Breezy Brizzy

Hello from rain-drenched Byron Bay. Big storms on the east coast this week and I've copped 'em. Never mind, I had a couple of dry-ish but windy days in Brisbane. Loved it! Lots of green areas, especially down by the river. It's a big city, with:- craft markets; walkways, some floating on the river itself; interesting art - modern and sculpture; the city cat (water taxi which doubles as a cruise for visitors). On Sunday I was wandering through the flower-wreathed arbour walkway (pic 1) when I caught the sound of a piano - a brilliant young player at a sponsored event in a covered but open-access arena. I sat and listened until sadly he was replaced by a screeching soprano and I beat a hasty retreat. I bumped into lots of Aussies in gold and green shirts - I thought I was back in Bangkok on the King's birthday; but no, it was the World Cup qualifier against Iraq. Luckily the 'Socceroos' won, so there was a happy atmosphere in the city that evening. I stopped in a bar and had a Sunday dinner - including bread and butter pudding and custard. Yum! Then I went to the cinema (film 16 of my trip, I think!). Very rash of me to go on a Sunday - had to pay full price. Should have waited for 'tight-arse' (can I say that?) Tuesday when it's much cheaper - that seems to apply nationwide. Saw 'The Painted Veil' - very good, but I came out crying...
So I'm making my way south - had a lovely couple of days in the Whitsundays, island hopping, then down through Rockhampton, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn again; Maryborough (off the backpacker trail with really nice 'heritage' area by the river); Brisbane (Brizzy to us in the know); and now Byron Bay. I've just walked to the most easterly part of Oz, (pic 2) and got soaked in the process. I'm in a nice hostel, though, so will have a cosy evening drinking hot choc and reading in the lounge. On tomorrow to Coffs Harbour. I guess that will be another water-sporty place, but hopefully it'll dry up enough for me to have a wander by the beach. Then Sydney, and the enticing prospect of a few days of good company and comfort back with Nick and Fenella. Hoorah!

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