Brisbane

We have arrived in Brisbane - getting to spend some time with our family here. They have two very cute kiddies so doing lots of rolling around on the floor. And delight of delights, there is "swing bat" in the garden which I haven't played since I was a kid.

We passed through Byron Bay on the way to Brisbane. Famous for its beautiful beach and laid back hippie life style - though we saw no hippies, just lots of trendy coffee bars. Great spot though. If I was a plumber, this might just be where I would settle.


We spent a weekend with Ally's uncle and aunt, Richard and Beth, at their house in Bodrum. They were wonderful and we had a fantastic time with lots of laughs and memories. Ally got to speak to her dad and gran on the phone which was very special. Here we are at the coast, just 10 minutes from where they live.


This dog at the beach was enjoying a dip in a rock pool. Not suprising since it was 27 degrees. Not bad for winter!


I can't get enough of the crashing waves in Australia. Soon as we settle, I'll be investing in a paddle ski.


Yes, that's BOEREWORS you see on the braai... um, I mean Barbie. Cooked to perfection by Richard and absolutely delicious!!! Good to see you can get "egte" South African food here - even if it was made by a fair dinkum Aussie butcher down the road.



Day out to Stradbroke Island

Glen, Ally's cousin, took us on an outing to Stradbroke to market the beauty of Brisbane's surrounding attractions. He did an excellent job. White beaches, warm sun and my first swim in Eastern Australia.





Isn't this Crested Dove beautiful!


BRISBANE FOREST PARK

We took a relaxing walk through the Brisbane Forest Park - a beautiful spot. There certainly is lots to do around Brisbane.


I was excited to see my first Australian Brush-turkey. These birds have fascinating breeding habits. Several females lay up to 50 eggs in a single mound of vegetation. The eggs are incubated by the heat given off by the rotting vegetation. The male maintains a constant temperature by digging holes in the mound and inserting his bill to check the heat, then adding and removing vegetable matter as required.

The eggs hatch after approximately seven weeks and the chicks burrow out of the mound. The hatchlings are fully feathered and are able to walk and fend for themselves immediately. Remarkably, they are even able to fly just a few hours after hatching. No parental guidance required. Now that's what I call low effort parenting!


Our walk took us for a scenic walk around this lake. Was tempted for a dip - it was pretty hot - but did not succumb.


BRISBANE RIVER FESTIVAL

This is one of the biggest events of the year in Brisbane - celebrated with a breathtaking fireworks display. We were very lucky to be invited to watch it from Kristin's balcony situated in a prime spot overlooking the Brisbane River. I know Kristin from my Volvo days (when she was working in Sweden.) She is now working in Brisbane so it was wonderful to meet up. Her other half, Patrick, is also a really great guy.

My photos of the fireworks were a bit of a disaster but this one came out ok. I think I need to take a course on fireworks - it's not too easy. As you can see, the boat from which many of the rockets were fired was directly in front of our balcony.

And here's Kristin (far right) and another great couple we met at the party.



BREAKFAST BARBIE BY THE BEACH

Spent some quality time with the family on Sunday morning at the makeshift beach on the Brisbane river. The kids were in their element an it was a great chance to take some photos of Declan. Full of beans and mischievous as a 3 year old can be, he's absolutely adorable.





And here is Declan with his beloved dad (Glenn)


Kayden, Declan's one year old brother, is also a real cutie. He is the most curious kid you have ever met and spends his whole day wobbling around, exploring one thing after another with apt concentration and complete fascination.


Glen making a sand castle, much to Declan's delight.



FAMILY GET TOGETHER AT RICHARD AND BETH'S

We had a great farewell barbi with the family before heading to Sydney. It's been wonderful to meet our Australian family and get to know them. We look forward to many more fun times with them. Glenn and Carleen have been wonderfully hospitable - putting us up and making us feel totally at home. And the kids are absolutely adorable - we really miss them already.

I am their Leader. Which way did they go?