Queensland–The Australian “Sunshine State”–Sorry it’s the “Smart State” now!

I think the best way to start this one is to state that, even though it’s 2 months behind Canada, Bieber fever is at it’s peak in Australia….so exciting!

Now, I’ve got that most important of issues dealt with I’ll carry on. So as of Tomorrow (Wednesday 6th April) I will have been in Australia for two weeks. And in the last two weeks, I’ve found a house, had a few job trails and Danny G has come over from jolly old England.

When I first got here, I got picked up from Brisbane airport by Tom (a friend I meet in Jasper, Canada) and his roommate, Gordo, I got a quick tour of (the unflooded) Brisbane, one of the best cupcakes Brisbane has to offer and a night out hitting a few of the Brisbane bars.

Look, it was sunny for my arrival! Australia weather 1 England weather 0.

The view from one of Tom and Gordo’s balconies.

The Gabba – home of AFL’s Brisbane Lions, and some cricket team!?! (I think it might be Queensland (if that is a team!?))

Since then, I’ve been house and job hunting. I found a house last Monday, just in time for Dan to arrive (on Tuesday night). And we were able to move in on Friday. And to celebrate we did open the JDs that British airways kindly “gave” me from my flight when I left England back in September….it seemed like a good time to drink them. (In fact, I can’t believe Australian customs didn’t take them off me, but having said that Australian customs was the easiest of any country I’ve ever been in, in complete honesty once I got through I nearly went back to tell them they hadn’t done something right…it really was that easy (Australia customs 1 USA customs 0).

But don’t worry, they were very quickly replaced.

The home is pretty sweet, fully furnished, including TV and balcony….and ants, but we’re working on that. We also have a swimming pool on the complex. And we are living in an area called Kangaroo Point…it couldn’t be more Australian if it tried. We also live very close to The Gabba (about a 10 minute walk), a few bars, and we’re just a $4 ferry ride or walk across the Story bridge (which runs alongside Brisbane for an awesome view) to the centre of Brisbane, and the nightlife in Fortitude Valley (the same area that Tom and Gordo live in).

As far as the job hunting. I’ve handed my CV (or resume) into about 30 bars or restaurants now looking for bar work, not including the online applications. From this I have had a couple of trails and an interview at a strip club, although I don’t think I’ll be getting that job…sadly. The picture above is the picture I used to apply for the strip club, it was a very spur-of-the-moment choice….at least it got me an interview! I have also been applying to companies and speaking to agencies about doing more work with my electronic engineering, although, I feel that will be harder to find a job. Tomorrow morning is gonna be another day of chasing companies for trails or getting a response on my trails. But as I type this Dan is on his third trail with a restaurant on the waterfront (which I think means he is now on his first shift) and he seems to be enjoying it. I’m still not completely sure what work I’d prefer to do, but money would be nice, plus I (kinda) miss work. Plus we kinda need things like the internet (so that I can do things like publish this entree), but we did get our electricity and gas sorted today, and my Westpac bank card arrived today, just a shame that there’s no money in my account!

Dan and I have also been out and about round Brisbane centre. It seems like a pretty active city.

The Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point, taken from just outside the centre of Brisbane.

Sunday was also the third 3rd April in a row that I haven’t been in England.

Thanks to Tom and Gordo hosting me for a week (and Dan for a night) whilst I was getting a house sorted, it made it so much easier, as well as all the advice and laughs (including a broken hand0. Also, thank you to my parents for getting Dan to bring over a few clothes for me, a few dollars (which did go on a lunch), my card reader, and my warning:

Thanks for the advice!

Brisbane kinda gave me the same feeling that Providence (Rhode Island) gave me when I first arrived, it’s hard to explain but it’s just a good vibe, and I loved Providence, so hopefully good things are ahead in Brisbane. And the circumstances are completely different here too. And I think I’m gonna get into Aussie Rules much easier then American Football (Aussie rules actually looks like a good sport), up the Lions! (who have just lost their first two games of the AFL season).

In a few hours the people around me are gonna know what “cheers mate” means…it’s been a while

So excited right now. I actually think the last time I was this excited was when I was leaving England and heading to Rhode Island back in September. I’m finally heading to Australia. I’ve had my last night and day in Asia and I’m currently on my flight to Brisbane on Thai airways. It’s actually pretty fancy, I just watched the plane take off on my screen, it was a bit dark (I took off at midnight Tuesday/Wednesday from Bangkok), but it’s so gonna be worth watching when I land in Brisbane as it’ll be midday. I’ve also got a fair few good films to get through on this flight, I’ve currently got Moulin Rogue on as I type this, I seem to remember some of the music was OK in it, can’t really remember now. And I just ate my pudding without finishing all my dinner (it wasn’t all that great) whilst watching a new episode of The Simpsons, Homer to Bart “I’m trying to be considerate, you unwanted moron”. And just filled out my ‘Incoming passenger card’ for Australia, intended length of stay – 1 year(s). And the clock’s been changed to “Brisbane time” (UBC +10:00)

No more Baht left (well except the 7 Baht in my pocket). My first Australian dollars. 942 Baht got me $30

So, from my last entree. After a long train ride to Bangkok, a quick lunch, and another long train I finally ended up Hua Hin to meet up with my Auntie and Uncle, Jan and Pete. The weather was pretty good on the train ride down but not too great the day I was there. Was great to see them both again though. hank you both for all.

So after spending some time with some “ling” and watching some of the 2011 windsurfing world cup. I said my goodbyes and headed back to Bangkok to get my flight to Koh Samui for the next four nights (well only 3 nights, on Saturday I headed over to Koh Phanghoi via speed boat for ‘the Full moon party” ahhhhhhhhhhh yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaah! Fun times!!!) Was nice to chill out for a few days, well chill out through the days and make the most of the night scene in the evenings.

My Sunday afternoon

I defiantly enjoyed my long weekend on the Islands. After that I flew back to Bangkok to spend my last two days (1 night") in Asia. After Jorge left for his 20 hour flight back to Washington DC, I met up with Shane for a night in Bangkok. Seeing a few more touristy things today, before seeing hanging with Shane at his place before getting heading back to the airport. I think Bangkok is the best example of East-meets-west that I’ve seen, over 300 temples alongside so many 7-elevens, Burger Kings and westerners.

Not a bad view from the 42nd floor

So excited about tomorrow, well today now. Tom, my Australian friend that I met in Jasper, is picking me up, before heading back to his where I will be staying on the sofa for x amount of time till I can find a house. And Danny G is coming over from England next week. I’ve never been to Australia before but it kinda feels like I’m returning to the norm, after spending time in this region. I’m quite looking forward to walking down the street without “my friend” trying to sell me an “armane” suits. I’ve had an amazing time in Asia but I’m quite glad to be heading back West. The job and house hunt will have to start soon, but not before I have some fun in the land down under. Continuant 3, country 8, since leaving England. And I’m crossing over the equator for the first time!

And, FYI, Bangkok has Dunkin’ Donuts, oh how I’ve missed ye…..

Think I might sleep for a bit before getting some films in. It’s 6:21am in Brisbane right now, which means I’ve got about 5 hours left on this plane. I’ll try not to take too long to got this entree posted.