I finally arrive at Brisbane. It's been 31 hours since I left my house in Toronto. I flew to Sydney via Vancouver where we touched down to refuel and pick up more passengers. They did let us off the plane into a waiting room for about an hour. This was nice as it provided the opportunity to stretch the legs a little before we continued on to Sydney which would be a 15 hour flight from Vancouver. The Air Canada flight was actually fine. I was worried that I would go crazy on such a long flight but a couple of movies, some music and a little sleep and the time went by reasonably quickly.
After landing at Sydney airport at terminal one I had a couple of hours to transfer to terminal 3 where I had a connecting flight to Brisbane. I had to pick up my bag and clear customs. At Passport control I was greeted with a "G'Day mate" and I knew straight away I was going to like this country.
Quantas airlines who I was connecting to Brisbane with provided a complimentary transfer to terminal 3 which is actually 3 km away.
While waiting for the Quantas flight I walked around the airport a little having a look. I got myself a coffee which was the first experience of how different things are from home.
There is no such thing as a "simple" coffee. If you want milk in your coffee it is referred to as a "flat white" which is basically half a cup of steamed milk and coffee. The other shock is the cost! The cheapest small cup of plain old coffee was $4.40 I am used to my large Timmy's double double back home for a buck seventy five. I thought maybe it's because it was the airport but would later find out it is the norm.
The Quantas flight was very comfortable, on time and efficient. All staff were very friendly. I remember reading that they have won awards for being one of the better airlines in the world and I can see why. Got my first glimpse of Sydney harbor and the famous Opera house as we ascended after take off. It looked very nice and I am looking forward to seeing Sydney in a couple of weeks time when I work my way back down the east coast.
So after arriving In Brisbane I proceed to take the train into the city. The cost of the one way ride is $15 and takes 30 minutes. For reference purposes the Australian dollar is roughly at a par with that of the Canadian and US dollar at this time.
I had booked myself into the IYA hostel in Brisbane for 2 nights. The hostel is about a 10 minute walk up the hill from the station on Roma street.
It's been about 16 years since I was backpacking around Europe and staying at hostels. Australia has a great reputation with providing for Backpackers and travelers in general and every town has a hostel that is clean, cheerful and
Affordable.
I am staying in a 4 bed dorm and have to take an upper bunk. I am tired after the flight but also eager to get out and explore a little. I grab a quick shower, change and lock my backpack up in the provided locker and head out to explore a little and grab a bite to eat.
It's about a 15 minute walk to the CBD (central business district) as most cities refer to the downtown area as.
In the centre of town is a really nice pedestrian area encompassing George street and 4 streets leading off that. It is full of people of all walks of life. Brisbane is a very multicultural city and the third largest in
Australia. There are plenty of outdoor bars and eateries and everyone is dressed in summer atire including business men and women where it appears that a tie is not a requirement in most professions.
I continue walking to Chinatown where I find a nice place to have a noodle soup. On day one in Australia I have already been hit with sticker shock on how expensive eating out is. Even Chinatown where one expects to find a reasonable deal is approx. 40% more expensive than Canada.
I walk back to my hostel and retire to my top bunk about 9pm local time, very tired after all the travel. On my first day in Australia I really get a sense of Deja vu. Did you ever feel you were somewhere in a previous life? That's the feeling I get and I really like it so far. It seems to be a cross of Canada and Ireland with an England influence but with lots of sunshine and hot temperatures.