The ex-girlfriend arrived in Singapore for a 30th Birthday rendezvous (hers not mine) so I cunningly booked a boutique hotel called, "The Scarlet," as a surprise. It was certainly a surprise to me when they showed me the price list (200 pounds for one night!)
Raffles was of course the destination of choice. It could hardly be construed HER present though, as I had been itching to light the Havana, sip the port and throw peanut shells on the Long Bar floor for weeks.
So it was with great sadness that I departed Asia after 4 months eating noodles. rice amd the odd wok-fried insect. I honestly loved every minute.
So off to Brisbane, Australia with Qantas who charged me 100pounds just to change the destination from Perth to "Brizzy." Crooks.
My first encounter with a Tim Tam occured in the clean city of Brisbane with more cycle tracks than an Olymipic stadium. The city was beautifully sunny, hot and bright..................yes two months ago!!!!
It rained constantly.
Whilst we had hoped for sun, the Brisbanites (or "Banana Benders" as they are known) had waited 11 months for rain. They all looked de-hydrated! No wonder I was charged 2 pounds for a 1.5 litre bottle of the stuff!!! Oz was looking decidedly expensive.
Back to Tim Tams and eating one is de riguer in OZ. In fact the government have made it mandatory. On departure from any Autralian airport customs first check your passport then look for your empty Tim Tam packet.
I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of chocolate on the little fellers. Think "Penguin" but more chocolatey.
Ozzies have clearly gone mad for them as they appear (The Tim Tams) in every form imaginable. I have eaten Tim Tam balls, (think heavier Malteasers, with a crunchier chocolate centre), Tim Tam fingers and even a Tim Tam cornetto!
Another Autralian must-try is Vegemite. It can be purchased in all dimensions and some Australians even live in the largest size version once they have finished the spread.
Vegemite is similar to Marmite but not as strong or beefy. Its similar to comparing English mustard to French. You can apply loads of Vegemite to your toast and your face doesn't grimace at all. I'm stocking up on the stuff as it helps keep mozzies away in tropical Cairns.
Fish and chip shops are everywhere but, unlike our far smaller island, the freshness and choice is spot on. Typically you can try Barramundi, sea perch, Dory and Snapper grilled or battered. Makes our cod and haddock look boring.
I thought ALL Ozzies were slim juice-bar addicts. (is Home and Away not a true reflection?) Unfortunately there is a huge predominance of fast food outlets here. All the usual suspects but some new ones too. There's "Hungry Jacks" and one called, "Red Rooster." (no idea what they sell?)
My first impressions of the people (in Brisbane) were mixed. The cab driver from the airport was openly racist as was a shopkeeper in a travel gear store. This made me annoyed, surprised and shocked especially as its a major city.
I read in a (local) newspaper an assertion that other Ozzies thought that, "yoghurt contained more culture than a Queenslander." and that they were keen to portray a more positive image.
I hope this is the case as we have experienced extremely warm people and some very unpleasant ones. (harsh, rude woman at Torquay camp site - you know who you are) Queensland is a huge territiry so I'm keen not to steriotype (well at least not at this stage)
To me, the culture can be found in the wildlife, scenery and sense of adventure I get here. Everybody goes fishing which is fantastic. Tell someone in the UK you go fishing and they have you down as a loner, saddo, odd-bod or weirdo. Obviously there is the Aboriginal culture too but I have not been able to find that yet.
I have to mention bush turkeys as its in the title. They can be found wandering aimlessly everywhere. They look very tasty and I'm keen to try one but I fear they are protected. Bugger.
