BBQ & Brisbane - Blogabond

It was nice to get to sleep in for once, even if I didn't fully sleep the entire morning. Tina had an appointment at a clinic along this beautiful beach. While she and Trevor were there, I sat along the beach, checked out some of the seashells, and read my book. It was quite peaceful, and something I could NEVER do in MN! After her appointment we went down to a different area along a shore and had a BBQ with Nan and Pops, Wesley (Tina and Trevor's son), Zander (their grandson), and two foreign exchange students Wesley was being a homestay for. It was quite fun and I ate WAY too much! It was also good to finally meet the Zander that Tina and Trevor so fondly mention from time to time. After the BBQ, we had to stop so Tina and Trevor could vote for their new prime minister. Unlike in the US, it is compulsary (MANDATORY) that all Australians vote. If they do not, they will receive a fine. This voting was also quite an experience because posted outside each polling place are TONS of campaigners harrassing you and handing out flyers JUST as you are walking in to vote. It was an interesting and again, different experience to have. When we returned home Tina and Trevor showed me videos of previous homestay students they had had and the adventures that they went on. After that, Tina and Trevor were going to a play in the city (Brisbane), and had asked if I wanted to bring some friends along to explore the city with while they were at the play. So, Kelly, Sara Sickels and I went and enjoyed those sights! We first rode the Wheel of Brisbane - a magnificent roller coaster set beside the cultural centre. We also walked along the beautiful south bank, complete with shoreside walking paths, and a goreous pool. After that we crossed the Victoria Bridge and did some souvenir shopping at the shops in the Queen Street Mall. We were all SO happy to find pairs of $3 slippers, because our feet get cold in our homestay houses at night. We also tried to go into the famous casino right off of the bridge, but were rejected because Kelly and I had holes in our jeans and it was not appropriate attire. After that, Tina and Trevor were finished, picked us up and we went for a drive over the famous Story Bridge. A perfect ending to a night in Brisbane City. :)

I've noticed that a common phrase here starts with, "I reckon". It's funny to me, but sounds so natural to them because that is genuinely how they talk! Another good vocabulary word is yonks, which simpy means a LONG time. Used in a sentece you could say, "I haven't had these chilps in yonks!".

written by

cowane1 on August 21, 2010 from Brisbane, Australia

from the travel blog: Australian Adventures!

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