Oil refineries, heaps of cement and industrial waste, a skyline of cranes, cargo
ships and containers, muddy waters. Black skies rained down on us as we sailed
into port and MJ turned around to me and said "Welcome to Brisbane !" Brisbane
incidentally was miles away - a mere silhouette in the far distance. And the reason for this? Would you believe when the city planners built the new motorway bridge they didn't allow for the fact that it would block off access to the main port of Brisbane for the larger taller cruise ships. Hey ho so there we were stuck in the middle of nowhere - an hour's bus ride from "the sights". Thanks a bundle P & O!
After a badly chosen excursion to the Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise) with its tacky promenade and a marginally pleasant river trip around multi-million dollar properties built along a system of waterways running parallel to the coast, we then had another interminable bus journey back to the port with the most irritatin guide -
an American sporting an Australian bush hat, who bored us with his personal anecdotes ad nauseam. And we never did get to see downtown Brisbane as there was no time. Needless to say MJ was at the front of the complaints queue when we got back on board ship!
Gold Coast and avoiding the tsunami
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to here about your disastrous trip to Brisy. Julian says that you see more high heeled white shoes and gold handbags there especially at the ' Versace' hotel than anywhere else ! We look forward to seeing your masterpieces Mike or perhaps you could do a Banksy and graffiti the ship ( perhaps one of the industrial part of Brisbane !? Congratulations for outrunning everything ie hurricane, the earthquake and the Pacific tsunami- well timed. Great story re the laundrette- only 3 washing machines for all the passengers- no wonder there are riots. Weather beautiful here now- very sunny and flowers beginning to appear- Spring is on its way in time for your arrival back in the real world. love to you both Jackie and Nik xx