Food, coffees, chit chat

T & S, our hosts, have almost bought a house, so a double celebration was in order yesterday when we arrived in Brisbane. We're always willing to join in celebrations!

Brisbane is much warmer than Sydney, especially at night. Today it was about 19 degrees, although breezy by the river. Perfect.

After a very leisurely breakfast (S & T have a coffee machine!) we drove into New Farm area. There was a brilliant playground, the likes of which you would never see in the UK. Lots of tree climbing, and huge rope structures swarming with kids of all sizes climbing them - 'elf'n'safety jobsworths would have a fit! But nobody fell off! This blip is from the huge park, looking towards the city.

The other thing that is very noticeable in Australia is how clean it is. I have not seen any litter, or any cigarette butts, or any big black smelly rubbish bins. How nice that is!!

We had an amazing lunch at the New Farm Deli. Very very good. Italian food. The BEST vanilla slice ever.

Off to Wagamama tonight for tea, and hopefully be able to watch a bit of the tennis if I can stay awake. Will go and check out the city tomorrow.

Don't have much time for commenting, though, except first thing in the morning. I'm actually doing this while occasionally joining in a conversation about early reading. The two mums here are not happy with what's happening in their school.

I LOVE saying I've retired and no, I don't miss it!!