Down under in Brisbane!

First of all, here is my new mobile-number:
+61405390692

We were off to Brisbane in the evening of the 2nd of August! We thought…
Instead we had a 9 hours delay in Bangkok due to computer-problems. First of all we sat on the plane for 2 hours, then we had to get off, leaving our passports to the passport holder at the airport, go to the hotel that is in connection to the airport and check in.
When all this was done (long queues) we had 2,5 hours sleep before the wake up-call 6.30. We went down to the breakfast-buffet and it was huge! They even had sushi on it. 🙂

We went back to the airport, queued for our passports, and then went to the gate. At 9 AM the plane finally left for Brisbane and the trip went smoothly after that.
The trip was 9 hours long but it didn’t feel that bad. We saw two movies, had two meals and listened to some good music. I think I got 30 minutes of sleep as well.
Finally in Brisbane we saw the sign ”G’day, have a nice stay”. Well thank you, we say. 🙂

We talked to a Irish guy at the airport and shared a taxi with him. First of all we went to the ATM to get some Australian dollars. We are not getting to feel like millionaires here like in Vietnam and on Bali, I’ll tell you. :p
When we came out from the airport it was chili! We actually froze when going outside. Something we are not very used to.

We already booked a hostel from Bangkok so we went to Cloud9 Backpackers Resort. We checked in and entered the 8 bed dorm we would share with 6 guys (3 English, 1 Australian, 1 New Zeeland and 1 Scottish). They where all asleep except the Aussie that had the bed under mine. He had stuff everywhere! He came in and I asked him politely if I could have a corner for my stuff and he just said, ”Sure, just take one”. Right….not an easy task. 🙂

We went to sleep right away, and I woke up freezing like nothing I experienced in almost 5 months. I only had a thin sheet over me and the windows were open. ”brrrrrr” The next day we asked for blankets.
I know, I shouldn’t complain. I’ve been longing for a chili climate for some time and now I got it. The problem is that almost all the clothes I have with me are all summer clothes…Not very fitting, so I need to buy new ones…and I have to fit them in my backpack.:p

The first day we went downtown to ask about trips to Fraser Island and Whitsundays. We almost danced down the street due to the fresh air and the clean streets. Also it was so great to look at people. Everybody looked so different from each other.
We went to YHA and PeterPan to check on their trips and we liked the girl at YHA better, and they seem more serious.
A-M and I will go on a self-drive tour to Fraser (10-11 people that drives a 4-wheel and camp on the Island with no guide). We will leave on Monday to Hervey Bay.After that A-M will go to the Whitsundays, but since I can’t deal with sailing boats I can’t do it. 🙁

We stayed 3 nights on Cloud9 before moving two doors further away to a place called City Backpackers. It’s bigger and has female only-dorms. It also has a deck where you can sit and there is a swimming pool. Not that I will use the pool since it’s freezing. :p

On Saturday we walked to the other side of the river and went in to Brisbane’s museum. It was for free and had a lot of exhibitions about animals, both those that are alive nowadays and those that are not.
We followed the river and found the handmade beach. Amazing to see a beach in the middle of the city where people swim and got some sun while lying there in their bikinis.
We walked over another bridge and found a Botanic Garden. Wished we had a pick-nick with us. Great green views and a sunny warm day.
It was a great walk and I like Brisbane a lot. Most things are in a walking distance and it’s clean, fresh. I’m not really over the shock that everything is so expensive here though…but I will manage. 🙂

Today we took the river cruise with MS Miramar up the Brisbane River. It was a 18 AUD ride for 1,15 hours along the river. Very nice indeed and the houses at the river are luxurious!
We arrived at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary which is the oldest and biggest sanctuary for Koalas, and there are 130 of them or so.
First of all we saw some nice, colorful birds and then the cute Koalas. They where sitting in the trees, sleeping, everywhere.
We decided to take our pictures with the Koalas, which was 15AUD. You get to hold a Koala all by yourself and this is the only place in Aussie where you can do that (if I’m not mistaken).
Flash was his name and I got to hold him for a couple of minutes, while the photographer was busy.
He cling on to my arms and fell asleep. 🙂
A-M took some pictures with my camera as well, so you will see the result as soon as I can upload pictures.

We also got to see a Sheepdog Show with an amazing Border Collie (of course :p) and then we fed the Kangaroos. We could walk in the park where they were jumping around.
We also saw a Tasmanian Devil, Wombats, Dingos, Baby-Koalas and many other animals.
It was a great park and I can fully recommend it.

Tonight we will pack and then tomorrow we will leave early in the morning for Hervey Bay.
Hugs to you all!