Australia Blog: Re-discovering Brisbane

December 24, 2003

Re-discovering Brisbane

We're into our third day here in Brisbane and I'm feeling pretty good after a 48 hour period of no energy.

Last night we got to meet up with Ging, a first for me. Arriving at the Normanby pub we ran into Jeanette Bergmann (also known as Ging) who was holding court, and a pool cue with several men. She was well into her holiday celebrations and we joined her, myself alternating between Coke and Rum & Coke after the wine the previous night. The Normanby is a handy place right there on the busy main street and has inside and outside drinking areas plus restaurant. Everyone was good vibes and I managed to lose a game of pool with one of Ging's friends against some other blokes.

Heading downtown we visited a streetside beer garden and a couple of other bars finishing late at the GPO, a bar that was formerly a post office. Ging manged to slip on a wet patch and twist her knee which she's had trouble with in the past. We shared a taxi home dropping her off in Greenslopes and then carrying on to Taringa.

My observations of the nightlife in Brisbane are that there are many new places that are designed to attract a hipper crowd and more females. I remember 10 years ago going to many pubs where you'd find 10 men for every girl, that doesn't seem to be the case anymore, at least in the places we went. Also hairstyles are different, no more mullet and center parting, now it's the gelled messy look or short blond streaks (what's Australia coming too!!!).

I'm not used to paying for things in Aussie dollars and am more used to rupiah or $US. Prices seem inflated. Bob, Chris's dad, was showing us a magazine for beer and wine and I couldn't believe the prices for beer, it's not cheap here.

Another highpoint of last night for me was eating at Fatric's streetside cafe. Sean got a chicken sandwich and fries (about a pound of fries!) and I got a pumpkin and feta cheese pizza which was very good for $15. So pleasant to sit outside in the evening and enjoy socializing.

We're thinking of taking a trip to the coast today to visit my buddy Jay.

Posted by Nick on December 24, 2003 12:06 PM Brisbane Time
Category: The Boots Boys in Australia

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Comments

Sure Prices here are shocking compared to Bali.
Everyone complains when get ripped of in Bali-
here they do it legaly .Don't mention the Taxifare you paid .I pay from the Airport to here(30 km) $45. Could run the Car for a whole week.
But you know what they say:Ozzi the best Country in the World,they mustn't have been anywhere else.

Posted by: Dave on December 24, 2003 12:39 PM

G'Day Nick, Sean & Chris,

To youse and all readers we would like to wish you a merry Xmas and a successful New Year.

Have a good one boys!.

Posted by: Barrie & Candika on December 24, 2003 01:08 PM

Thanks Mate...same to you and Candika...when will you be back in Indonesia Barrie?

Posted by: Sean in Oz on December 24, 2003 01:38 PM

G'Day Sean,

ASAP!. Candika has a 3 month visa but I reckon she won't stay here in Oz that long. I have a few festivities to see around the beginning of the NY so I can write some stories. So after that it will be rock n' roll time!!.
You guys ben up to Noosa yet for bit of tube carving?.

Posted by: Barrie & Candika on December 24, 2003 10:12 PM

I think we are going to Noosa in the next few days to try and carve up the waves up there. Glad to hear Candika is set for a while in Oz. I am hoping to meet you oin the flesh in 2004 mate. Happy New Year!

Posted by: Sean in Oz on December 24, 2003 11:04 PM

Sounds like you guys are having a good time down under, Nick, Sean and Chris! Merry Christmas to you guys...It was fun meeting you in Bali, and I hope to see you again, one day. Remember me on your trip through the states, Sean!

worldwidemike

Posted by: worldwidemike on December 25, 2003 03:08 AM

Hi boys! Mark, the rest of the Folinazzo's and I just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. Big Frank has been in the kitchen cooking all day - we're all anxiously waiting for the big feast to begin! Have a wonderful holiday!

Posted by: Freesia on December 25, 2003 07:37 AM

WWM: Yes - great to meet you. I also enjoy your perspective on history on the boot boards. You kept your cool. GOod on ya! See you in Ohio this summer hopefully.

Freesia: Hmmmm - sounds good. MS. Hydrolix is cooking up loads of stuff now. Champers with breakkie and then potatoes and vodka for lunch. Best wishes to you and yours as well.

Posted by: Sean in Oz on December 25, 2003 08:44 AM

Nick .......please check Baliblog. Somebody just post a "not nice" thing that we know that none of us so interested about.

Posted by: ebong on December 26, 2003 08:53 PM

Dear Chaps, Top of the day..Next time you come to Brisbane please contact me and I will meet you at the airport since I agree the taxi fare is a con..also I would love to have a beer with you blokes. Phone number is 38692416. By the way,I admire your enterprise. Regards and best wishes from Ted and Elaine

Posted by: Ted Trevarthen on January 7, 2004 12:28 PM

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