Day 2

I walked away, rolling my two suitcases, exiting into the main area where Beate, my god mother, was waiting for me. It feels good to be speaking German again. I kept looking around like crazy, everything so different and new. The plants were completely different, spiky, and trees too. If you’ve ever seen an Australian exhibit at the zoo before or at botanical gardens, that’s what it really looks like. Getting in the car was really bizarre. I had forgotten by this time that they drive on the left here! It’s so weird! Their license plates are thinner and longer, and say what state (aka Queensland, and the slogan The Sunshine State, just like Florida!).

We drove through the city, past the river to her house. They have 7 Elevens here too!

For breakfast, I had my first real passion fruit. They grow wild here! After eating breakfast, Beate gave me some maps and a cell phone. I unpacked and then after everyone had left for school and work, I set out to view the city. The birds I’ve seen are crazy different. Sure, the pigeons and morning doves are the same, but the bird calls in the sky are dominated by these harsh sounds made by birds similar to crows, but larger in size.

I walked to this park along the river, all the while taking pictures. I walked under this arch covered with a pink blooming vine and saw this crazy bird. Two Asians walking behind me shouted excitedly and started chasing after it with a camera. It was the type of bird I would imagine in a zoo.

I continue walking along the path, past the big Ferris wheel, and across the Victoria bridge into the pedestrian zone.

There was a market, tons of expensive clothing stores and food for sale. I crossed over into King George's square in front of the City Hall. Absolutely gorgeous building.

Then I stopped by the Transportation Info Centre and picked up a bus line map for the way into work. I also stopped at the Tourist info center to get an updated map of the city. I leisurely walked back a different route through South Bank, past the museums and performing arts centre, and then through West End, to the townhouse. I love hearing all the Australian accents around me and could not stop admiring the trees.

I read this book throughout the afternoon about kangaroos and learned some fascinating bits of info. Dinner was delish and very funny. Beate and her family love to laugh, they’re a fun group to be around. I was pretty exhausted at this time, but I had to check my email, and then I caught up on fanfic. It was 7:45 am old time by the time I hit the sack.