Jim, Gail and I (the sometimes blog author) left Doug on the ship to take another recovery day so he'll be in good shape for our next big adventure in Cairns. You'll hear more about that in a few days.
Today we were on a mission to get more cough syrup, Deet-laced insect repellant for our upcoming trip to New Guinea, and wool for Gail, as she is going to make a baby quilt for charity too. BUT… with our mission accomplished before 10am, we decided to wander. The city boasts a wonderful botanical garden, so we headed in that direction, passing many of the restored Victorian style buildings that grace the city. The old treasury building is now a casino (that seemed appropriate as governments get a lot of their revenue from casinos now-a-day). The parliament buildings are still the head of government in this state of Queensland. Of course there are statues all about, Queen Victoria among them.
As we came to the end of the garden where the ibis and iguanas abounded, there was a foot bridge to cross the Brisbane River that led us to a delightful area called Southbank. It is a parkland area that stretches along the river for about a mile. The bougainvilla trellises led us through a water-park for the children and a huge man-made swimming beach completely enclosed to keep out the deadly box-jellyfish that are in season right now. It is well patrolled by the Aussie life guards who are decked out in brilliant orange suits. All sorts frequent the area, no one is too small or too large to enjoy the cool waters.
Of course, where people congregate for relaxation, there are lots of places to choose from to grab a bite of lunch. Signs were posted to beware of the ibis as they are prone to steal food. Gail and I had fish and chips, while Jim settled for a meat pie and a local beer.The ibis did not approach, thank goodness because they have a wicked looking beak. Being fully refreshed and rehydrated we began to head for home, recrossing the river on the Victoria Bridge and heading down Queen Street through the pedestrian mall where we had done our earlier shopping. There was lots of activity going on this afternoon; musicians of various descriptions busking for change, a mime fishing in a toilet boil, table tennis matches, little golf, and a big celebration in anticipation of the world cricket tournament that is upcoming.
With very tired feet and sweaty bodies we climbed back onto the shuttle bus to seek the cool comfort of our home away from home. While we were away , red roses and some yummy chocolates were delivered to our rooms to help us celebrate Valentine's Day. It is a formal night tonight at dinner so many of our number will be decked out in fancy red duds. We will be included in that number.
Doug ventured to the Crow's Nest with the Cutler's tonight and even to the dining table as he emerges from his exile in the cabin, cautiously.
Pics: Ibis; Casino; Old bldgs; Rest when you can; Botanical Gardens fence; Iguanas; Kids decorated for the cricket games; and various Babes; Doug's restricted view of Brisbane; The dining room tonight and Fellette with the Ginger Man as we exit the dining room.
e Indian openers posted their first half-century stand outside Asia as they saw the crucial first hour of play through. On the wicket that had bounce, Johnson had exploited the conditions and tested the openers but they had done well to negotiate it on most occasions in the morning. fence installation nj
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