Arrival

I landed in Brisbane after a pretty exhausting flight, filled with confusing connections and airport terminals that were neither air conditioned or clean. I think Los Angeles is probably one of the worst places to connect for international flights. Someone ought to point out to them the advantages of having departure and arrival signs at various locations....and the advantages of air conditioning. Once I got on my overseas flight, I was so tired that I settled back into my seat, inflated my little neck pillow, and promptly slept about eight hours. Unfortunately when I woke up I realized I had four hours to go, which was helped somewhat by the service of an excellent breakfast and a selection of movies on the back seat monitor. Brisbane took an hour to reach because customs was very, very slow. To my relief, they did not raise an eyebrow at my confession that I was acting as Ronald's coffee "mule" and waved me through without ceremony (although my luggage was thoroughly sniffed by a very cute little beagle pup. Not the most intimidating of dogs in looks, but I'll wager that nose could beat out many of the larger breeds.) I caught the train into town and at the travel center I upgraded my train tickets to insure I would have a sleeper car for my trips to Sydney and Back, and then hiked the mile or so to my lodgings, a very funky backpacker's hostel called the "Aussie Way." It is right across the street from an army barracks and a male strip club, but I am reasonably sure there is no connection between the two. After a shower and change of clothes I went out for a long walk to explore the city. Brisbane is confusing, but only because I am unfamiliar with the place, and I really enjoyed seeing the City Museum and a downtown casino that is housed in the old treasury building. That is the photo I chose to head this entry with. I took a picture of myself sitting on a park bench, but I look exhausted and fat so I will not post it. I will wait until I am not exhausted (but I will still be fat.)