Southbank, Brisbane

I am trying to catch up with all the updates I have to do! I have been so busy but I guess that is no excuse. One has to MAKE time, I know. Well here goes. We had to go to Brisbane or Brissie as we call it on September 17^th. We decided to go by train to give Nan the opportunity to experience the joyride. That is something one wouldn’t dare to do in South Africa, far too dangerous. We travelled from Helensvale station (our closest station on the Gold Coast) to Brisbane CBD. The seats are very comfy and one doesn’t mind the time it takes to get there, which is little over an hour. On our way back we walked along the pretty path in Southbank. Please feel free to view some of the photos we have taken by following this link. I wish I had more time to elaborate on this but for those who want to know more please visit their website. Tonight is André Rieu’s show and I am counting the hours! Be back for more! J

O'Reilly's in Lamington National Park

As I have mentioned earlier we went to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in the heart of Lamington National Park on Sunday. A perfect day, as usual! The drive takes about 1½ hours from home. Narrow and ascending its way up to about 920ft above sea level. One doesn’t mind though because the views are breathtaking! Pity there isn’t much room to stop on your way to take photo’s. We arrived there just after 10am. We did the tree top walk first where we met the king parrots half way and explored the lovely garden someone lovingly created. We jokingly gave our donation in the fixed metal boxes and told Nan that she had to ‘pay’ too to avoid being prosecuted as there are camera’s around. There is controlled bird feeding everyday at 11am. You buy a ticket for $4 and receive a bowl of specially selected seed. A small donation for getting up close and personal with these gorgeous feather friends. Please take time and have a look at their website : http://www.oreillys.com.au/ Here are some of the photos we took. Enjoy and remember all comments are welcome. J

Nanna in Surfers Paradise

Days are getting warmer so one has to get out there to enjoy every minute! On Thursday (September 10^th) we took Nanna to go shopping in the heart of the Gold Coast:

Surfers Paradise. She bought some memorabilia and we had a quick lunch at Subway. Need I mention that we couldn’t resist taking a photo of her with the two Meter Maids! They do more than meet the eye: they save you a parking ticket while you have fun surfing! J

Australian Outback Spectacular

On September 2nd we "discovered" the Outback Spirit with Australian Outback Spectacular, an evening dinner show presented by R.M.Williams, filled with outback music, drama and action. This is a permanent attraction on the Gold Coast is set in a giant 1000 seat arena with a cast of larger than life characters and amazing animals. (Cameras are strictly forbidden so one has to go on their website to see more of the venue itself.)

Guests are split into two groups after they receive their free stockmen’s hats with maroon or oatmeal coloured head-bands. The different head-bands depict the station the members of the audience will be barracking and cheering for as they 'battle' it out to bring home the ultimate prize of “top station”. The competition between the stockmen and women of Austral Downs and Wondoola Station gets underway.

We were from team Wondoola. Crack riders from each station show what they are made of as they hang from their saddles at full gallop to race their flags to the finish line. Who will hang the most hats on the homestead and win the title of “top station”?

The tradition of bush-storytelling and bush-poetry around the campfire is an old one; Lose yourself in a mystical campfire rendition of Waltzing Matilda and our national epic – The Man from Snowy River as a mouthwatering and tantalizing array of Aussie food is served during Australian Outback Spectacular! May I add that the red wine we had was out of this world. I rarely drink alcohol but when I tried it, I had to have another glass!

One has to be there to experience the true spirit. Wish you were there!

Coolangatta

Coolangatta … some of you will know that this is my favourite place to be! Its beauty can not be captured by photo’s… one has to be there! We took Nan there last Sunday not only to show her around but also to browse among the stuff at the Flea Market. Marlize was lucky not to be working so she went along. As you can see it was a perfect day! Sometimes I wish I could have you all here so you can enjoy it too. Have a look at the pics.

Tamborine Mountain

Just a quick update! My mom is really enjoying her stay here and to say that she’s in awe when she experience the beauty all around her: is an understatement! I am so happy for her. She deserves to have a lovely time. Don’t they all? We took her to Mount Tamborine last Saturday and I managed to upload some of the photos. Mt Tamborine is only about 20 minutes drive from home. We didn’t plan to do the walking tracks but did manage to give her a sneak preview. On our way down we came across a beautiful bride in a horse and carriage. I managed to take a photo while driving – from the passenger seat of course! To know more about Tamborine Mountain, here’s the link

A very important visitor

There is a reason why I haven’t updated my blog .... Apart from getting everything ready for her, she arrived here on Monday night! Yes I am talking about my mom! We haven’t seen her for almost 3½ years! Welcome Mom! Hope your time here with us will be nothing but unforgettable! Oh and by the way: we have a H U G E surprise for her! Please keep it a secret!!! We bought tickets to see André Rieu!!!!! He will be at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on October 22nd! She is going to be blown away when we tell her! I am just as excited! In the meantime I will do my very best to keep you updated on what is happening in our lives.... :) ♫♪ ♪ ♥