Feb 25th-Brisbane, Australia

I think the "Aussies" have living well under their belts...Brisbane is Australia's third largest city by population, located in Queensland in the north. It is getting a good deal warmer and a bit more humid as we move north(a reverse way of thinking that I'm getting used to.) Brisbane was such a pleasant surprise, as I pictured a depressed area due to the disastrous flooding and cyclone activity they sustained in January...not so...only some quay areas seemed visually askew...the population was upbeat and from the younger folks we engaged, we gathered they were very proud of their quick recovery. We had our closest encounter with the Aboriginal heritage here...a museum presentation and then a live cultural dance demonstration. There is a strong effort now to keep the Aboriginal culture alive, as it was almost obliterated by English colonization in the name of "civilization." The Aboriginal peoples only received recognized "citizen" status in....1962!! I don't even think they got 20 acres and a mule!

Brisbane's very modern city borders the winding Brisbane river. From the bustling river ferry activity, we surmised that many Brisbanians avoid rush hour in favor of a voyage to the suburbs. We had an extrordinary "schnitzel" lunch at a brauhaus along Eagle Street Pier. ***Having sampled their self-proclaimed "best,"  I think that you, Trey, could make a killing here with your meade varities...Christmas Stout too!