A one-live cat’s life

Just like most of the aussies who love their (summer) weekends I was relaxing and spent my time of 7th of February in Brisbane.  I knew 4 days ago that it’s going to be a very really hot weekend in Sydney at 40/41 degrees where I was staying.  Hotter in those areas in the west.  I was happy I escaped the heat.  Weekend was wonderful, but not for all Aussies or people living in oz.

That Sunday night, I sent SMS to my family back in Philippines informing them of the good weekend vacation I had and telling them they should not worry about me affected by the bush fires in Victoria and Floods in Queensland.

That Sunday night, while waiting for my flight, flight were delayed because the smoke from Victoria is tat bad and to see the news that there were people killed/hurt and left homeless by the fire.  While on the opposite north of the continent, North Queensland is flooded and are being challenged by Dengue infestation.

I am not used to see that a 1st world country/western country having such calamities.  They were supposed to be “children of God” (idiomatic expression).  So interesting to see how they react to this kind of drama in their lives.  You still see that its very common compare it to Philippines when one house is on fire instead of helping them save the household, some people take advantage of the stuff instead, and just shows that men are such animals and even in a western world it also happens in Australia, just like stories during the Hurricane Katrina in US.

In telly, I also saw that they can be as hopeful as Filos, that they will still be able to get up on their feet and start all over again.  The government and their fellow men are so helpful too raising charities and giving charities for the victims.  Oz is so blessed to have lots of millionaires or people who have enough to share.  Philippines would often rely on Foreign charity.  Local support is still there but it is not enough.  maybe because its not that there is not enough people who have enough but government funds is not put to proper use.  Well who knows!

I’m glad to see that watching the charity shows in Tv last Friday, the victims still manage to smile depite that their homes were burned, just like how calaity-stricken-Filos when filmed.

I tell Australia and Australians that of course you will be able to get back on track on your feet and start all over again.  Blessed are you for good support from government and fellowmen.  You are still far blessed compared to 3rd world countries struck with or without devastation.

Sunday I woke up early, and was startled because the sun was up high and i was so embarrassed that Ren and Adam might have been waiting for me to wake up before we do our Sunday trip.

I did check my phone’s time and it says 545.  I told myself this can’t be true, so i checked Sydney time and it says 645.  So It was really 545! I went back to sleep and woke up at 630.

Then we had our eat all you can breakfast at the sports club in Cannon Hill.  had the usual yummy oily breakfast of potato, tomatoes, beans, sausages, eggs, bacon, toast coffee and juice. Yum i was very full again.

Then they decided to show me the city.  We parked the car at Apollo Street and CBD.

Roamed around the shops, got a few souvenirs and then to the Public Swimming pool they call Wee pool because most children who are swimming ther wee.

After Brayden is exhausted from playing inthe water under the sun, we had a fish and chips lunch.  The heat was too hot and got us all exhausted to we went back to cannon hills through the Brisbane River by the ferry.

After which we had a stop at the playground where Adam bring Brayden on the weekdays while waiting for Renelyn finish her work at the city.

I was almost late in my flight and that Adam was diving 110 KPH over the speed limit.  I checked in 1 minute before the gate closes supposedly and i learned that it was delayed.  So It was all good.  And I arrived Sydney 2000 of 8th of February.

I defenitely would like to comeback and have a longer visit there and go to the theme parks, and the nature parks and hang around the beach.  And  its a cheaper way to get to great barrier reef, to cairns and to Fraser’s island.

This trip has been long planned and always has been moved due to my schedule or because of the flight fares.  End of last year I already promised Renelyn and Adam I will be visiting for sure.  Ren and Adam were my friends whom met me the first time i came to Australia 2 years ago.  They moved 1 week before I arrived last year to Brisbane.

It was suppose to be last Australia day but because it was a long weekend then fares are very dear.  So at last I dragged myself out of bed at 455 as i booked a cab to pick me up at 530 of 7th of February to central station, where I am hoping to get my bus to the Airport.  At Central, I never learned my lesson, of course the very unreliable bus service of Sydney did not arrive.  Rode a bus to Mascot where another Airport passenger boarded to.  He was on the same route as i am but of different carrier, Qantas, I was riding the cheaper one Virgin blue.
So I shared a cab with him to the airport.  My flight is at 7 reaching 730.  I was saying wow, only 30 minutes on the air.  When we reached the destination, I only knew that Queensland is 1 hour behind than that of Sydney that’s why.  I was picked up by Ren and Adam, then they showed me their home.  I met their son Brayden who was like months older the last time i saw him on his Baptism.

Then we packed and headed to Gold Coast.  Had breakfast at Chatters then walked towards the Surfer’s paradise.  There we saw Meter maids.  meter maids are ladies clad in gold bikinis in high heels who trot the main road.  People put money on their bikinis and they top up the parking fees of cars whose parking fees are abut to expire.  They work for the council.

Then we headed to the beach.  The shore was massive!  they call it the “Miami” of Queensland. I had a quick swim, as the currents is bit strong pulling you towards the ocean.  The water was much nicer and warmer compared to the beaches in NSW although they still get Sharks in that area.

We went to the Fish Markets and we were kind of late and only were able to get prawns.  Then we were enroute to Mt. Tamborine but Adam saw a a very English Looking Pub.  It’s called Fox and Hounds Country Inn.  There we had English beer (i had Cider) and English meals.

After getting fully fed we went up Mt Tamborine and roamed around the novelty shops.  I was reminded of Tagaytay because of the trees and the mountainous terrain but not the temperature as it is hotter.

We were all tired and went home had a swim at the complex’s swimming pool and had a very big meal of KFC.