Yesterday was a pretty mild kind of day: walked a bit in the city center, looking, listening, and stopping occasionally to read a bit and enjoy the sunshine. Happened to encounter a promotion event for an upcoming boxing match, complete with a ring and an announcer set up in King George Square. That was – to a person who has absolutely no interest in boxing whatsoever – interesting to watch. I was in the square to visit the Brisbane city museum in the City Hall building. I think it’s the only one called a city hall, whereas all the other capital city municipal buildings in Oz are referred to as town halls. Point of trivia that, if true, is useless and of interest to probably only me. I would be curious as to why the originators deviated from the norm, though. Possibly just to piss off someone. I can see that scenario playing out for sure. The museum itself was low key and pretty small, though. It took me all of about 30 minutes to do it all
Food vendor stalls were set up along my path south across the river. I decided to splurge and hit up a bratwurst wagon for a spicy New Zealand cheese and jalapeno brat. It was tasty to be sure, but I didn’t get even a hint of the cheese. I skipped the sauerkraut, too. That stuff just is (a) too strong a flavor and would dominate the experience, and (b) yucky regardless. At $12 AUD, it was reasonable, I guess. Made for a tasty lunch.
I revisited the Queensland Museum, dodging groups of young kids. I didn’t ask to find out if they were in school this time of year, or if it was more of a camp experience. I’m leaning toward the latter, though given the quasi-harried herders looked more like college-age and not professionals. Purely speculative on my part, though.
Upon my return to the hostel, I bought soap ($1 AUD) and a token good for a load in a washer ($4). I went all out and went for the dryer too – another $4. All told for a wash & dry cycle: $6.50 US. I feel I’m über rico, since most folks air dry. I’m not only mixing the languages I've heard here, I'm doing my bit for the economy. While I was hanging about in reception where I bought my soap and tokens, Alejandro (from Chile) came by and invited me to join him…somewhere? All I understood was “friends” and “want to come”, so of course I did.
It turned out to be a free market event in a space down the road where a charity sets up and distributes food to people in need. He, and a fair number of other hostel residents lined up to participate in the distribution. I felt odd being in my financial position taking free food, so I excused myself from Alejandro and wandered to the front of the line. I’m sure I got some weird looks along the way, but I wasn’t going up there to jump the queue, I went to ask if I could help. I met Mark, the man who runs the operation every Wednesday, and explained I didn’t need free food, but could I offer a cash donation (I had some in my pocket) and maybe help on the other side of the tables.
He eagerly accepted both offers. It was a very rewarding experience handing out yogurt, tea, watermelon, and shots of milk (the ones for coffee) to those who needed/wanted it. Down the row was some pretty good looking fruit and veggies. It’s a pretty good operation. It was fun to see the expressions on the faces of the other hostel residents when they saw me on the other side of the tables. Afterward, I told Mark (and Carl, who was next to me) that I would be happy to help another time when I was in the area on a Wednesday. It feels good to do good.
I gave the Goat beer a go. Go Goat. I liked it. As it says on the can, it's a very enjoyable beer. It's low in AVB, which is just fine for me. It – and several of its friends – would go down great on a really hot day. Three other shots are from my visit to the museum. The last two are of a regular visitor to the hostel, but I don't think he pays, and the dawn as I wrote this post. I couldn't pass up adding it. So beautiful.
Food vendor stalls were set up along my path south across the river. I decided to splurge and hit up a bratwurst wagon for a spicy New Zealand cheese and jalapeno brat. It was tasty to be sure, but I didn’t get even a hint of the cheese. I skipped the sauerkraut, too. That stuff just is (a) too strong a flavor and would dominate the experience, and (b) yucky regardless. At $12 AUD, it was reasonable, I guess. Made for a tasty lunch.
I revisited the Queensland Museum, dodging groups of young kids. I didn’t ask to find out if they were in school this time of year, or if it was more of a camp experience. I’m leaning toward the latter, though given the quasi-harried herders looked more like college-age and not professionals. Purely speculative on my part, though.
Upon my return to the hostel, I bought soap ($1 AUD) and a token good for a load in a washer ($4). I went all out and went for the dryer too – another $4. All told for a wash & dry cycle: $6.50 US. I feel I’m über rico, since most folks air dry. I’m not only mixing the languages I've heard here, I'm doing my bit for the economy. While I was hanging about in reception where I bought my soap and tokens, Alejandro (from Chile) came by and invited me to join him…somewhere? All I understood was “friends” and “want to come”, so of course I did.
It turned out to be a free market event in a space down the road where a charity sets up and distributes food to people in need. He, and a fair number of other hostel residents lined up to participate in the distribution. I felt odd being in my financial position taking free food, so I excused myself from Alejandro and wandered to the front of the line. I’m sure I got some weird looks along the way, but I wasn’t going up there to jump the queue, I went to ask if I could help. I met Mark, the man who runs the operation every Wednesday, and explained I didn’t need free food, but could I offer a cash donation (I had some in my pocket) and maybe help on the other side of the tables.
He eagerly accepted both offers. It was a very rewarding experience handing out yogurt, tea, watermelon, and shots of milk (the ones for coffee) to those who needed/wanted it. Down the row was some pretty good looking fruit and veggies. It’s a pretty good operation. It was fun to see the expressions on the faces of the other hostel residents when they saw me on the other side of the tables. Afterward, I told Mark (and Carl, who was next to me) that I would be happy to help another time when I was in the area on a Wednesday. It feels good to do good.
I gave the Goat beer a go. Go Goat. I liked it. As it says on the can, it's a very enjoyable beer. It's low in AVB, which is just fine for me. It – and several of its friends – would go down great on a really hot day. Three other shots are from my visit to the museum. The last two are of a regular visitor to the hostel, but I don't think he pays, and the dawn as I wrote this post. I couldn't pass up adding it. So beautiful.
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