Saturday 13th August - Arrived in Brisbane

Wow we thought this day would never come. Gaz and I don't even know what day it is any more. We are totally shattered. We landed safely in Brisbane at 6am Aussie time and made it smoothly through customs, being asked no questions. Once our passports were stamped we had our crotches sniffed by a cute beagle sniffer dog but it missed the drugs up Gaz's bum (only joking!). As we walked out of the airport, although it was 6am, the sun was shining and there were just a few clouds in the sky. An expensive taxi ride (35 AUD) took us to the front door of our hotel which will be home for the next 4 nights - the Oaks Aurora. Unfortunately, the friendly gentleman behind the desk said it was too early to check in and we were to come back later. Gaz and I had a few errands to run around Brisbane so we didnt mind waiting.

We had a quick bite to eat in starbucks as the plane food makes me feel queezy and i hadn't eaten much. We strolled through the shops but the banks are closed on weekends so we need to wait until Monday to activate our Westpac accounts. We strolled over to the Southbank where Brisbane has its own man made beach and lake. It was very quiet (as we were forgetting it was only 9am) but the sun was already beating down on us.

After a short rest at southbank, we went to buy a mobile phone each. I have a new Samsung Gi0...not sure ill be able to work it after having had my current samsung for the last 5 years - it is very basic and only just about has colour screen! Gaz has also bought a cheap pay as you go phone to tie him over until he gets his iPhone unlocked.

At 11am, having had a mooch around some shops and Gaz almost having a heart attack over the prices of laptops and monitors out here, we sat downstairs in a food court (where it was cool) and had a drink. We have eaten lunch and now checked in to the oaks aurora hotel. Our room is amazing! We are on the 49th floor (almost at the top) and have stunning views from a large balcony overlooking Brisbane city and some mountains in the distance. The apartment has a large leather corner sofa and a decent sized kitchen so we can sort our own meals out if needs be. The bedroom backs onto the balcony so the spectacular views can be enjoyed from the comfort of our bed!

Having written this blog, gaz and i curled up on the sofa at 2pm (Aus time) and feel asleep right through till 8pm. We got up and headed straight to bed where we have carried on sleeping. I've just woken up now...its 2am. My bodyclock is really messed up! I have just been informed that Wales beat England in the rugby...whats going on there? Well done Wales.

Ive added some pics to the previous posts but i wont upload all pics to flickr until we are in Hervey Bay.