Well, it is official, we have been in country for three weeks and things are (sort of) falling into place. One week ago we signed a lease on a brand new apartment in Toowong, purchased a small car, and started the move-in and settle-in process. We bought a fridge and washer- appliances that do not come with properties. Our air freight arrived, giving us some semblance of home as we use familiar kitchen utensils and bedding. We have rental furniture while we wait for our sea freight to arrive (end of month) and clear customs. Last week David started going to work for full days and I have managed the logistics on the home front. Throughout this all, the attitude from his boss has been that getting settled comes first, then work. I feel very American as I struggle to accept that errands and life should not fit around work, but the other way around. I guess it's true, down here they work to live, not live to work.
Life details aside, we are thrilled to be here! We have found great breakfasts, dinners, and bars. Still working on finding our favourite coffee and tea. We have walked miles and taken advantage of free tours and events the city has to offer. David has mastered the art of public transportation - buses, trains, and ferries - and we hope to use the city bikes once we no longer need to look at our phones for navigation.
Our neighbourhood, Toowong, is a charming area. A handful of high-rise apartment buildings surround the shopping area and train station. Spreading out from there you find the Brisbane River and typical "Queenslander Style" single family homes. We have found a Croquet Club, Rowing Club, Footie arena, and more. Our apartment and balcony looks out on Mount Coot-Tha (translates to Honey Mountain) - a recreation area with lots of forest trails. The train is a five minute walk from our door and is about a ten minute ride to the CBD- Central Business District. A fun fact about Toowong:
https://toowongnews.com.au/index.php/how-toowong-got-its-name/
A few notable things:
- Left to live when driving
- Pedestrians have no right-of-way
- Renters cannot put holes or adhesives in/on walls
- Jacaranda trees are mesmerising
- Cockatoos in the wild are awesome
- We live amongst long billed bin birds
- At sunset there will be a deafening chatter all thanks to the lorikeets
- Mail deliverers wear all day glow and ride little scooter bikes.
- Utes are different
- Riverfire is spectacular- it's a river of fireworks lasting over 20 minutes
- BBQs are everywhere- free ones in parks, roof tops, first come first serve, gas provided
- When it rains, it rains & this is an umbrella city
- Dried beans are hard to find
- New apartments have their downsides- you get to discover the problems
Life details aside, we are thrilled to be here! We have found great breakfasts, dinners, and bars. Still working on finding our favourite coffee and tea. We have walked miles and taken advantage of free tours and events the city has to offer. David has mastered the art of public transportation - buses, trains, and ferries - and we hope to use the city bikes once we no longer need to look at our phones for navigation.
Our neighbourhood, Toowong, is a charming area. A handful of high-rise apartment buildings surround the shopping area and train station. Spreading out from there you find the Brisbane River and typical "Queenslander Style" single family homes. We have found a Croquet Club, Rowing Club, Footie arena, and more. Our apartment and balcony looks out on Mount Coot-Tha (translates to Honey Mountain) - a recreation area with lots of forest trails. The train is a five minute walk from our door and is about a ten minute ride to the CBD- Central Business District. A fun fact about Toowong:
https://toowongnews.com.au/index.php/how-toowong-got-its-name/
A few notable things:
- Left to live when driving
- Pedestrians have no right-of-way
- Renters cannot put holes or adhesives in/on walls
- Jacaranda trees are mesmerising
- Cockatoos in the wild are awesome
- We live amongst long billed bin birds
- At sunset there will be a deafening chatter all thanks to the lorikeets
- Mail deliverers wear all day glow and ride little scooter bikes.
- Utes are different
- Riverfire is spectacular- it's a river of fireworks lasting over 20 minutes
- BBQs are everywhere- free ones in parks, roof tops, first come first serve, gas provided
- When it rains, it rains & this is an umbrella city
- Dried beans are hard to find
- New apartments have their downsides- you get to discover the problems
Riverfire 2018, the culmination of the month long BrisFest
Hike outside Ipswich (location of temporary housing)
A pretty good Australian American IPA
Fabulous ice cream in Ipswich!
View from our temporary housing in Ipswich... not a train you see/ hear everyday
Our last drive back to the swich...
Mail person!
The spring rains hit us, but you can still appreciate the Jacaranda
Typical old Brisbane buildings
View of the CBD from our roof
View from our apartment - you're looking at Mount Coot-Tha
Oh, and the pool on the roof. Yes, we have a guest room!
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