Now it feels like Australia - I've hit surfing country...

OK...I knew I was in Australia (in case I had forgotten) when I hit Noosa. Here was my first introduction to the surfer mentality and laid back attitude that I've never experienced before. If you can picture Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High...that's pretty close to the surfers I met. I guess I better learn how to surf before trying to embrace that life style. But I'm leaving the surfing until Byron Bay. However, let's not rush things as I'm still in Brisbane.

I was going to start my blog bragging about my photography skills as I think my pics from the Brisbane Botanical Gardens and the Brisbane River ROCK!!...but the very next day at the Australian Zoo...I forgot I had my camera set to "night" vision and the first half of my pics from the zoo look like the animals have an aura eminating from within. Back to basics with the camera. And for those who haven't figured it out yet (I know who you are), but you can click on the pictures on the blog to enlarge them for better viewing.

I was lucky enough to see my first familar face here in Australia. Jackie Chua (from Highschool) and her friend Davin took me out for a nice steak dinner here in Brisbane. Outstanding...thanks Jackie. And believe it or not...Jackie brought her Woodstock Collegiate Institue Year Book with her from 1988. Why Jackie...why...you've made me remember 80's hairdos and fashion. I was hoping to forget Tim's mullet!!

Brisbane isn't as laid back as I had hoped with lots of suits walking around (too sad for them :) )...it is still a big city. However,with the Brisbane River meandering throughout it makes for some great views and the downtown core is very green. I'd like to take this time to let everyone know that even Embro Boys have some culture and I visited the Queensland Art Gallery and Queensland Museum. I bet that's a surprise for a few of you. OK...let's be realistic...they were both free! But my culture only extends so far...at the mall yesterday (at different times luckily) I had to witness opera singers and Christian singers belt out Christmas carols. Why can't people leave carols as they were written? I don't want to hear some wonky version that shatters my eardrum and neither group knew Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. Come on people...it's a classic!

It took me almost a month to run into more than 5 fellow Canadians, but in the last week I've found out where they've been hiding...Noosa and Brisbane. I've now shared rooms where Canadians outnumbered the rest of the world. However, I hate to say it, but the young Canadian girls I've met are giving us a bad name. They're obnoxious and loud which I find somewhat surprising. Very sad. C'est la vie.

Another try for some camera brillance. OK...those of you who forced me to take my camera...you may have created a monster.

And fellow Cdns...I need your help. The Aussie are trying to say that they are known for saying "eh"...not the Canadians. Help me in drinking them into submission. I'm doing my part over here. Will you take up the fight as well? Cheers...eh