The Gold Coast in QLD Australia

In Queensland, the Gold Coast (GC) is a most popular destination among Australians and the recent wave of Asian tourists (Japanese, Korean, Chinese from Taiwan and Hongkong and Australiawide. Even for us who are already in Queensland, we love going to the Gold Coast. It is only an hour and a half drive from my house and an hour train ride from the City (Brisbane).

When we first came to Australia for a stop-over in 1995, and stayed in David's sister's house in Paradise Point in the GC for about 5 nights, I had a good glimpse of this part of Australia. On that visit, we decided that it is a good place to live as it is more bustling than the sleepy Napier(New Zealand) town where we had our home then. Although at that time, I was not impressed with the Brisbane International Airport (I thought that Loakan Airport was more presentable then) due to the old building and ongoing construction going on (though I think that I thought badly of it due to the kilogram of honey that was held by the customs- it was supposed to be a pasalubong for my dear mother in Baguio- actually customs advised that we can pick it up on our way to the Phils- but when the time came, our flight was at 6am and customs office opened at 8am- i was not impressed by their ill advise- the result of which is no honey for my mummy just a story of what happened to the world renowned manuka honey....we ended up buying her an american honey from john hay px store). So much for the honey story...

Why is the GC a favourite destination? It is the entertainment capital of Australia- for the kids, we have theme parks and the most popular are SeaWorld, MovieWorld, DreamWorld and Wet and Wild. I would not say that they are comparable to the Disney theme parks because they are not as large, but nevertheless, one can enjoy a whole day of fun and excitement with all the available rides and shows. There is a large number of Asian tourists visiting here everyday- mostly Japanese and Chinese. For the gamblers- GC has Jupiter's Casino- maybe it's not even comparable to Las Vegas or Atlantic City, but it offers the same amenities of gambling, dining, drinking and accomodation facilities. GC is known worlwide for its lovely surfs- it's Surfer's Paradise (which is actually the name of a stretch of beach in the middle of the city). Although there could be some riptides- just swim in between the flags and you'll be fine. The sand is very creamy but not as fine as Boracay Beach (Phils). The beach view is quite spectacular in a long stretch of road. It is also a shopper's paradise. As you know, tourism means good shopping centres- not just of merchandise but of food. Harbourtown is a label outlet. Pacific Fair is a big shopping Centre which is actually a conglomerate of small boutique label shops- big supermarkets are also present here- Coles, Woolies (Woolworths), David Jones, Myers, ToyWorld to name just a few.

Other features include great night clubs, nature sanctuaries(kangaroo, wombat, koala, crocs abode where tourists can go and see them- up close and personal), the Hinterlands, Versace Hotel (the only one in this hemisphere), wine tasting tours, and just driving up and down the GC Highway to observe the kind of activities that occur down there.

Maybe might see you there in the next Indy Race- held every October...

RAY was off to Sydney for a Musical/Travel School Tour

It was such a busy week that I forgot I have a blog! LOL
Every Saturday morning at 9am I always drive Ray to his Academy (7 min from home). He started here as a student then now he was also invited to teach new students since according to his mentor 'I don't have anymore to teach you'. He works here part time as a piano teacher (at 16!). While he is there I sometimes take the opportunity to go to Woolworths shopping centre for my weekly grocery shopping- a task that I mostly enjoy or I drive back home to continue my chores such as loading the washing machine, hanging them up if there's sun, start cleaning and tidying up the house.













But last week was particularly busy due to my jury service being completed and while I was trying to settle to the normal work and home activity, it was time to prepare things for Ray's high school Instrumental Music Program Sydney Tour 2006!. He and I sorted out what he will bring- winter clothes - some had to be bought as Sydney is so much colder than Brisbane in wintertime (which is now). His trombone too had to be serviced at Ellaways, a music shop which is an hour away drive from home. And luckily they were able to to this within 3 days. On Sunday, we woke up at 3AM to take him to school where they all met for their trip. It was an eventful time too as we were able to catch up with parents of Ray's buddies, some of whom we've known for 8 years now, diligently supporting our own children in their musical efforts. Gee, our children are much more bigger than us and we, parents have also matured in looks - and I hope in outlooks - or do we still feel like how we felt 8 years ago....so much for that- we felt our children's excitement and that was all that mattered- we became quite excited for them too.
These lucky guys will have a good time in Sydney, staying at Naamaroo, going on the Sydney ferry, visiting and performing at the Jenolan Caves, attending a concert at the Sydney Opera House, then visiting the animals at the Taronga Zoo then hopefully buy me souvenirs at the Paddy's Market. David and I are luckier as we have the house and all the amenities to ourselves- no kids!LOL As of this writing Ray I heard was really enjoying this trip. They will perform in 3 Sydney High Schools- he will play the trombone, violin and the piano.

I have also updated my other sites- plants and people see you there...

A first timer in Melbourne Australia all by HERSELF!

In June 1988, Vivs and I landed in Melbourne International Airport as a 6- hour stop-over on our way to New Zealand. It was the first time that we felt what a freezing temperature is like and I tell you it's a far cry from the cold temperature that we knew while living in Baguio. We practically froze while strolling through the duty free shops.


Our Baguio-jacket and coats were not even sufficient to keep us warm. We needed a special kind of a thermal underwear for this sort of weather.

Eighteen years on, Vivian decided on Melbourne to be her first solo-travel trip outside of her comfort-zone, Brisbane. David, Viv, Ray and I were bitten by the travel bug since 2000. We've been to several places here and overseas, travelling and adventuring together.

Now that she had just become independent, financially self-sufficient, even living away from home, she had talked about travelling on her own. Didn't realise that she had to make it soon. I was a bit worried at first, but she is a determined girl.
The food she ate in Melbourne....anyway she arranged all her travel tickets and organised to stay with her high school mate and friend Ben, who now moved to Melbourne and lives with his partner.

She saw these sights, the skyline of the city that is also known as a style-setter- a home to some of the best shopping, best restaurants and nightlife in Australia. She confirmed all these. She looked happy and cold- displaying the peace sign- maybe she sees David, Ray and I in protest- why oh why did you go without us? We were so jealous! OOOO- it looked really really cold- looks like the tram is covered in snow and she's even wearing a pair of snow-rimmed glasses.


And this is her host and tourist guide- Ben formerly of Vivian's high school and suburb. He now calls Melbourne Home. Thanks Ben for looking after her.... that's why she preferred Melbourne to let's say Darwin coz dear old Ben was there.

She got back to Brisbane, with Haines (who was not able to join her due to work commitments) waiting for her at the airport. Her verdict- she will visit often...

GOOD ON YA VIVS

Two events....part 2 as photos didn't download

This is still the 2nd event which is our friend, Jim's birthday, attended by Rebecca, his better half, David, Ray and Vicky. Here are some of the scrumptious food, an endless supply of vegetables, fruits, salads, gravies and desserts. The meal was really nice.

Jim and Rebecca (she is from Cebu) by a bridge in Brisbane.

Two events on the 30th of June 2006

One was an end of the year financial lunch which is the tradition at work. It was held at the Elephants and Wheelbarrow in Fortitude Valley (Chinatown). It's one of those old British Pub and it really lived up to its name as Old... It's very dark inside and memorabilias of the typical Irish Pub which they have here. Being of more contemporary taste and belief, I would have preferred Sofitel/Hilton function rooms as I am not into creepy oldish antique-style dark (as in i can't even see my food). I believe that it's really up to the ones who are organising the function- wait till it's my turn. I am the only Pinoy there too... The nice part though was the trivia where brains were made to think hard...The food was so so.




The other was our friend, Jim's 36th + some years birthday at Seabrae. This is a better restaurant that served better food. The main meal already includes a buffet style salad, vegetables, gravy and pudding (sweet desserts). It was good value for money. Rebecca, Jim's better half was there too and will be featured in the next post as her pictures are not downloading here.