Tuesday May 24th City of Brisbane Tour

Brisbane River & city

This morning almost all of us took the light rail into Brisbane. (Tom, Anthony, Trevor, Shane and Amy and myself) Their family sure lives close to everything. The train station is only a five minute walk from their house and then the train ride itself was only 10-15 minutes and we were in downtown Brisbane. What a nice big city! It reminded me a lot of Seattle, only cleaner. We found the tourist office in the center of the pedestrian Mall -called Queen Street Mall. We got some information and vouchers for the City Sights Tour. I had read about it online but was a bit disappointed. The tour was supposed to be informative with a get-on get-off feature. Really it was the bus driver showing us the stops and a few historic buildings. We didn't get much information about Brisbane but at least we really got a good look at the city. At the top of a lookout we got off and got some great pictures and a lay of the land. Our second bus driver was much more informative. After out little "tour" we found a little eatery in the mall. Good food - dough wrapped around chicken or in my case, seafood. Very yummy. By now it was 2 in the afternoon and us adults were tired out. The teenagers stayed in the city while Tom, Amy and I took the train back to their suburb....called Indooroopilly (but pronounced in-door-pilly).  Tom and I hung out at the house. We were both tired because I think we aren't totally over the jet lag yet. Before dinner we did go on a nice long walk. At a nearby golf course we saw what we thought were big seagulls and then realized they were a flock of Cacatoos...those big white birds with a little yellow feather at the top of their heads. Amazing! Tom, Anthony and I went out to dinner at a lovely little Indian restaurant close to the house. Great food! Tonight we are planning the next couple of days...wonder what they will bring. I am getting a big homesick for my family but am trying not to think about it too much.

Heidi at the top of Mt. Coot-Tha

Brennen ...His school uniform.

Ps. Tom took this picture of Brennen this afternoon. He looks really cool in his private school uniform. Lots of kids wear these hats with their school uniforms. Brennen hates his and that's why he is doing the "thumbs down". We're lucky we got this picture!