MORE OF BRISBANE

MORE OF BR ISBANE
June 30, 2001

Allan brought us again to Ipswich Mall. We walked a little beyond the Cinema before we proceeded to the train station. Because it was a Saturday the tickets were 5 0% discounted.

We took the same route as yesterday but this time we went two stations beyond Roma. We passed Central station and ended at Brunswich.For a while we went window shopping around before proceeding to China Town where we had lunch at Kun Lau, a Vietnamese-Chinese Restaurant.

At T.C. Beirne Center there was an ongoing “tiangge” selling cheap wares. This was the only place where I found dirty toilet though still clean following Manila standard. While Terry, Beth and Baby were shopping, I watched a singing group and the Australian audience who were nodding their heads in rhythm with the music. We also passed by Valley Center Plaza then to the Center of Brisbane City in front of the Cole’s at the Queen’s Mall. There were so many uniformed Athletes from England who were there for a Rugby match against the Australians. They were roaming around in group all seemingly enjoying, singing and just clowning around. Some even wore masks while others have their faces painted.

We took snacks at the McDonald where one naughty boy suddenly jumped at the food counter with his skateboard while a companion was taking picture. Nobody minded him of course, but we newcomers were temporarily shocked.

On the way to the train station we met Mr. & Mrs. Andy Jovelito and
their son. They used to live in New Zealand but migrated to Australia recently. I recalled that early on our way to Brisbane city, some Vietnamese students thought Beth was a Vietnamese too and tried to be friendly with her.

At 5:40 p.m. we were back to Ipswich station where Allan picked and brought us home. A heavy dinner soon followed.

PECULIARITIES

During the few days stay in Australia I noted some interesting peculiarities in the country and its people.

Most Australians were big people who walked very fast with that characteristic Australian jerk that made them look as if they were going to stumble down anytime. They seemed to be always in a hurry. They have good white complexion but most of them wrinkled young. The young girls were fond of wearing blouses too short and pants too low that exposed their abdomen to a tempting level.

Many houses in the suburbs have “under floor” spaces that they used as garage, laundry area and stock room. Most of the public toilets have anteroom and were generally clean. Many private toilets were separated from the bathroom and not provided with lavatory to wash one’s hands. Travelators were commonly used even in small Malls.

In the suburbs, fences were made very low to serve more as decoration line rather than protect the property from bad elements. I also noticed that every community was seeming following a certain kind of housing standard in such a way t hat houses look-alike generally.