Wah hey were back in Brisbane!!! Love it!!

Thursday 17th December 2009, Brisbane

Well after a relatively short flight we were back in Brisbane and eager to show mum why we loved it so much!

Firstly though we had to introduce her to the world of backpacking! After a very long wait for the airport shuttle and then a very long drive in and around Brisbane we made it to Brisbane Backpacker Resort. This was a backpackers that mum had found in the Lonely Planet and thought it looked quite good and to be fair it was. The staff were very friendly and pretty helpful. We had a private room, mum had a small double and Caroline and I were in bunk beds, plus ensuite.

Once we had checked in and Caroline and I had had our routine new place drink and cigarette we caught the hostel shuttle bus into the city. It dropped us off at the transport centre and then as we were all hungry we headed to the food court. Now very bizarrely mum requested Mc Donalds, so this is what we had.

After here we walked into the main shopping area and had a walk around. We also watched a Japanese choir sing carols, very strange. Whilst in the centre Caroline also had a look around for some much desired high heels!

From here we walked over the bridge too South Bank and the lagoon. Mum and I decided that because we had carried our bikinis all afternoon we were going to use them! Caroline was not so keen. It had been quite warm and the water was warm but it was awful getting out!!

After our quick swim we had a drink at one of the South bank bars and then had dinner at a Greek restaurant over looking the lagoon. Very nice.

Friday 18th December 2009, Brisbane

We had a late start today and after having some breakfast we caught the shuttle bus to South bank. Whilst in south bank we collected the tickets for the Ballet which we were going to that night.

After this Mum and I went to the Brisbane museum which is housed in city hall and Caroline went shopping. She came back later with a pair of high heels, one happy girl! Whilst at the museum we also went up the clock tower for some spectacular views over the city! Also in the city square were artistic impressions of the 12 days of Christmas so photos were obviously taken here as well. Lunch today was at subway and then we popped to Target, where Caroline bought a dress and a bikini and I bought 2 new tops. All with Christmas money-Thank you Gran and Christine xx

From here we had a walk along the North bank of the river and in through the Botanical Gardens. After catching the Cat ferry back to South bank we treated ourselves to a New Zealand Natural Ice Cream-yummy!

We returned then to our hostel where we showered and made ourselves look beautiful before heading back out for a nice but rushed Chinese. From here it was onto the ballet where we watched a beautiful performance of Sleeping Beauty!!! Stunning.

After the ballet we went for a couple of drinks at one of the bars on South Bank, which was nice as there was a live band playing. We were then met by Loan (a girl we met on The Great Ocean Road) and her friend Suzie and after dropping mum at the hostel we all went to the Valley and a club called Cloud 9. It was VERY nice. Once this closed we had a dance at another very crowed bar before Loan drove us home. It was a late one!!

Saturday 19th December 2009, Brisbane

Well to say we both woke up fine would be a lie! Hangovers were present and bless mum she went to the shop for us and bought us much needed power aides (Rehydration drinks). They for the moment did the trick and after another late start we headed out.

First stop was South bank for their weekend market. Caroline and mum had to pop into the city to sort Caroline's dress out as her new dress which she had worn last night was discovered to still have the security tag on! Whoops! Whilst they were gone I sat and drank coffee whilst people watching and reading my book. Lovely. Once they returned, which seemed like a life time later we explored the South Bank craft market. Fantastic Market with lots of lovely things. Some small purchases were made. We then decided to have some lunch on the square and whilst we were eating the heavens opened along with a lot of very loud thunder!!! So we remained seated in the café drinking coffee and writing postcards (our first since arriving in Oz). Then I'm afraid to tell you I went home with a terrible headache and the feeling of nausea which had been present for quite some time. Caroline will tell you it was a hangover, I'd like to think it wasn't but after a couple of hours sleep I was ok, not great but ok!

Whilst I was gone mum and Caroline originally went to have a look at the Christmas pantomime that was happening but as they weren't impressed they went on the river for an hour on the CAT ferry in the rain! Once off that they watched the Christmas concert in South Bank which they said was lovely, I'm gutted I missed it. They then very kindly came back to get me and they we all headed back out to watch the Christmas fireworks over the river! They were spectacular and amazing at the same time!!!

After the fireworks we had a walk into the city, admiring the city at night as it was beautiful, and then we had dinner at Wagamamas. From here it was back to the hostel for a surposive early night but because of internet and packing it was gone midnight before we went to bed with a 5am start fast approaching us!!!