Spring in the City

 Went to the GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) this weekend - pretty amazing what Brisbane has in terms of culture and environment. They (important people in positions of power) make the South side of the River in the downtown core really pedestrian and family friendly.

 
We do not get to see or run around in much grass here - different from back home so this proved a pretty enjoyable experience for all.

We should replicate this space back home. Not this silly blog but the physical built environment.

A Few Pictures of Recent

I should probably do a course in both how to taker good photos as well as to encourage me to actually take a few photos. Here are a few of the Pool in Cairns, Koala holding, the summers rains in BrisVegas as well as the Jacaranda trees - a pretty vibrant bloom this year (or so I have been told).

Byron Bay NSW

Google Map to Byron Bay

We took a road - actually interstate - trip this past week to Byron Bay. It is the most easterly location in Australia and only 2 hrs drive or less south from Brisbane. It was great. Wonderful Beach community - lots of combi's - good places to explore, nice food, friendly people and relaxation and respite (not that we need it too much as we do live in Queensland).

Ella and Michelle had a good time - they ate lots of ice-cream (and coconuts).

Spring has Arrived (according to both Australia (i.e., Sept 1st) and the Autumnal equinox).

We have been busy enjoying the Brisbane Festival. A celebration for??? Brisbane just kind of likes celebrating stuff. The Brisbane Festival runs 8 – 29 September 2012. Sunsuper Riverfire is on Saturday 29 September 2012.

Her we are at the outdoor symphony. Ella rather enjoyed the experience as did the people who were fortunate enough to sit next to us

Brisbane is really wonderful for outdoor experiences and makes these things really family friendly. We are having a nice time here and now that the warmer season is upon us - but not quite all the rain yet - we are up for lots of adventures. Byron Bay this week, then Anna comes and we are off to Cairns, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

All is Good.

End of Winter

Working on action shots - UQ campus

First winter has almost concluded (aka we made it) ~ spring begins here on Sept 1st. Not sure why but Fathers Day is Sept 2nd so everything is and continues to be just a little bit different. Here are a few photos of recent adventures ~ Riding on Public Transit in Brisbane, Hanging out at University of Queensland (now that is a nice campus), Lone Pine Koala (not bear!!!) Sanctuary, and just general Brisbane activities.

Swing Hangers

Things are good here, term is almost over, looking at a few trips to NSW, Northern Queensland and perhaps Melbourne again in the coming moths. Anna is coming to visit as might Mina.

Dingos can be pets we have learned ~ just not in Queensland

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is one of our monthly outings - we seem to see the same things each time (not that anything can actually escape so this seems expected). However, we are planning on trying to see more of the Cassowaries and less of the Kangaroos and Wallabies.

But, when in Rome.

These can't be pets

All is good on this end. Hope anyone who reads this is also well.

July in Brisbane

Michelle and Ella's B-Day Cake

Sunny winter day at the Botanical Gardens

The weather has been wonderful but with a few illnesses - it is cold season here - as well as the start for a new term these posts have not been as regular. I have put up a few random shots of our various activities in the past few weeks that might be of interest. Botanical Garners, Brisbane Museum, Birthday Cake, et al.

South Australia and Victoria

Adelaide South Australia

Ella, Michelle and Todd took some time off to explore bits of Australia this past week. We went on a road trip this past week - Adelaide for a conference and then on to Melbourne. Ella had her third birthday here and seemed to enjoy the books and puzzles.

Adelaide was pretty impressive and the number of Universities as well as cultural sites to visit such as the Art Gallery, Museum and Botanical Gardens were great.

South Bank of Melbourne

Melbourne Victoria

I really liked Melbourne and hope to get back there before the end of the year - we got to see Simone and Sally and Ella met Chloe. They seemed to have fun together and shared a passion for ice-cream.

The Gentoos

Ella liked the Gentoos

Both wonderful places and so different from each other as well as different from Queensland and Brisbane. Beginning to get a better perspective on the Australian culture and mentality. Was also happy to get back home to the relative warmth and familiarity of the East Coast (despite a full email inbox). Here are some photos that capture a bit of the trip.