Sunday Funday

After a really long week and full on work trip, all I wanted to do was sleep on Sunday. However, Greg drug me out of bed and we had a nice Sunday Funday. Brisbane is really big on markets. We have markets on Wednesdays which are fresh produce, food and treats. Southbank markets which are trendy up and coming designers and local vendors of jewelry, clothes, trinkets, etc. And Eagle St. Pier markets every Sunday which are similar to Southbank markets but offer unique gifts ideas and treats. We’ve passed the markets at the pier a number of times but haven’t stopped so Sunday we made a point to do so. We bought a few things but mostly looked at everything the locals had to offer.

Around noon we took the City Cat over to New Farm which is a nice suburb with huge parks and beautiful river front apartments. We walked, and walked and walked, trying to decide if New Farm is an area in which we would want to live. The jury is still out on that but we’ll see soon.

We finally turnaround and walked back to where we got off the City Cat to a place called The Powerhouse. This is an old warehouse type building which always has something to offer in terms of food, drinks, art and live entertainment. We met Stephanie and enjoyed people watching from the downstairs restaurant and enjoyed the beautiful afternoon.

Greg and I caught the City Cat back to the city and just so happened to pass our favorite $7 beer and pizza Sunday special restaurant. How ironic huh? Early evening, we had about enough and called it a weekend.

Stay tuned. Tomorrow I leave to go to Perth and I get back very early Friday morning. For most of you, I’m sure you’re wondering what in the world that means to you in terms of time. I don’t know either. Saturday we’re either going to look at apartments or go to the driving range and then Saturday night we’re going to the Australia vs. South Africa rugby game. No, we don’t get it yet, but it will be so much fun! We’ll check out the Storey Bridge Hotel, which is actually a pub, on Sunday and try to get some rest in between. Next weekend we’re going to Coolangota which may sound familiar, we passed through there on our way to Byron Bay last month. The beaches look beautiful and we’re going whale watching. We’re so excited and we’ll post more as it happens.

We miss you all so much and hope to talk to you soon! We’re going to have to start staying up late or getting up earlier. We want to hear what’s going on will y’all too!!

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Yesterday we went to the Koala Sanctuary about 20 minutes outside the city. We had so much fun watching the cuddly little cutties.

We also watched the kangaroos lounge around, the wallabies hop and the emus stare oddly at us (not as cute as the others but neat to see).

One of the fluffy wombats waddled his fat body over to the glass where we were standing like it was time for him to be fed. They’re very interesting creatures, haven’t figured them out yet. We also saw birds, crocodiles, a platypus, Tasmanian devils and some of Australia’s most poisonous snakes. There was even a beautifully colored peacock running around the food court with the ugly bush turkeys trying to pick up on scraps.

Born in the USA

On the Fourth of July we went to Stephanie’s for a party to celebrate American Independence day with the Australians, Brits and a few more Americans. We fixed burgers, mac ‘n cheese and potato salad and of course DIP!!! Queso and ranch dip to be exact. YUM! (Thanks again for our care package Debra and Amy!)

Of course we had a great time! Steph even fixed Root Beer Floats. We proudly wore our boots and I even wore my pistols necklace (not too sure how that was perceived really.) I was asked if everyone in Texas has a gun. I’ll let most of you answer that question. Most people here have not heard the term “shoot first, ask questions later.” Disclaimer: this is a joke, we do not abide by this advice.

(Thanks Mom!) Our care package from Mom came on the 6th which was loaded with the most adorable pictures of Nash, a few of my dresses and most entertaining, “How to Speak Texan in 30 Minutes.” I took it to the office and everyone got a kick out of it. One of our British visitors asked if I really say “This aint my first rodeo.” OF COURSE I DO!! They also asked if there was really a place called Waxahachie. Yes, one of my really great friends parents live there, love you Jill!

Steph and I get a kick out of making the girls in the office listen to world class country songs such as “Honkeytonk Badonkadonk,” “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy,” and “Boot Scootin Boogie.” They snicker every time one of those amazing tunes plays on the ipod in the office.

The biggest highlight of last week was GREG GOT A JOB!!! He’s now working for URS as a Senior Water Engineer. Evidently his boss likes to fish. (He wants to take me, since I catch the biggest fish.)

This past weekend our new friends who work for Exxon took us to eat good BBQ. The owner of Smokehouse is American and the menu was pretty extensive. We had wings, spinach artichoke dip, brisket, mac ‘n cheese, cole slaw and corn on the cob. Amazing! Apparently it’s the only place in town with BBQ as we know it and we really enjoyed it. We expressed our appreciation to the owner but definitely plan to go back soon.

Again, we miss everyone back home and wish y'all were here to experience this with us! We miss the Good 'Ole US of A but we're enjoying our new home. See y'all soon and take care!