Our flight to Brisbane is at 10 am so I wanted to be at the airport by 9am. I had organised and paid for the hotel shuttle to take us over to the terminal so we only had to go downstairs and hop in the bus. All pretty easy but there was a fair line at check in.. I do tend to panic when traveling, no matter where I'm going I like to be there hours before is necessary and today we were cutting it a little fine in my book! We got all checked in and through security in enough time... much to Rodd's delight as he was sick of me pacing and worrying, I mean really you'd think he'd be used to my nervousness at being late by now!! We hadn't had breakfast as the hotel dining room was a pretty upmarket affair and I didn't really feel like paying a fortune for some toast and tea! I did however pop into a shop and buy some mixed nuts so they had to suffice until we were on board and the inflight service commenced. A short non eventful flight to Brisbane we retrieved our luggage.... every time we travel we try our hardest to only have carry on but end up always having to check in on the way home, we do like to donate to the local economy wherever we go! I could start a debate here about the pros and cons of carry on v check in luggage, jury is out with me over which is the best option. I've found whenever we've had to check in that there has been very little time spent waiting to retrieve it at the destination and it's certainly nice to not have to fight with everyone for space in the overhead bins... plus once you check it you've got your hands free, no dragging luggage all over the airport, down the boarding gate and through the plane. Then again if travelling in some countries I'd be worried something would end up in there or I'd lose stuff... I don't want to end up like Schapelle Corby. But I digress........... I had booked Cols Shuttle as I always do from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, they've always given us excellent service at a great price, however this time was a little uncomfortable. It was a stinking hot day and we were the last 2 on a full bus so Rodd ended up in front of me and I was on the back seat with 4 other people. The airconditioner wasn't working so it was really unpleasantly hot and I was sticking to these complete strangers that I was pressed ever so intimately up against. It was a very long hour and I was very pleased to see it come to an end! Once again, being the creature of habit that I am, I had booked us a room at the Top Spot Motel which is right in Maroochydore opposite the Sunshine Plaza. It's a nice little place, great rooms at the best price in town. We spent a lovely couple of days catching up with the kids, I always enjoy the time we get to spend with them cos I certainly don't get to see them as often as I would like to. 6th Jan we caught the train from Nambour to Roma St. Jack came with us as I'd booked his flight to Longreach for the holidays on the same flight as us. The train trip was pretty good, easy enough and reasonably priced. From the station we decided to get a taxi to the Riverside Hotel over in South Brisbane, we stayed here last time we went on holidays so knew where it was but once again the taxi driver had trouble finding it! Once we'd checked in I rang Lyndal and organised to meet her and Andrew over at Southbank in a few hours.. we however were starving so headed out a bit early and walked to Southbank where we indulged in some yummy kebabs.. I had falafel of course... it had been so long since I'd had a kebab so I thoroughly enjoyed it! After that we walked around a bit people watching until I got a text from Lyndal saying they were on the ferry so we walked down to the water to meet them as they stepped off the ferry. It had been a few years since I'd seen Lyndal but she hasn't changed a bit and I'd know that gorgeous face anywhere! It was such a fantastic night, we went to a pub in Southbank and had a few drinks and just chatted like it had been yesterday since we'd seen each other. I'm so glad I made the effort to catch up with them, I have to thank facebook really for this because seriously I don't think I'd know my cousins at all if not for us talking on facebook. After we said goodbye to Lyndal and Andrew we walked back over to Queen St Mall and had dinner at Milanos then walked back to the motel. Jan 7th we flew home to Longreach, back to work, back to planning the next adventure. Which incidently is my trip with Debra and Gwendoline to UK and Greece... poor Rodd has to stay and work!!