My first Kangaroo

  Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Brisbane river

A bit delayed, a little after 7pm Saturday evening, Virgin Blue, with me aboard, is taking off and winging its way towards Brisbane. I'm off to visit my cousins - I only hope they've recovered from my brothers visit about 5 years prior! As I arrive in the airport it dawns on me that I haven't seen these cousins for about 16 years (in fact the younger 2 children I have never met!) and I have no recollection of what Jenny and Pat, who are very kindly picking me up from the airport, look like. Luckily as I pick up my luggage (1kg overweight - slap on the wrist) there are few people around. A friendly looking lady appears to be loitering by the doors: 'Jenny?' 'Yes'. That was unexpectedly easy. Pat takes my bag and we navigate the outskirts of Brisbane to reach their house and meet some of their clan over dinner they've prepared (6 kids in total!). The luxury! This place is a kind of utopia for me. I have my own room with a comfortable large bed. Next to it a study area where I can use the internet and computer whenever I want, and then my own private bathroom. It's been so long in dorms and messy hostels; this whole normal set up feels so alien to me! Will I be able to sleep in the such quiet surroundings?

The cousins trainign climb

Well I soon find that not to be a problem. The hard bit is getting up at 5am to join the family on the practice trek for their upcoming expedition. It's a 2 hour drive to reach the start of a walk up a local mountain. Joseph's (the youngest son's) School are going on a walking holiday in Papua New Guinea, to follow the trail of fighting against the Japanese. Parents, Pat and Jenny as well as his older siblings, Lucy and Mike are joining him and the rest of the team. It's a gorgeous sunny day, great to be outside and seeing more of rural Australia. The challenge now to reach the top of the mountain where I will be able to appreciate views for miles around. Its an interesting day as I am immersed in the team building activities, taking it in turns to lead the group and discuss various issues and concerns which may arise. As we get lost on the way down (not me leading at this point!) the moment is taken to wind up the poor 'Pom' (I also got taught that meant prisoner of her majesty and should really be the Ozzies not us Brits!). The teacher was going through all the deadly (real and made up) animals and insects, as well as other outback practices. When he got to 'drop bears' I knew he had to be winding me up! However I did try to keep my mind away from thinking of all the potential snakes and spiders around as the teacher was explaining first aid practice if I should be bitten! At least I knew I was with two doctors, Jenny and Pat! Finally on nearing the end Joseph points into the bush not too far away - it's my first Kangaroo (and wild). I am ecstatic, much to Josephs bemusement - I forget they are an every day sightings and road kill in Oz!

All a little weary we make our way back to Brisbane making arrangements to pick up 'Granny', or my Great Aunt. I have only heard about 'Aunt Jane' from dad, and having never met my Dad's parents, meeting my grandmother's sister is quite exciting. She is unbelievable; at 89 she is remarkable as the kids banter with her. She tells me of her time in India, and of course the odd remark about my grandmother and father.

Brisbane

Monday - and finally a lie in in a comfortable bed. A quick bit of lunch with Lucy and I head into Brisbane on the bus for a little exploring. I think I must have covered most of the city, leaving central station, passed the Anzac memorial through the parks to the Cathedral, up through Customs House to take me to the Riverside Walk.

Sunset and smog!

Follow the river (coffee break essential) on to the Botanical Gardens, up to the Uni, Old Government House and Parliament House, down to get the City Cat to the other bank (wrong direction get it back again, plus another stop - good river cruise!) arriving on the south bank, a bit more of a walk to the gallery and enough time for a quick look before it closes and I'm back on the streets crossing the bridge back to the north side and CBD as the sun sets. Through the malls and passed City Hall and I'm back at Central Station. I think that's called doing Brisbane in half a day! I even manage to find the correct bus to take me back in time for my steak for dinner, such a hardship staying here!

Snakey

Tuesday - yet another early morning. Up early to get the 7.15am bus then train to Australia Zoo - Crikey! This is Steve Irwin's Zoo, north of Brisbane, still very much family run. With so much enthusiasm, and like a little kid, I'm at the zoo by 9.30, one of the first visitors of the day! It is an awesome day. There is so much to see and do so I'm glad I'm here early. I start with the Otters display, then see the Dragons, snakes and alligators. Everything has fascinating facts, generally connecting Steve to the animal/reptile.

Feeding time for the ellephants

Now its time to feed the elephants. Everyone gathers round as three Elephants trundle down the road and arrive at the feeding area, and then are introduced to the crowd. Its well organised and 3 queues are made for the three elephants ready for all those who wish to feed them. Of course I jump in one of the queues (I'm not the only big kid). I'm not missing the chance to be slobbered on by one of these gargantuan creatures.

Nellies

Well ok - I jumped in ALL the queues - when in Rome, and they did encourage repeat feeds! Now its time for the Crocoseum - its all go today. The Crocoseum is the arena for the shows, we have the snakes, the birds(which incidentally one lot disappeared in a display gone horribly wrong!) and of course the highlight - the crocodiles. The Croc Keeper (of course trained by Mr Irwin himself) encourages the Croc out into the centre of the pool in the arena with large slabs of meet. He then holds up the meet for the croc to jump up and take.

Crocoseum

This is done from the side of the pool and then from a platform higher up.

Croc attack

Its not quite the same as Steve on tele but its pretty good, and the show is done incredibly for all the kids and school parties present (and the big kids). You feel Steve is present, he is on the introductory film played, he is talked about all the time and when its not him its his wife Terri or kids. The show ends with clips of the tiny son Robert trying to say Steve's catch phrases - 'holy guacamole' takes many attempts! The daughter, Bindi has her own songs played in the croc area, a kids fitness video being advertised and face on any of the animal signs which don't have Steve. Rightly or wrongly they are very much in the public eye all the time.

Cute!

Next stop to the enclosures - something a little more relaxing. The Koalas, so adorable sleeping in the eucalyptus tree tops. They do look like cuddly toys! Then the Cassowaries, Dingos, Crocs galore, briefly watch the camel and fox shows before making my way to the Koala show - after what I've seen of these soft little creatures I've got to learn more.

And teh koalas

We get to pet them and watch them as the zoo keeper tells us about them. She's a little surprised as for creatures which sleep most of the day, to enable digestion of the eucalyptus leaves, they are being amazingly active. One tries to dislodge another from her position in the tree. Hilarious to watch as the keeper tries to keep things under control! Now for some more enclosures, past more snakes (shiver), Wombats, through the aviary and the Kangaroo park (I get to stroke a Kangaroo - toooo exciting!) and out at the Tiger temple.

Stroking teh Roos

There is another show at the Tigers enclosure with 3 young cubs recently bought from Africa. As the park keepers play with them and they jump around, coaxing them into the water you could watch for ours captivated. The zoo keeper gets into the pool himself to try and encourage the cubs in to get them used to the deep end. They tilter on the edge trying to get the toy the keeper has on the end of a stick, then splash, one of the cubs has pushed in an other.

The tiger cubs playing

Unfortunately times presses on and I don't want to miss the last bus out of here so have to head back. Aunt Jane's for dinner with cousins tonight so can't be too late! I Confirm my bus for tomorrow, and thank goodness I'm off the waiting list and definitely on it. Up at 5.30am tomorrow to get the bus to Hervey Bay ready for Fraser island.

Aunt Jane and some of the cousins!