May 16, 2005
Today was our first official day in Brisbane. We had a game at 2pm so we were able to explore the city a little before our game. We woke up around 8am, had breakfast, and then most of us decided to take advantage of the outdoor shopping mall that surrounded our hotel. The street outside our hotel is called Queens Street and it reminds me a lot of the Third Street Promenade. It has a bunch of shops and restaurant and attracts different kinds of people. We spent about two hours shopping. Amanda Patton and I spent most of our time in a three story surf shop that is conveniently located right by our hotel.
After we got some shopping done, we explored the city. The thing that I like about this city compared to Sydney is that here I actually feel like I am in a different country. Sydney to me felt more like a city that you would find in the US, like San Francisco, but here you have a city surrounded by so many cultural buildings. Right down the street from our hotel is the Treasury Building. It is so beautiful. It is located right next to the river and it is a huge white building much like the buildings you find in Washington DC. Ironically it has been converted into the city casino but it still holds the historical content of the building that it once was. Our bus driver informed us that in the 1970's the city decided to restore all historical buildings. Instead of destroying them, they keep them what they once were, but just change the inside, like the treasury building.
After we were able to explore, we got ready to head out to our game. It was about a 30 minute drive, compared to our hour ride the night before. The gym was interesting- very bright colors and a lot of courts in one space. Like the game the night before, they played music throughout the whole game, which was so odd to us. It was something that none of us were used to. After talking to some of the Australian girls after the game, we learned that it is common for music to be played during the game because it makes it more interesting since they do not get too many fans. The competition of this game was better than the night before. It was a close game the whole way through. Unfortunately we did not pull off a victory but it was a good game because we were able to see some of the things that our team needs to work on.
When we returned to the hotel we got dressed and headed off to dinner. We ate at a Greek style restaurant across the river. The walk to get over there was beautiful- we could see the whole city lit up. The food was really good. We all have been trying to get foods that we would normally not get at home so we can enjoy the experience of trying different foods. So far everything we have all tried has turned out to be pretty good. We sat on the patio and the atmosphere was so relaxing and nice. The patio overlooked the river and the city and set for a good dinner environment.
Tomorrow we are heading over to the Woolshed and Surfers Paradise. Rumor has it that at the woolshed we are going to be able to hold koalas and pet kangaroos. I am so excited! Also, we finally get to enjoy the "beach life" of Australia at Surfers Paradise. It is something I am looking forward to. "Surfers" is known for its awesome beach and great shopping- what could be better!! We are all excited for the chance to lay-out by the beach and just relax.
Miss you all at home and can't wait to see you all!!!
- Carrie =)
