Brisbane March '07

Saturday, March 10th ‘07

It’s a nice day today, just a bit of a chilly wind. This is mall city. Isabelle would love it! There’s like a mall at every corner. So funny, I went to the lady’s room and the sings were marked Female toilets and Male toilets like they had a pre-determined sex and they will get together to make baby toilets. Anyways, I was still laughing about it when I left the mall and this gorgeous Australian male wearing a nice suit talked to me. Wondering why I was smiling so much. We talked for a bit. It’s sad I’m leaving today ‘cause I taught he would’ve asked me out. Ah well! Better luck next time! I’ll just meet a cute one in Brisbane. Well, now I’m sad I’m leaving Sydney. Just went thru the gates and the guy working at the metal detector was flirting with me, he was also very cute. Ah well! This is a good start to my journey in Australia. Random people have been talking to me here and the Aussies are living up to their reputation. I’m really happy to be here.

She’s nice! Stephanie came to the bus stop to meet me. Got to her place, took a shower and went out. Her friends from Ultimate Frisbee were partying tonight at a bar downstairs to a 24h pancake restaurant. There are loads of bats here, it’s really cool! It’s dark right now and they are flying everywhere. Awesome!! The bus wasn’t passing by so we took a taxi and this man that was standing next to us when we stopped one asked us where we were going and he came on so we dropped him off and he paid 2/3 of the fair, so we saved. Soooo cool! I’ve never seen someone do that before. Here, the cab is more expensive if you call it in than if you stop it down the street.

Man that was fun. Lots of people came talking to me some of them a bit crazy but overall very nice. I’m really glad I went. Afterwards, some people were going to the casino which is located in the oldest building in Brisbane. Apparently, that’s were all the young kids hang out. (There’s a bar there! Dah!!) We just went back as we are both tired.

Sunday, March 11th ‘07

Today is getting settled day, I did most of my laundry, posted the rest of my journal, added pictures, a clip, chatted on msn, etc. I also organized “my” room as it has no closets, no stands, no draws, noting but a bed and a fan. The 2 most important things. There isn’t even curtains. Ah well! So I organized my stuff on the floor to look “nice”. We also did some groceries, but my just getting here I didn’t know what to buy. I did buy some stuff just not enough. As time goes by, I’ll figure what I need. It does feel good to finally be settled. Man, it’s so hot here that I’m sweating just sitting in front of the computer. I’m drinking a lot of freaking water. Well, that’s all for today. Good night!

Monday, March 12th ‘07

It’s 1:30pm and I finally got my ass out of the house. I’m waiting for the bus to go downtown. Never seen downtown so this’ll be a first for me. The birds here make an awful noise and a lot of it. I like bats better. It’s hard for me just trying not to get hit by cars when I cross the street. These backwards people!

Well, I’m in downtown Brisbane and I don’t feel disoriented or like I am in another country. It just feels like I’m in some US state in the middle of summer, with Target, 7-11s, Foot Locker, Addidas, Baskin Robins, etc. I don’t feel out of my element like I usually do. What’s happening? I mean, it’s not the same as America or Europe but there are many things that are similar plus everyone speaks English (Dah!) But, I’m still in another country, on the other side of the world. Why don’t I feel weird? It’s almost like boring. Maybe I need to get to a more “exotic” city/town. I’m almost un-impressed. This is making me sad almost depressing. Have I traveled to much (I really don’t think so) that I got to a point where I need a lot to be amazed. Or have I just become boring to that point! Well, I don’t miss home, I do miss you guys tho but I’ve been away for long before. I think I’ve come to a point where I don’t know what to do. I always had goals and motivation but now, it’s like : “Nothing”. Well, I still have to do this all the way and who knows what will happen or whom I’ll meet. Something’s got to happen as I’m really bored now. I feel like going back to Hawaii, I made friends so fast there it was awesome. Well, I guess I’ll have to wait for Friday when I’ll go swing dancing. Then, I should meet some Aussies and Drew. Which I’m pretty impatient to meet after all I’ve heard about him.

I’m walking downtown Brisbane and I don’t even know what to take a picture of. Part of it looks a lot like Sydney but in a smaller scale. Cynthia was oh so right when she said there was lots of non-expensive nice clothes. I’ve seen a lot of nice dresses for like under 30$. It almost makes me feel like shopping (can’t believe I just wrote that!). I’ve also lost a lot of weight. Today, I’m wearing for the first time a skirt I bought back home that was too small to look good but now, it fits and looks good. Woohoo! I just spend a lot of time pulling it down as it comes up because of my “purse”.

I did some more groceries, still not too sure of what I should buy. Dam, the girl charged me the feta cheese twice, it’s not worth me going back as it’s an extra 2,49$ and the bus tickets are 2,60$ each way. Ah well, I’ll have to live with it. It’ll show me not checking the receipt before leaving the store.

Tuesday, March 13th ‘07

Got up a bit late. Today is applying for jobs day. Yesterday I picked up pamphlets from the Visitor’s info about tours in and around Brisbane. I went on their websites and then I applied for jobs. I’m really hopping to get a job as a tour guide I would love that oh so much. It would be a lot of fun. I’m a bit torn about this tour bus company in Adelaide, it sounds like a great job and I’m pretty sure I could get the job but I don’t feel like getting my ass all the way there for an interview without being 100% sure I get the job and also, I really want to meet the dancers here in Brisbane. The other thing is I’m not sure there’s much of a swing scene in Adelaide. I’ll be touring but I don’t know if I’d have the occasion to go swing dancing during the tours (some of it is in Melbourne where there’s the most swing in Australia). Of course, I can’t jump to conclusions before I ask or am hired (if I do get hired). I think I’ll wait ‘till next week to apply. By then I’ll have the chance to swing dance and meet the dancers here. There’s a dance Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Well, I thought I’d be taking a walk around the neighborhood to say I haven’t been inside all day but now it’s 5:50pm and I don’t feel like going out. Tomorrow, I should get up early and go to the gold coast. It would be nice, something to do and see. Hopefully, I’ll keep up to it. We’ll see! I guess that’s it for now.

Wednesday, March 14th ‘07

Well, got myself out of the house today. There’s some construction happening between Stephanie’s place and the bus top. The construction workers wear “Australian” hats with an orange band around it. It’s not surprising but lets say unexpected. Just another proof I’m no longer in America. Today, I’m going to South Bank like Stephanie suggested. She said it’s a nice place to walk around. It’s a bit cloudy and looks like it might rain a little.

Desole pour ceux qui ne comprennent pas trop l’anglais. Je suis rendue a ecrire qu’en anglais. Je devrais me forcer un peu plus mais je suis trop paresseuse. C’est plus simple d’ecrire en anglais quand c’est la langue que tu parle le plus souvent. Et appart de parler avec Stephanie ou de « Chatter » en ligne avec des gens de chez nous, je suis plutot dans un environnement tres anglophone. DSL! Le bus ici passe au 15 minutes. En-t-k, c’est suppose. Il devrait arriver bientôt. Le voila!

Got myself to South Band. I followed my instinct and got myself in a “park” on the bank of the river. It’s big and nice. There’s restaurants, cafes, there’s even free fitness classes at scheduled times. There’s a pool preceded by sand to give it a “beach” feel. There’s also a miniature version of the rainforest with a Nepalese pagoda in the middle of it. Looks like some kind of temple to me. It’s made of wood with lots of crafty details. It’s very beautiful!

Well, I crossed the bridge and got myself downtown. Walked a bit downtown and bought a 10 trip bus saver. For 2 zones (1 and 2 in my case) it’s 20$ instead of 2,60 each time. So I’m saving 6$. Waiting for the bus to get back as I’m hungry. At the bus stop/station there’s a guy selling tickets (only at rush hour) so you don’t have to buy it from the bus driver. He has the Australian/slightly Russell Crowe look. Mainly, what I would expect it to look like. OK, the bus doesn’t stop here daytime only night time. Great! (sarcastic) I have to either walk back downtown or go thru the park to South Bank station. Well, it’s about the same amount of walk and going back to South Bank is a nicer walk so I’ll go that way.

Thursday, March 15th ‘07

Great, I got blisters from my sandals! (sarcastic of course) One of the reasons why I hate sandals. Went out exploring the neighborhood, there’s a street with lots of shops. I wore my nice new shoes that goes with my dresses today to get used to them and now there’s new pain in my feet just a different places. Did I mention tomorrow’s the dance?! This have been the 2nd day in a row that I’m wearing a dress and I get quite the looks. Seems to me Aussies have a hard time looking where they’re going while driving. I’ve also taken the habit of looking right when I cross the street which is weird as I got used to telling myself to look the opposite way than the one guided by my instinct. Now I have to stop thinking I’m looking the wrong way. There are also to many suits walking around. It’s like everyone does something that inquires to wear one. When on a street with many stores, feels like the Plaza St-Hubert. It has a roof over the sidewalk (like Plaza St-Hubert) and hanging from that roof are signs for every retailers (unlike Plaza St-Hubert).

Friday, March 16th ‘07

Well, today is slouching around the house day waiting for the dance tonight. I really can’t wait to finally meet Drew and Skippy. After corresponding with them thru MySpace. I’m also glad that Stephanie has finally decided to join me. It’s located at a dance school, in a weird neighborhood that’s a bit sketchy. With a 5$ entrance fee, it’s not bad at all. The dance studio is nice and big the scene is a bit bigger than Hawaii and about the same or a little smaller than Ottawa. Some guys that knew Stephanie asked me to dance and then I saw Skippy. Got to dance with him and it was pretty nice. At first, it didn’t seem like Drew would show up but then he did. He actually didn’t remember me at first and of course didn’t know my name. We danced and then he introduced me to some dancers. We got to talk and dance a bit. I really enjoyed dancing with him as well as talking.

It’s just sad that there isn’t dances every week. This dance is once every 2nd week, there’s a Balboa dance every 3rd Sunday of the month and an other every 1st Sunday of the month. So I guess once every second week on Sundays as well. I’m glad I finally got to see the swing scene in Brisbane. I also met a Scottish that lives here and that knows about the Rockabilly/Jive scene here, that’ll be nice as well. I guess I’m more or less all set. I finally got some Australian numbers in my cell phone and I’m all happy about that. Wooohooo! I sure hope to get more of those.

p.s. One of the jobs for which I applied has answered. It was a negative answer but at lease it was an answer. It’s a good start to me.

Saturday, March 17th, ‘07

Stephanie and I went to Surfer’s Paradise in the Gold Coast. It was less expensive than she said but a longer trip though. It took us a little more than 2hrs to get there and we took the express train. It’s very nice! A bit like Waikiki, it has a lot of buildings in front of it. And around it, is like being at Universals Studios. The Surf Rescue isn’t paid by the government but by donations and the helicopters that watches the beach are paid by companies. It’s a beautiful beach with huge waves. Stephanie and I went in the water and had fun in the waves, just a bit hard and need a lot of energy to get back to shore. It’s such a beautiful day today. I really glad that Stephanie came with me. I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed it as much.

We stayed in the sun for a bit and then we walked around and we got to the best ice cream place ever (aside from Gelaterias in Italy but technically it’s not ice cream) Cold Rock. You guys have to check the web site and go to the ice cream flavors and mix ins. This is the subway of ice creams. You choose an ice cream flavor and then either eat it like that but what’s the point of doing that when you can compliment it with mix ins. Mix ins are chocolate bars, fruits, fudges, candies you can ask to be added to your ice cream and then they mix it all to make your own flavored ice cream. It’s a bit expensive as the kiddie (smallest size and it’s enough I tell ya) is about 4,50$ and each mix ins are 0,80$ with 4 of them it’s like 7 something but it is so freakin’ good! I had the mango sorbet with Crunchies, Raspberries, Caramel fudge and Choc mint. It was like paradise in my mouth.

We walked on the beach and around were all the touristic shops are. I think we had a really great day and we get along so well. And there nothing like seeing peoples reactions when we speak French. Sooooo much fun! I wanted something to drink, else than water. Everything’s so expensive, I had a hard time choosing. I finally went for some Australian Ginger Beer. Except, I made a mistake and bought Sarsaparilla. Eh oui! De la Salsepareille, les Schtroumpfs doivent etres d’origine Australienne! Well, it tasted pretty good! Didn’t regret the mistake I made.

Sunday, March 18th ‘07

Stephanie and I left the house together to take the bus. On our way there, 5 guys in a car stared at us and hunk their horn to get our attention. They were really cute! We just found it funny as we are both wearing different styles.

There’s a dance today at 3pm. A Balboa dance. It is located in a bar in Fortune Valley. That’s where Chinatown is. Well, it’ hard to miss it! As it is written everywhere in case you mistaken it for the Jewish quarter or something. J I got here an hour early to walk around. A group of Asian tourist just applauded a little girl ‘cause she’s cute. So funny! Weirdoes! As I’m writing this, this guy is having a hard time parking his car right in front of me. Oh! He saw me starring at his parking and smiled at me. Looooove how friendly Aussies are! Just found THE vintage clothing store (40’s), it’s called Satchmo5 and is located on Wickham. Unfortunately, it’s closed on Sundays but I’m sure gonna be back!

Well, I’m at the dance and there isn’t that many people here. They’re all pretty nice but of course, being new, I’m shy and spend quite some time on my own (separate from the others). It’ll change when I get more comfortable and get to know people better. Skippy (Mark – finally know his real name) is here but he’s dj’ing and not dancing as his hands are in pain from rock climbing. I should try to get my courage together and ask some guys to dance.

I just missed my bus, great! (obviously sarcastic) I taught the stop was right there but it turned out to be a night time bus stop and the guy standing there was looking for a cab. We spoke for a bit and he told me where the bus stop actually is. I got to dance a bit as well as socialize. They’re all nice but seems to me, the random people I meet in the streets are nicer. Ah well! Now I’m extremely hungry and there’s a chilly wind. Just can’t wait to get home and eat poutine.

Monday, March 19th ‘07

Nothing much happening today. Did some laundry, went to Coles for groceries and that’s about it. Very ordinary boring day. Oh, except that on my way to Coles, there was paramedics and firefighters helping someone. Didn’t really check, not the curious type like all the cars that slowed down to see what was happening. Oh yes, got a phone call from Lone Pine (a Koala Zoo) about a job but they didn’t want me ‘cause I’m only here for a year. And that was response no 2.

Thursday, March 22nd ‘07

Well, I haven’t written in a couple of days ‘cause there wasn’t much to write about. My day are long and boring. I stay in most of the time and go on the net mostly searching for jobs. I’ve had a couple of responses, non negative but they are all asking me to have a Light Rigid driver’s license (small bus) which I don’t have and don’t really intend to get. I don’t want to drive while being a tour guide, I just want to be the one talking and visiting with the tourists. I guess most do both drive and guide. I just meet Brian today. He seems nice, don’t know if I’ll get along with him as well as with Stephanie. I guess I felt a bit more comfortable when it was just Stephanie and I, now it’s a bit like the 3rd Sheppard. The funny part is, I feel a bit like that now even thought Stephanie’s not here.

Water here is a big deal! They don’t have a lot of it so they have very strict rules and most big gardens owned by the municipalities, government or museums are watered with used water. I wish they would do that back home. Also, there are different of water alerts 1 being they no problem all is good use the water as you please and 4 being you can’t use sprinklers or hoses, you can only water with a bucket on certain days at certain times. We started to regulate on days and times we can water the lawn but this is soo much stricter. There are also rules on when you can fill up your pool and spa.

Friday, March 23rd ‘07

I went to do my groceries at Coles. And took a walk around the area to get a bit more familiar with the neighboorhood. Well, I went out on a date tonight with some Aussie I met online. And what a date it was! We met up at about 8:30 at Cold Rock in South Bank. South Bank is really nice and a happening place on Friday evenings. Anyways, this guy introduced himself as quite the gentleman and of course being a bit suspicious, I had to see on my own. So, we met up at Cold Rock where we obviously ordered ice-cream which, he let me pay for my own. It’s not a great start but it’s ok! P.s. he knows I don’t have a job and that I’m looking for one. Then, he asks me if I want to sit (seems like he wants to sit but this is too nice to sit it out, I wanted to walk around and get into the feel in the air) so of course, I suggest we take a walk. It was really nice with all the people out and little shops set in tents, there even was some people Latin dancing outside. I really enjoyed it. Though my “date” didn’t seem to. He was walking a bit fast and often ended up in front of me as I tried to slow down the pase and enjoy the surroundings. And again about 20 mins later, he asked me to sit down, so we did. We talked for a bit, he was nice but nothing more. Around 10, he was tired and wanted to go to bed as we walked back, he left me in front of the door to the car park (yes, that’s how they call it here), no offers to bring me home or even to walk me to the bus station. Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t think I have to tell you at this point that I was not impressed. His overwhelming gentlemeness, really took me off my feet. I you haven’t figured it out yet, the last sentence had a really very sarcastic mood to it. Well, my suspicions were right; gentlemen, my ass!

Saturday, March 24th ‘07

Not much happening today! Stephanie’s all excited as she’s going to her friend’s wedding so I have the house all to myself (after 1:30pm). Just watched a good black and white movie with Hot Chocolate (Frankie Manning) in it. Well, really there’s not much to say about today and I wouldn’t want to bore you so just skip to tomorrow when I’ll be out of the city with a really nice Scotsman, James.

Sunday, March 25th ‘07

6am (alarm)
What the hell! Am I awake? Do I really have to get up? Yes I do! Wow, this is hard, I tried to go to bed early but I just couldn’t fall asleep not at lease before 2am. Well, I’m up now and James is picking me up at 6:50. We’re going north to Caboolture which is located in the Sunshine Coast. He has a flying class at 8 and then we’ll do some touring.

On our way there, this girl wearing a dress and high heels with a small purse was hitch hiking so James stopped to pick her up. The poor girl was left stranded in Brisbane by her “friends” (not much friends if you ask me). The guy that picked her up before us asked her for “favors” she refused so he left the minute he understood he wouldn’t get any. She was lucky that James stopped and that we were going not far from her place.

8am - At the flying school.
His class was changed for noon but they didn’t tell him. So we went to an Island not far and walked on the beach. As we walked on the beach, we came cross these 2 beautiful dogs playing. One of them white, about the size of Fanny and Lola with a face similar to Lola’s. That dog kept on looking at me, just like if he/she knew I love dogs and missed the blonds. As we got about the same “level”, that dog came right to me. He/she knew! It really got to my heart and I was so happy to pet it, even wet filled with sand. Such a beautiful dog. I miss Fanny and Lola!

Next, We went to glasshouse mountains. There are many observation points and about 5-6 mountains. The view is just breath taking. So nice of James to take me around like this. I guess one of the main reasons why it is so beautiful is that we can’t see the roads or civilization (only very far away) from here. It’s so green but easily accessible. We then went to another mountain and we went about half way up on foot. So nice and peaceful. I also saw my first mosquito since I left home. Hurray! (sarcastic, if you haven’t guessed it) Well, it’s 11:05, time to go back to the airfield for his flying class.

I was hopping to see some Wallabies (small Kangaroos), no luck yet! While I was waiting, Georges “kept me company”. He’s an older Australian that works for the school. And classes are surprisingly not that expensive, 160$ for an hour flight with instructor. I might actually go back with James at lease once and learn a bit of flying. Would be awesome! They only have 2 seat planes that’s why I couldn’t go with James. It’s really nice and hot today. He’s done now but it ended later than expected so we won’t be taking the scenic route back as we had planned. We have to be back in Brisbane by 3pm for West Texas Crude.

Back in Bris Vegas and going to a Rockabilly show. It’s raining now and longer than usual which is good. Here, Jive is called Rockabilly. There’s quite a bit of dancers, they also put in some east coast and Charleston in it. The band plays known songs even some swing songs. Most here are older and I’m still looking for some Greasers. Still having a lot of fun. This was a great day. I’m really very grateful to James for it. He also drove by the mini Eiffel Tower so I could see it. I should go back at some point to take a picture.

Monday, March 26th ‘07

Today, I’m taking my resume downtown to do some live applications. Just walked by the Alliance Francaise, didn’t know it existed. I’ll go in later! Just applied at the Visitor’s info, with them, they take you in as a volunteer at first (a way to train you without paying) and then maybe they’ll give you a job (what I call probation). I still applied but I’ll just make it clear that I want/need to be paid (I won’t let them exploit me).

Then, I went to a hostel I passed by to apply as a receptionist. They referred me to their job search “agency”. The guy that worked there was really nice. Just as I expected, they only give some temp work in exchange to stay for free. He told me about the jobs he had; mostly, fruit picking, “butcher”, farm work, telemarketing, restaurants and pubs (inland). The jobs aren’t interesting at all but the pubs offer free accommodation and food plus a pay of 250-300/week in exchange for a minimum stay of 6 weeks at the end of the term it’s 1500-1800$ with no or almost no spending. It’s a good deal. Max of 35hrs/week. It’s something to think about.

I walked around leaving my resume in mostly souvenir shops. Thought, the 6 weeks in an inland pub makes sense except for what am I gonna do of the next 10 months. One of the places I applied told me I was too old!! Apparently, the younger you are the less they pay you. It seems really hard for me to find work here. It’s only been 2 weeks but I’m tired of searching and receiving e-mails telling me I need a light rigid drivers license or that I’m not here long enough. Went back to the Alliance Francaise, they teach French and organize French events. Just taught, I can apply to work in a cell phone shop, still have nothing to lose. Well, else than time but I have lots of it to waist now. This is really exasperating! I almost feel like when I’m in MTL looking for a job. I hate it! I’d be exploding if it wasn’t for yesterday. Thank you James!

4:45pm
I’m in South Bank eating an Ice cream from… you guest it! Cold Rock! I walked from downtown all the way here, this park is really nice. And this ice-cream is good and helping. Time to go back home now. Ok, here’s my decision: If I don’t get a job by next week, I’ll do it for 6 weeks and come back here. Good deal! Don’t loose on my applications just would be available later plus, will get to save some money and see a different part of Australia. Just have to hope there’s a pool. Thought today was a bit chilly with all the wind, even regret my jacket.

Tuesday, March 27th ‘07

It’s been one month today that I left home for adventure number 3. This job thing is still taking all my focus. This employer from a tour company just asked me to give him a call. It’s a bit weird to me as I’m used to employers calling me not the other way around. I will give him a call though, I have nothing to lose and maybe something to gain. Went to the dive shop not far from here to inquire about classes, dives and a job unfortunately, they are fully staffed. Great! (sarcastic) I went back at Coles to get some bread and bought myself a treat, 1,7kg of kalamata olives. This will help me thru.

Wednesday, March 28th ‘07

I finally called that guy for the job and he told me to go get a Queensland (this province) driver’s license. I went to the transportation’s office with all the ID I have but they weren’t able to give it to me as my license is in French and I have to have it translated in English. It cannot be done by me, it has to be done by a certified person. The lady gave me a phone number and a web site. I contacted some of the people that are allowed to translate my driver’s license and the lowest was 45$. Oh yeah, I did write 45$ you can read it again, all that money to translate 8 words including a clear number written, easily understandable by any Anglophone 4500kg. Which is the maximum weight I’m allowed to drive. I knew there would be charges to have the license but I’m not ready to put in 45$ to translate 8 words so I can get a license that “might” get me a job. And that’s not all the requirements for that job. I also need a QLD (Queensland) Drivers Authority and according to the employer, I have to have a medical report. Now just that is 80$ to see the doctor and then I don’t know how much more to get the report. So that must be over 150$, still don’t have all the requirements for the job and still not 100% sure to have the job.

Is it really worth all that trouble. I’m most certain I’d love the job but never done it so there’s still a chance I wouldn’t like the job. Don’t forget, my driver’s license is not comparable to the light rigid license I’d need for this job so that’s classes maybe, exams (for sure) and of course other fees. In all that time, I’m paying but still not working. In some ways it’s flattering that he want’s me to the point of talking me thru the steps of getting what I’d need for the job but this is way too much money and trouble. I just wanted to be a tour guide, explain what we’re seeing where we are going show them around on foot not drive them around. I don’t like driving that much and especially not if I have to concentrate on giving info at the same time.

Well, I’ve got another answer from a company that is similar to one of the last companies I worked for and loved working for Consumer Impact Marketing. They asked me to fill out a form and send a picture with it and also said they wanted to meet me for an interview. That should be really good for me. I sure hope this job will turn up. I’m still thinking about that job in a pub. It would be saving good money and not that long of “suffering”.

I’m also thinking about those flying lessons. I’m hoping to get a job before James go again so I can go with him and get my chance to fly. Dancing is like flying but being in one of those small planes and taking the controls must be just wonderful, I big thrill. Ever since I went with James and learned how much it cost, I want to go in one and give it a go. You know me, and what I always say, if you don’t do it now, you’ll never do it. So, I’m doing it! Wow, this is sooooo exciting! I can’t wait!

It’s funny how they have different names for certain things here like a parking is called a car park, a pepper is called capsicum and Burger King is called Hungry Jack’s. If I see or thing of any other, I’ll let you know. Well, I guess it’s time to go to bed now. Good night!

Friday, March 30th ‘07

Today is Stephanie’s B-Day, she’s having some people over before they go to a benefit evening. I went and got Stephanie a B-Day card, that’s the least I can do. On my way to finding a card, I met one of my neighbors and we got to talk. I’m so glad I finally got to meet one of the neighbors! Well, they just left and it’s me alone in the house until it’s time to walk 30min to get to the Swing Shack. This, was a weird night!! I met some more Brisbane Dancers and danced with more guys than last time. It was really nice. Drew took my number and told me some of them might go out afterwards and invited me to join. Sure! If they go, I’ll go, it’ll give me a chance to mingle and get to know these people a little better. Ken also offered me a lift home after the dance (he’s the guy that brought Stephanie and I back last time).

Well, at the end of the night, Drew and some dancers decided to go out. Ken was a bit drunk and I couldn’t let him sleep it off in his car so I offered to drive him to his daughter (which he told me just before lives a block from Stephanie’s) and Drew would follow us to take me back. I was actually excited and scared of sitting on the right seat but on the left side of the road, it was freaking weird and I think what was most confusing was the directional lights were on the right side of the steering wheel, so I kept on activating the wipers instead. But then, we didn’t go towards Stephanie’s place but on the high way. Actually, he taught I was someone else he once drove home that lives in some other borrow. As we were on the high way, Drew took the lane next to me and told me to follow him as he took the next exit. He stopped to tell me that there was a horrible smell coming from the car and the hand brake must be on. Actually, it was the foot brake, oups! Well, I had no way to know about a foot brake, I never (very rarely) use the hand brake and only once in my life have I come across a foot brake. We then, kept on going and Ken not being sure of where his son lived (oh yeah, have I told you we’re now going to his son’s place!) we past it by a couple of streets. Did get me to drive in my first roundabout. Then, I ended up parking in someone’s driveway. He left and a couple of minutes later, he came back to tell us that was not his son’s place so we had to move his car and park it on the street (this time, Drew parked it - he didn’t even know where the foot brake was). Drew and I finally left the place and as he spoke to the others, only one of them came out. By the time we got to the bar, the guy had left so it was only Drew and I. We just decided to call it a night! This was quite a night and an adventure. I’m actually glad that my first time behind the wheels in a (backward) left side country was at night when there isn’t many cars in the streets. That’s it for tonight’s adventures. Tune in for more!

Saturday, March 31st ‘07

Last day of the month! Woohooo! I received an SMS, Drew asking me about the dance at South Bank. Yes, there’s a dance tonight! I’ll be going early to walk around as it’s a beautiful park. Another text! Bah! Drew’s not coming, has other obligations. Ah well! Was going either way. Right now, I’m on bus 200 on my way to South Bank and I might say that Brisbane has young good looking bus drivers. I think I’ve seen him before actually! I think there’s some cricket, football or rugby tonight at the Gabba stadium. There’s even a Gabba bus for the occasion. Football! Got my answer! Brisbane Lions! Go Lions Go! My spirit is better today, must be ‘cause of last night and going dancing again tonight. I’m happy to be here. I’m in beautiful South Bank and it seems to me, I discover new things that makes this place beautiful every time I come here.

The dance is at the Suncorp (a financial institution) Piazza (kind of an open stadium). They are teaching the Madison Square, if I’d’ have known, I would’ve gotten here earlier. To think after all these years I still don’t know the Madison Square (for those non-swing dancers, it’s some kind of a square dance). There’s 4 French guys next to me and I think they have guest that I understand French. There’s vintage cars on the dance floor! Soooo cool! Now that must be one of the best looking car I’ve ever seen! An American 50’s Dodge red and white with wings behind and chrome that looks like eyebrows over the front lights. It looks like it has personality, character, emotions. It beautiful!!

Well, I got to put my shoes on, take my courage up and ask someone to dance. Just asked this guy Sean to dance and then we started talking but he’s a little too much hands on. I don’t know what to do. HELP!! He not a bad guy he’s just too much on me or into me or both. He’s starting to almost freak me out. He’s like telling me everyone’s names but doesn’t introduce me to anyone. I guess I’ll have to one stand further from him two, ask someone else to dance. It seems a little clicky here, as it’s a family thing and they stay together and don’t seem to ask anyone else to dance. The best dancers here are “kids” (between 15 and 20), aside from the teachers. The music they play is 40’s and 50’s mostly what we would Jive too or Rockabilly as they call it here. Jive is more like East Coast. They put a lot of bounce in their Lindy Hop, I guess you’d have too to dance on this music. I don’t mind it, I’ll dance to almost anything that is danceable! It’s just a bit different when he puts on Elvis I’m just thinking that I wish Marc-Andre or Steve would be here. The feel is a bit more 50’s here with the music and the cars. Still a very nice venue!

I’ve finally introduced myself to Mark (he’s the teacher and the “owner” of the dance school). There’s a big thing here that stands between both school. Mark (1) and Mark (2) (yup both are called Mark – there are a lot of Mark’s here!) used to work together in the same studio but for some reason (don’t know), Mark (2) decided to leave and open his own school. Mark (2) is the one that organizes this evening which is really nice! Mark (1) took it really bad and doesn’t even acknowledges that Mark (2) exists. Actually, Mark (1) seems a bit big headed and I was just surprised when he asked me to dance at the Balboa evening 2 weeks ago but I think it was just because not many people showed up. There’s for the Mark (1) and Mark (2) story or at lease what I know of it. I’m on neutral ground where I’ll go to any swing dance event.

This guy (Ian) came sitting with us kind of cute, reminds me of Mark (signer of the Jello Shots). I asked him to dance, he’s one of those that knows many moves but has a bit of a hard time leading them right. I still enjoyed the dance. Then we started talking, turns out he lived in Montreal and learn a bit of swing from Philou. I just couldn’t believe it! I met someone here that knows someone I know back in Montreal (else than Cynthia but that’s different ‘cause she came here and went swing dancing). How funny is that. I mean, Ian never came to any of the swing dances in Montreal but he still knows Philou. Sooo cool! He also speaks a bit of French, he’s actually pretty decent for someone who never took classes.

After the dance, a couple of us went for a hot chocolate. On the street next to the park, there’s a “café” that serves quite an interesting hot chocolate. They give you a glass with real pieces of chocolates and in a separate cup, the hot milk for you to mix as you please. That’s awesome and looks really good. It’s great! I got to hang out with some dancers. Mark is an Ice Hockey (Hockey alone is different here) referee and travels for it. His dream is to see and NHL game. I’m sure he’ll get too one day. He was very interesting and fun to talk to. There was another girl with us Amber or Amanda I think and she was really nice. This actually feels like what a swing community should be about or at lease what I’m used too. Actually, Mark says that he usually go for a coffee or something with his students after every class. That’s a good idea and a good thing to do. He invited me to go on Wednesday to a dance he organizes that should be on every week. Great! A regular dance! This Wednesday will be the first. He even offered to pick me up on the way. So nice of him. I also learned that he dives as well, I think well get along quite fine! At the end, Sean (Mr. Handsy), gave me and Ian a lift back home. Very nice of him as long as he keeps his hands to himself. I’ll have to tell him sometime. I just had a really good time and I’m sooo glad I got to meet all of these people. More reason for me to find a job here.