We arrived in Brisbane at 9.30am along with 6 other flights from all parts of the globe. After customs, getting our bags, and immigration all took so long we were wondering if we would ever get out of the airport when yeah a uniformed lady directed us into the fast line to walk out but the gorgeous beagle dog was on duty and took a liking to Kents computer bag. So we had to stop and unload everything and answer all the questions etc. One hour after our plane landed we at last entered Australia and found Carols daughter Corrin waiting with partner Adam and wondering where the hell we were!
An hour drive took us to their home near the Gold Coast where we unloaded into their spare room. The weather was fine for our first few days then clouded over and descended into rain. We got to go to the beach and swim and wander the Australia Fair shopping centre. Everything has changed over these last 2 1/2 years and of course prices have increased a fair amount. Food in particular is noticeably higher in cost than in the UK and Europe.
We caught up with Corrins Kiwi group of friends and one day were able to go inland and visit the 'Natural Arch'. A lovely drive through very green counryside and into bush that was just like NZ to see a waterfall and natural bridge. Kent worked with Adam to sort out a problem with Corrins car, and both of us had a go at using the XBox Kinect. It's fun and a great way to exercise without realising you actually are BUT you have to be careful. Whilst doing the games together Kent crushed his large foot down on Carols delicate toes and munched them mean as (Kents version = Carol stuck her foot under his...). Carol was limping around for a few days and her toe turned a lovely blue. As soon as mobility returned we had yet another go, it is a lot of fun, but this time Carol managed to kick Kents leg with the same sad sore toe so from then on it was one person at a time only!
