Brisbane

We have finally spotted our first kangaroo. In the main shopping thoroughfare of Brisbane. Apparently there is a proliferation of crocodiles at the moment, which, we assume, has caused a decline in the kangaroo population. Luckily this one was made of steel.

Brisbane has been something of a stopover to give us time to sort out the rest of our time in Oz. We took pot-luck on an internet hotel booking site and ended up with the honeymoon suite at the Ibis hotel smack in middle of town, for very little money.

In these times of economic uncertainty, Peter has found an infallible investment: an umbrella. The investment has proved its worth over and over again in the tropical downpours at Brisbane.

But in fact Brisbane is a fine city, in many ways a smaller version of Sydney. Lovely restaurants: we have had the best meal we can remember at écco, a restaurant owned by Philip Johnson who appears to be the Australian answer to Delia Smith, only better. Yum Yum.

And the café culture: people seem to stay drinking coffee on the wide pavements until at least 10.30 am before going into work. All very laid back and Ozzie.

And the State Library where there is free WiFi internet access for anyone. We spent half a day there updating the website and trying to decide where to go next. We were surrounded by an army of malodorous young backpackers, all rivetted to their screens. Peter has decided that if we are really to act the part of the footloose traveller, we have to give up washing. Michèle agrees wholeheartedly.

We have now decided where we’re going next, but we’re not going to tell you. You will have to read the next episode to find out.

Love to you all, and we would love to hear from you on peter@peterbanks.eu

Bisous à tout le monde. Nous serions contents d’avoir de vos nouvelles. Email à peter@peterbanks.eu