This time last week I was just getting off the plane. Crazy.
Ok, so I know it's been a while (a whole 3 days!) since I last wrote anything, but I have been busy doing things - not just neglecting you - so now I have lots to tell you :)
On Friday I did nothing.
(It get's better, I promise).
I was very lazy all day, I jumped on the trampoline a bit, then I went for a swim a bit, I slept quite a lot and then did a bit more swimming.
On Saturday morning my uncle and I rose with the sun to make our way down to Brisbane for the morning. (Actually that's not strictly true, given that the sun rises at about 3 o'clock in the morning here. But early anyway.) From Twin Waters, it's very easy to get to Brisbane, or at least it would be very difficult to get lost. This is due to the fact that the road is the longest, straightest road you've ever seen in your life. So, about half an hour down the road (and you know, I think the Romans must have secretly snuck here without anybody noticing, built this ridiculously straight road and left, because seriously, that's how straight it is) and you hit the outskirts of Brisbane. Another half an hour and you're nearly in the centre. It's massive. Now, there seems to be a trend in big cities to build large Ferris wheel type structures for experiencing the panoramic view of the cityscape. Of course, the London Eye, the Star of Nachang in China, the Singapore Flyer in Singapore are all examples of these massive structures, so seeing an advert for The Wheel of Brisbane, (and being the geeky engineering sort) I thought it would be fun to go and check it out. Well, what can I say? It was different. The wheel itself is not quite as big as the other examples, which meant it was free to move quicker (the London Eye rotates at 0.5mph), which in turn, meant one rotation passed very quickly. But it was a lovely view, and I didn't feel I'd wasted any money (especially as my uncle paid for my ticket). So as we came back to the stopping port, I made as if to get up and out and continue sight-seeing. It was lucky I hestitated though, as in fact, this was not the end. We continued to circle at least another 9 times. The result of which was that the Wheel of Brisbane was not so much like a Ferris wheel, and more like that ride at the fairground where you are strapped in and spun round until you feel queasy and your legs have turned to jelly.
Once the world had stopped spinning, we continued to make our way down Southbank (my initial reaction to this was "Could this place want to be any more like London?" and of course, although it may seem reasonable to name the bank on the southern side of the river Southbank, I maintain that Brisbane is a wannabe London)* through the beach in the city - such a brilliant idea, I think Leeds should get one, and back over the river into town for coffee.
*Actually Brisbane was, although bits of it were reminiscent of London, quite clearly a city which had been influenced by every great city around the world. There was a very definite business air with the skyscraper type buildings, coupled with more traditional 'squat' British designs, with a natural mix of Asian styles and even a hint of Disneyland thrown in! It really was quite brilliant!
Having ticked Brisbane off my list, we made our way back up to Maroochydore, Maroochy to its inhabitants, to a suburb called Sippy Downs. This is where my cousin lives with her boyfriend and 3 year old daughter. Another new relative to meet! We haven't quite figured out if she's my first cousin once removed or my second cousin yet, but whatever relation, she's adorable, if a little boisterous!
Moving ever closer to the present, yesterday, the Penney Clan + honourary member (me), fell on the Sunshine Plaza to have our photo taken with Santa (he's very good you know, he can do an Australian accent and everything!). So winging it's way back to England is a pretty hideous photo (just to warn you) of the family. I'm glad I won't have to see it again in the near future! After our exciting meeting with Father Christmas, we headed back to Twin Waters for a family BBQ, and Alice's first family meal. She didn't quite get the hang of it, preferring to work off the calories in between each mouthful. Personally, I thought it was quite a good idea, but I didn't join her in case it was frowned upon. Later on we settled down to watch the latest Doctor Who special; I didn't enjoy it any better the second time around, and then to watch some of the rugby. I only saw the first half of All Blacks vs. Barbarians, but I'm glad to say at the end of the first half we were winning! I'm currently trying to find out who won, apparantly the whole country goes into mourning if the All Blacks lose.
Baa-Baas 25, All Blacks 18. I hope the bus services keep running...
Well then, you're pretty much up to date. Of course, my plans have changed from what I had originally said, and this afternoon I'm going to Eumundi to spend two weeks with my first HelpX host! I'm not sure what the internet will be like up there so it may be some time before I'm on here again!
Lots of Love,
Em xxx
Ok, so I know it's been a while (a whole 3 days!) since I last wrote anything, but I have been busy doing things - not just neglecting you - so now I have lots to tell you :)
On Friday I did nothing.
(It get's better, I promise).
I was very lazy all day, I jumped on the trampoline a bit, then I went for a swim a bit, I slept quite a lot and then did a bit more swimming.
On Saturday morning my uncle and I rose with the sun to make our way down to Brisbane for the morning. (Actually that's not strictly true, given that the sun rises at about 3 o'clock in the morning here. But early anyway.) From Twin Waters, it's very easy to get to Brisbane, or at least it would be very difficult to get lost. This is due to the fact that the road is the longest, straightest road you've ever seen in your life. So, about half an hour down the road (and you know, I think the Romans must have secretly snuck here without anybody noticing, built this ridiculously straight road and left, because seriously, that's how straight it is) and you hit the outskirts of Brisbane. Another half an hour and you're nearly in the centre. It's massive. Now, there seems to be a trend in big cities to build large Ferris wheel type structures for experiencing the panoramic view of the cityscape. Of course, the London Eye, the Star of Nachang in China, the Singapore Flyer in Singapore are all examples of these massive structures, so seeing an advert for The Wheel of Brisbane, (and being the geeky engineering sort) I thought it would be fun to go and check it out. Well, what can I say? It was different. The wheel itself is not quite as big as the other examples, which meant it was free to move quicker (the London Eye rotates at 0.5mph), which in turn, meant one rotation passed very quickly. But it was a lovely view, and I didn't feel I'd wasted any money (especially as my uncle paid for my ticket). So as we came back to the stopping port, I made as if to get up and out and continue sight-seeing. It was lucky I hestitated though, as in fact, this was not the end. We continued to circle at least another 9 times. The result of which was that the Wheel of Brisbane was not so much like a Ferris wheel, and more like that ride at the fairground where you are strapped in and spun round until you feel queasy and your legs have turned to jelly.
Once the world had stopped spinning, we continued to make our way down Southbank (my initial reaction to this was "Could this place want to be any more like London?" and of course, although it may seem reasonable to name the bank on the southern side of the river Southbank, I maintain that Brisbane is a wannabe London)* through the beach in the city - such a brilliant idea, I think Leeds should get one, and back over the river into town for coffee.
*Actually Brisbane was, although bits of it were reminiscent of London, quite clearly a city which had been influenced by every great city around the world. There was a very definite business air with the skyscraper type buildings, coupled with more traditional 'squat' British designs, with a natural mix of Asian styles and even a hint of Disneyland thrown in! It really was quite brilliant!
Having ticked Brisbane off my list, we made our way back up to Maroochydore, Maroochy to its inhabitants, to a suburb called Sippy Downs. This is where my cousin lives with her boyfriend and 3 year old daughter. Another new relative to meet! We haven't quite figured out if she's my first cousin once removed or my second cousin yet, but whatever relation, she's adorable, if a little boisterous!
Moving ever closer to the present, yesterday, the Penney Clan + honourary member (me), fell on the Sunshine Plaza to have our photo taken with Santa (he's very good you know, he can do an Australian accent and everything!). So winging it's way back to England is a pretty hideous photo (just to warn you) of the family. I'm glad I won't have to see it again in the near future! After our exciting meeting with Father Christmas, we headed back to Twin Waters for a family BBQ, and Alice's first family meal. She didn't quite get the hang of it, preferring to work off the calories in between each mouthful. Personally, I thought it was quite a good idea, but I didn't join her in case it was frowned upon. Later on we settled down to watch the latest Doctor Who special; I didn't enjoy it any better the second time around, and then to watch some of the rugby. I only saw the first half of All Blacks vs. Barbarians, but I'm glad to say at the end of the first half we were winning! I'm currently trying to find out who won, apparantly the whole country goes into mourning if the All Blacks lose.
Baa-Baas 25, All Blacks 18. I hope the bus services keep running...
Well then, you're pretty much up to date. Of course, my plans have changed from what I had originally said, and this afternoon I'm going to Eumundi to spend two weeks with my first HelpX host! I'm not sure what the internet will be like up there so it may be some time before I'm on here again!
Lots of Love,
Em xxx
She's your first cousin once removed. Your children will be her second cousins.
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p.s. I could have had a free ticket to that match but I had to come to Lincoln instead...
You should have gone to the rugby, it was a brillioant first half at least! x
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