After my Atlantic Ocean getaway, I flew back into Brisbane to see some more of Aus. During the three flights from Barbados (35 hours journey duration), and post family separation, my emotions were flaring up (not in a terrible way). Obviously (from extreme curiosity) I decided to watch a documentary on the perplexing corners of 'the human mind,' (following the film 'The Theory of Everything,' Stephen Hawking) and quite obviously it sets me off thinking about 'life,' 'chance,' 'opportunity,' 'death' and 'the journey,' as they say. SO all in all, I was absolutely fascinated and reflective, with undertones of minor 'I-hate-turbulence' panic...YAY. Ps. The Theory of Everything is AMAZING and I cried (shock) in a 'wow, I'm completely awe-inspired' way, and decided that human kind is lucky to have been graced by a mind like his. I find life incredible in general; how it throws you about, probed to think, learn more about yourself, grow and create your own reality. And I do bloody miss my family and a community of VIPs back in the UK. The trip re-jigged my priorities and yearns for sure. As they say, you can't always predict and plan everything, because different experiences lead you down different roads and I think that's greatly enlightening! It's about being micro-ambitious; not overwhelming yourself with expectations (set by yourself or others) and going on the inner-sense that consumes you the most- whether head, heart or gut. I've come to believe life's best lived like that, as long as you're aware of yourself, responsibilities and don't hurt anyone along the way! :)
Couchsurfing was a great way to discover the gems (and better comfort) of a new place, instead of totally scrambling for things to do amidst jetlag and processing change rapidly. I got to experience a taste of someone else's city, lifestyle, and recommendations. Listening is one of the best human traits to master as it can teach you so much, and is the best way to avoid an ignorant, closed mindset, that doesn't get you anywhere too quickly. I heard of my host's passions, hopes, past, and ideologies- it was so odd how normalised the concept of staying with someone you don't know became so quickly! It's never really truly awkward and you get to hang out with someone who thinks you're 'mutually cool,' over the hostel gamble situation. I liked that it seemed a more genuine option to travel personally, and it shows you how lovely the world can be, showcasing people offering so much kindness. I was safe, grateful, and still autonomous!
Now onto Brizzy...
Brisbane is beau! Speaking from an urbanist viewpoint, I’ll divulge why it's a city to visit! It’s refreshing, tropically-under layered with its moist, scented air content, large-leafed juicy greenery everywhere in sight, and its gorgeously curvy central river! It has a nice balance of commercial, retail, green space, highly attractive public spaces and is extremely comprehensible to newcomers. By the latter I mean that in some cities it can be an overwhelming, confusing ordeal to navigate or to remember places, but here you’ll immediately manage your compass around the water. Suburbia is all surprisingly very coherent and ‘together’ when you wander through it. Different to Sydney I would say where each domain has its own more identifiable character. Brisbane’s skirts are simple, very friendly, and smaller in scale.
I immediately got whiffs of London and in
some parts NY, strangely (see image below). The latter especially in relation to the inset of a facing pair of park spaces across Adelaide Street, framed by high-rise buildings. This
can be found in the Post Office Square area, central, whereby you’ll also reach
a lovely little coffee joint ‘Hard Coffee’ on Queen Street (cough a Chai Latte
with soy is just bonza!). Oh and the endless blue sky whenever you look up is just fab for a urban picture!
If you’re looking for a beach, Brisbane
isn’t the ideal choice. The nearest is around 30 mins Northbound on the edge of
the coast or 1h30mins down to Gold Coast. There’s possibly less to do here than
in Melbs or Sydney say, (Melbourne post from November 2014 HEAVILY overdue),
but if Brisbane had a human profile it would be a cute, easy-going, happy
younger brother, Melbs an artsy early-twenties sister with an attitude and Sydney a vast,
loving father figure with open arms. Yes I just personified cities… Anyway.
(^Southbank walk, under the bridge)
(^ City centre)
Kangaroo point and the river walk down
along the bottom are delicious. Up on the point, again, the city has succeeded
with its framing of views, public parks and structures that regularly celebrate
Brisbane’s lateral cityscape. Down below it’s a glorious walk, where you get
to cross some real nice pedestrian bridges into the city and marvel over the
criss-crossing, undulating high ways in your periphery. Brisbane is cool like
that on its infrastructure, without trying too hard. Nothing is ever ‘too
overdone.’ Spiders are BIG HERE, NB, so when walking on riverside under/in-between
trees, focus your eyes WELL so you don’t head-butt a web and want to faint from
their sheer circumference… :O
Bris centre is clean, compact and
comfy, owning river edges laden with beautiful public spaces and eateries.
Southbank is particularly special and very ‘London’ (with added rainforest
walks), due to grand cream stonework and clusters of civic buildings. If you
want a ‘hang out’ area its West end (good for coffee, slightly Melbournian),
and Mount Coot Tha is probably a main Brisbane must-see. It's not the best Mount I've seen, but if you got some time why not. It was however, BLOODY
COLD. I underestimated a noticeable temperature drop, and the thick winds blow
you into a mild discomfort if you don’t go prepared. I didn’t get too much time
up there due to the lateness of my arrival, but I managed to try a few mini
treks part way within the forest before I had to reach the hourly bus
departure. As I was on my own this was enough time to take snaps and take it in,
but if you’re going all out and planning the full timely treks, get there
early, have some lunch up on the look-out and leave at sundown.
(^ Up on the mount)
(^Riverside walk nearby the pier)
Nightlife review (very brief because I only managed one night out- Saturday): If you're a good-time-gal, head over to The Valley (Fortitude) for entertaining eating and drinking culture. It's got a whole list of cool bars within a short walking distance, progressively entering 'loose, boozy, anything-goes' uni territory nearer the city centre...However if you stick to the mid-twenties and up age group establishments, you'll have an enjoyable, hassle free night. Fortitude is quite a nice domain to wander around, and chuck on a pair of heels. Classy. Papa Jacks is a great time for little sharing plates and hand foods, a GREAT wine list and live music. It's warm, casual and cosey- a good, semi-sophisticated start to the night. Foods include stuffed jalapeños, sweet potato, chicken and sweetcorn fritters, home-made pork meat balls, bacon relish, cheese and chive dip etc. You get the innovative platter vibe.
Overall I noticed less of an Asian swing here compared to Syds, in relation to the population and architectural influence, higher public transport costs and the huge perception of safety. I walked everywhere, the weather was amicable and never cold enough to keep a hoody on for more than 15 minutes and people are SO friendly- the general Aus standard!
Overall I noticed less of an Asian swing here compared to Syds, in relation to the population and architectural influence, higher public transport costs and the huge perception of safety. I walked everywhere, the weather was amicable and never cold enough to keep a hoody on for more than 15 minutes and people are SO friendly- the general Aus standard!
(^Cathedral of St Stephen)
(^ Southbank Pagoda)
(^ View from up on Kangaroo Point)
THE END :)
