Getting Ready to Return

It always seems that towards the end of a trip, no matter its length and no matter how much you've enjoyed it, you start to mentally prepare for your return, beginning to look forward to your familiar surroundings and routines. We're at that place now.

We've enjoyed a return of better weather here in Surfer's, with more sunny days than overcast days, but there's a definite touch of "fall" in the air--Gold Coast fall, that is, where the temperatures at night may drop down to the 50's and the day temps are only in the high 60's or lower 70's. Still mighty nice to a Seattlite.

At present we're still alone in our friends' apartment, expecting their return this weekend. We've taken a second trip into Brisbane, haunted the local shopping centers, bookstores and libraries, and today took a 2-hour river tour to see some of the elegant homes along the many waterways that have been constructed here.

Saturday is Anzac Day here--the Aussie version of Veteran's Day. Anzac is the name for the Australia/New Zealand military forces that served in the several world and regional wars. And it is a BIG DEAL here, unlike our comparable day in the US. There is very strong sentiment about honoring the many Australians who have given their lives in defense of other sectors of the world, usually joining European and US troops. About the only time they were actually fighting action that threatened their own country was in the Pacific arena in WWII, when the Japanese attacked parts of the Aussie coast. So there's lots on television about these veterans and about their part in the wars. Just great for someone like me who loves watching military history, but you-know-who is loving it!

Next posting when we get home. I'll be glad to be back to my own machine where I can actually upload pictures again.

Back to the beach!

We're back in Surfer's Paradise, glad to be where we can again get our daily walk on the beach and our cappucino at our favorite cafe. I tried to post a picture of me on the beach, but the dial-up computer access I'm using seems to be too slow, so I've given up.

The weather continues quite mixed. It's been overcast, with spells of sun each day, along with a little rain. Naturally today's rain came just as I was beginning my return trip from the cafe. Phil opted to take the bus. I went ahead and walked, and about halfway home the rain stopped, so at least I wasn't dripping wet when I got back to the apartment. Tonight we're going to check out a Thai restaurant near us, the beginning of our scan of the local eateries that are within walking distance.

I've been collecting some Aussie phrases. Shortening words is the order of the day, occasionally leaving us scrambling to figure out what someone is saying. Here are a few of my favorites so far:

Brekky (also spelled breaky) = breakfast
Swimmers = swimsuit
Servo = service/gas station
Avos = avocados
Muso = musician
Cuppa = what Phil and I do each day--having a cup of tea or coffee (the operative phrase is "would you like a cuppa?" or "we're be with you in a minute; we're just having a cuppa" (the latter comment from the hairdresser Phil went to in Gympie to get a haircut).

No worries, mates. We're getting the hang of this. She'll be right!