Arrival in Brisbane

Well, we've done it! After waiting for a slight flight delay, we've arrived in Brisbane, Australia. 

 The flight was fine, long, but fine. I thoroughly enjoy landings - and no, not because it's "touch down time" but because I enjoy the excitement that comes from landing in a new place, with nothing but expectations, hopes and wonders to fuel you on.  Plus, I love the feeling of "having arrived."  We got to witness a really unique sunrise, over the Pacific at about 40,000 feet.  

Here are some shots of the pre-boarding, in-flight and landing:

We stopped by a local bake shop early in the morning and enjoyed "scrolls" (similar to gooey roles without the traditional, American grease :o) I enjoyed a fresh apple scroll and I bought Brian an Almond and custard scroll.  After 20 hours in the air, all you really want is to get rid of "plane head" and eat something of substance.   Later Brian also tried some traditional Aussie fare: the Frozwich Oz which had various meats, pickled beats and bacon (of course).  Luckily, I was still full from my asiago and ham croissant I downed for lunch.  

 No, you can't ask me what time it is here, or what day it is, or where exactly we are in the city - I couldn't have an answer without cheating - I've got my world clocks set up on my iPod, my Google Earth page marked with direct coordinates, but when I look out my window, all I really see is a fusion of Asia, San Francisco, Miami and NYC all in one.  

The architecture reminds me of playing SimCity - a cathedral, juxtaposed to a 40-story Marriot, a Japanese-fusion restaurant and channel bridge make the perfect exclamation point- marrying the dizzying combination in seemingly perfect harmony...even the brickwork somehow matches the green window panes and steel gray drawbridge in the distance.  The weather has an autumn vibe and the trees are exotic and have vines and soft, raindrop-shaped leaves that sway in the cool breeze that seems to come directly from Brisbane river, carrying exotic smells, sounds and wild birds - whose calls are melodious and foreign.   

I've promised myself a hot shower and a little nap.  Tonight we plan to walk about the city, maybe wind up in a local 'hotel' (Aussie for bar), share a some VB (Victoria Bitters - my new favorite brew) and go to bed at a reasonable hour to prepare for our adventurous start - The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where I will hold and hug my first and only Koala bear.  

My promise to myself was to blog this trip.  If you know me, you know that I have to write about things.  So enjoy my little blog, read about our honeymoon and I hope it inspires you to find your own adventure!

love and such~

m