Our Local Ferry Terminal

Our Local Ferry Terminal
Originally uploaded by Renboo

Mom asked for a picture of a ferry, so here it is. I would upload more pics to the blog, but internet is sketchy here to say the least.

I don't know if you can see it, but this ferry is a double decker - it goes two zones (i.e. around the corner) - it takes us to New Farm. To give you an idea of how far that is - I took the ferry last night after dinner to Sydney Street and then walked along the floating walkway back to the city and then crossed back to our stop. All you map people out there can google it. I think it took about an hour.

It was really nice - but felt super late. There were lots of people on the floating walkway until I got to the old industrial wharves, then it was just me and Rowan and the occasional bike whizzing by the other way. Where did all the people go that had been around me just 2 seconds ago? - there was no way off the walkway except into the river and I wouldn't swim in it. I didn't feel unsafe though.

So yesterday.....

we decided to get up early and go sign me up for medicare. We both have a fear of government agencies and were panicked to get going. Cyp said - "it's in the Myer Centre"

"Great, I said - I know exactly where that is - I went there yesterday. So we headed out on our way - We were walking up Elizabeth Street and got to Albert when Cyp said -" lets go right here to Queen Street"

"Are you sure?" I asked (as I didn't know exactly where the office was) "Yup"

So we went right and found the Queen Street Mall - it's a pedestrian only street with stores etc - I guess what Granville Street Mall is supposed to be like. heh. You know - Cyp might have mentioned that this was a short ferry ride away. There is a 24 grocery store and lots more, but anyway.....

Needless to say, we got lost. If we had stuck to the street that I had suggested, things would have been fine, but no....

Anyway, s'allright (as they say here in response to just about anything) as when we got to the Medicare office, it was fairly empty and we were done in about 5 minutes. They are very laid back here, yet they seem to get things done. It was no problem adding me and the boys to the medicare form.

As we went our separate ways we both said

"now are you going to be able to find your way?"

and then we both rolled our eyes.

Ellis, Rowan and I were next off to playgroup - aka drop in.

We took the ferry to New Farm and yay there was a bus there! We ran for it and went and stood at the door and looked in expectantly and the driver just kinda looked at me. Then I thought - oh, you're supposed to hail the bus, so I gave a little wave and he just shook his head and drove off. Hmm - that was weird. Did I not hail with enough vigor? Anyway, I still feel like I'm in holiday mode, so I didn't curse him like I would have if I'd been in Vancouver. Although after walking about 2 blocks in 30 plus heat I started to get angry at him. He was not a friendly Australian.

We found the playgroup (after one false stop - looked like playgroup - rainbows on the wall, etc - Ellis got really excited) and it was really great. I met more people there in an hour than I met in two years in Douglas Park. In fact, I met someone that moved to Brisbane three years ago that used to live at Quebec St and 23rd. She has a four year old boy and a 2 and 1/2 year old girl. We are getting together for a picnic on Saturday. I also met someone from Melbourne, Adelaide, Venice and Spain. Seems no one is born in Brisbane - they all just move here. One other mom (a child psychologist at the hospital no less - I really wanted to talk her ear off, but didn't as I didn't want to seem too desperate) lived in Vancouver when she was a little girl.

Ellis had one meltdown over a cookie and everyone looked at me with pity - "he's tired" they all said. "Sure - I'll go with that - yup, jet lag"

All too soon it was over - I really wanted to make a general announcement - "anyone going for lunch, park, anything, anybody?" but it doesn't seem to be done here. It didn't seem like people were particularly busy, but it did seem like they keep strict playgroup hours.

So, we reluctantly left the building - as we were near the fish and chips place we went there. Have to fill the day somehow. Karen, the playgroup coordinator walked by with her son "yes, we used to go here...." She's busy and no time for that now.

I convinced Ellis to go the library after that - nine stories later, we walked back to the ferry in the scorching heat.

When we got home, it was only about 1! I was done in and there were still hours till Cyp got home. Ellis was clearly done in as well. We got into an altercation which led to a tantrum that was beyond my control. About 15 minutes later, I had to call Cyp to come home. 5 minutes after that Ellis was fine again and we went to the pool to cool off and wait for Cyp. I've picked up how to Tame the Spirited Child again today and I've learned a lot.

Anyway - that was that day. Hot, but not so hot.