As we were landing in Brisbane, I spotted the beautiful violet blooms of the jacaranda tree on the streets below. They were everywhere. First impressions always count, even when it comes to a city.
Didn't know what to expect from Brisbane. When I told Ozzies in Melbourne that we were going to Brisbane next and consequently asked them what they recommended I should do, they all hmm-ed and ahh-med! No one really seemed to think much of this Queensland city.
Truth be known, Brisbane is a lovely city. Very relaxed, very laid back, has a beautiful and large river that meanders through the city and is very green. Furthermore, it's a great entry point to the famous Sunshine and Gold Coast which is north and south of the city. Do you know how I remember which is where? The sun is in the air, thus is up the coast - north. Gold is mined under ground so is south of the city. Smart eh?
What I found fascinating is that in the downtown area, which really isn't that large, there is an interesting pattern to street names. All streets heading in one direction are named after English Queens, and perpendicular to them, all Kings. So Elizabeth, Mary and Ann street criss-cross with Albert, Edward and George street. I guess where I come from we used to name streets after communists, which is really not that different from naming your streets after royalty.
And then there was the confusing time zone! So as we flew eastwards from Melbourne to Brisbane, we lost an hour! Which totally doesn't make sense and very much confused us. Of course this is something that required clarification with the locals. Why? Ends up that Queensland doesn't have day light saving time ... Something about the cows having an extra hour to sleep in the morning which makes their meat and milk taste better. Didn't quite get the connection. So, the reality is that Australia, as big as it is, naturally has different time zones, yet they are not laid out in a logical way, which for a foreigner adds up to a massive confusion. We need the federal government to exercise a bit more control over this issue!
But to redeem themselves there is the food. And the wine. We ate amazing sea food and had some excellent Australian wines, and with that I was able to forgive them over the DST fiasco. Phew!
THINGS TO DO:
> take the City Cat down the river: I asked the cab driver on the way from the airport to the hotel, what is a great first thing to do when you arrive to Brisbane. He said, take the Cat down the river. With that he meant the catamaran. For $5.90 I went all the way up and down the Brisbane River and got a great feel for this city.
> shopping on Queen Street: as I ventured out downtown on my first day, it started to rain. And right at that point where did I find myself but right smack in the middle of their shopping district, Queen Street. Since it rained for quite a long time I shopped for quite a long time and treated myself to some (ok several) funky items from Ozzie and British designers ... Yes, I went crazy. And at night, this street turns into a promenade, with several outdoor eateries and street performers. It's very lively!
RESTAURANTS:
> Bretts Wharf: What Brisbane is renowned for is its seafood. Located right on the water, I had an amazing seafood platter here. And of course fantastic wine to go with it!
> Wagamama: as I was walking down Queen street, right by the Hilton hotel, there was Wagamama! Haven't been to this restaurant since my Amsterdam days. So for old times sake I walked in. Now that I live in Asia, I have to admit that their pad thai noodles of course weren't as good as the original, yet the place was familiar and I had a fun meal. Plus I love the branding and concept. You know, sometimes you do things simply to re-live some part of your past :-)
HOTELS:
> The Urban: this boutique hotel located on Wickham Terrace, has a great view of the city and is in a great location. It has got funky rooms, albeit a bit dated. But it was the little marketing gimmicks that got me ... for example the gym was referred to on signs as 'jim'. Plus the bar and lounge area at the entrance is open and spacious, great for hanging out.
> Emporium Hotel: this is the first luxury boutique property in Brisbane. Located close to the centre, the rooms are splashy.
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