and certainly never one of this magnitude.
Lunch at Bardon, a randomly chosen Fish n Chip shop, open and cheerfully serving the passing Good Friday parade. Suitably nourished, it was off to battle the traffic to the airport to collect Cate. Cate had flown down from the country to spend the Easter break with us in the city. First stop, at her request was Eat Street Markets, where we spent the evening, wandering through stalls, sampling the wares, and people watching. Beautiful cool night, fabulous food and festive atmosphere made for a great end to a long day.
Saturday saw the sun rise as we wandered up the street to Carseldine Market for breakfast. Having Cate here for just a few days it was hard to fit everything on her To Do list in, but we gave it our best shot. From here she left Hugo and I, to spend the rest of her day shopping at Chermside and we headed to meet some old friends for lunch. After a few hours of laughing and chatting, Hugo and I made it home in time to drop the kids to a party out west. Deciding to make the most of some much needed quiet time, we found ourselves at the waterfront, looking for signs of the impending lunar eclipse amongst the clouds. Dinner whilst dipping our toes in the water and quietly enjoying each other's company. Almost simultaneously, we both start a conversation outlining our good fortune at having met each other at this stage of life.
Easter Sunday saw the 5 of us planning to head to the city. Hugo and I left early, and left the kids to their own devices. We found out of the way coffee shops, visited the State Library, the Gallery of Modern Art and Southbank. We stopped for drinks at Lock n Load in West End and shared great food and laughs along the way. I love the vibe of West End, even on Easter Sunday, the place has an aura of cool. Of being able to wear tie dye and running shoes, of dreadlocks and a business suit, of no style is my style.
I could live here.
Easter Monday came and Cate prepared to head home. After a few fun filled days it was a bit hard to drop her back to the airport, I love exploring the city with her, she has an endless enthusiasm for all things new.. Makes me see the world through teenage eyes again. After a final brunch at her favourite Crepe Cafe, we made our way across town to the airport for our final farewells.
Tuesday arrived and saw reality hit us again.. Off to the city to the accountants. To be reminded of the reality of life and making an income that will sustain our thirst for all things new. Lunch and coffee somewhere different again, finding new favourite haunts is our speciality these days.
Hugo's days off have come to an end, and sadly we make the journey back to the airport again. Fly out day is shit. Both of us become quiet and reserved, thinking once more about the time that we spend away from each other. To cause a distraction, we called into Nundah village and spent a few hours wandering about coffee shops, and local organic food stores to pass the time. I can recommend Slightly twisted Cafe in Nundah Village, run by two old friends of mine, a great place to while away an hour or two.
Wednesday afternoon saw me catch up with two ex Dysart people, girls who have left town and made a whole new life for themselves. Really odd how the universe has such different ideas for each of us, sending us spinning into lives so far removed from the past.
Thursday I spent laughing and catching up with more old friends, precious friends who have become part of the fabric of our family, accidentally but oh so importantly. Brandi was showing off her no sugar cooking skills, and I must admit she did so in spectacular fashion. Food great, friendship better.
Friday, back off to the city to the accountants and to locate yet another coffee shop I'd heard about. James Wills Himself. Down a lane way off Elizabeth street. Funky interior inside a semi converted bunker. Great little hideout and one I will visit again. Friday night was Boundary Street Markets in West End, complete with reggae bands, elvis impersonators, Vintage clothes and jewellery and yet more fabulous food.
Saturday finally arrived and off to the Farmers market again for breakfast. Having the option of so many different foods to sample is a draw card I can't resist. A light breakfast before walking to the station to catch a bus to the city. State library it is today for me. A writers forum at 11am. I'm in town in plenty of time to catch the brass band playing military music in recognition of the Anzac Centenary Displays at the Library.
Satursday morning- Enjoying a coffee in the gardens of the library, overlooking the Brisbane river, listening to a brass band... How on earth did my life get here? What lucky star did I catch to be able to experience this? How bloody lucky am I? Sitting in the sun, soaking up all this culture, I silently give thanks to whom ever helped me get to this point in life.
Writers forum saw me meeting the creator of Scum Magazine, the owner of Tiny Owl Press, and the founder of The Lifted Brow. Wow. Some fine minds here in this room. The talks gave me yet another idea to implement when I get back home. After a quick chat with Sue Wright regarding a possible project opportunity, it was off to catch my lift to the Gold Coast.
Metricon Stadium here I come.. Watching the girls teams play Lions vs GCS. it was a hard couple of quarters before the Suns found their feet and ran rings around the Lions team. Stayed to watch the Main Game, but St Kilda ran away with the game, and it proved to be far less interesting that the girls game prior.
Sunday arrives quickly, up early, wages, invoicing, filing, all things administrative before brunch at the cafe nearest to us.. I have been hesitant to try it, as I've read bad reviews on urban spoon about the coffee, but the food was delicious, fresh healthy options and friendly service.. I passed on the coffee, settling on a pot of tea, the kids had juice and milk shakes and both were enormous. A mid afternoon drive to Ashgrove and Petrie rounded out the week nicely.
The evening was spent packing up ready for the long drive home tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to it at all.
See ya Brisbane, it's been much fun.
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