+Marc and I had brunch plans with a long time friend at 10am, but I felt like I hadn't run in awhile (or hiked that much) so I wanted to squeeze in a quick one. It wasn't super quick relatively speaking but the 4 miles got done in some pretty humid conditions. At first I thought it was in my head and then it started dumping as I was about a block away from the hotel finishing up. But a great way to get a view of Brisbane and the riverfront.
We walked on over to a section of town called Fortitude Valley, where they have plenty of shops and places to eat. As a side note, we found a store called "Wheel & Barrow" that does kitchen and housewares -- hmm, another take on Crate & Barrel in the States? In Australia and NZ, they have a store called "Kathmandu" which makes you feel like you are in REI back home. Seriously. Although it must be said that we have hit "Kathmandu" a number of times on this trip so it has been a lifesaver for us.
Anyway we were in that section of town to meet Vicki, a long time friend, her kids and sister for brunch. And she picked a place called "Harvey's Bar & Bistro" so we had to think of Harv back home! It was great seeing her, catching up and meeting Jack and Emily. The kids were great sports during catch-up time, and Vicki's sister was excited to take the kids to look at some art while we got to chat some more. Many laughs were shared and she got to know Marc a bit better. It was fun and a long overdue catch-up!
After brunch, Marc and I decided to go find another suitcase. Yes, we have lots of souvenirs plus Marc's current suitcase is on its final voyage. It was shocking (in a good way) to find a place open on Sunday so we were able to get it done. After some more plotting about what we were going to do tomorrow, we walked over to dinner to a restaurant called 'Tartufo' (who doesn't love a good mushroom -- oh wait...). The food was good but the wine was so powerful that I let Marc drink most of it. Bonus for him.
Queensland has been getting a ton of rain over the past month, so we are hoping that trends hold true in that the rainy season is January/February and then the sun comes out. We shall see.
Thanks for tuning in!
 |
| Vicki and Jill on a street in Brissie |
Anyway we were in that section of town to meet Vicki, a long time friend, her kids and sister for brunch. And she picked a place called "Harvey's Bar & Bistro" so we had to think of Harv back home! It was great seeing her, catching up and meeting Jack and Emily. The kids were great sports during catch-up time, and Vicki's sister was excited to take the kids to look at some art while we got to chat some more. Many laughs were shared and she got to know Marc a bit better. It was fun and a long overdue catch-up!
After brunch, Marc and I decided to go find another suitcase. Yes, we have lots of souvenirs plus Marc's current suitcase is on its final voyage. It was shocking (in a good way) to find a place open on Sunday so we were able to get it done. After some more plotting about what we were going to do tomorrow, we walked over to dinner to a restaurant called 'Tartufo' (who doesn't love a good mushroom -- oh wait...). The food was good but the wine was so powerful that I let Marc drink most of it. Bonus for him.
Queensland has been getting a ton of rain over the past month, so we are hoping that trends hold true in that the rainy season is January/February and then the sun comes out. We shall see.
Thanks for tuning in!