By Erik Skye

January 15, 2011:

I spent most of the day walking around the CBD (Central Business District) and Roma Parklands of Brisbane. It’s been two days since the Brisbane River peaked (flooded) here. As I was approaching the city by car, I heard there were 10,000 volunteers for the cleanup effort.

I expected the flooding to be worse. Perhaps in other areas it was. Downtown, the sidewalks were littered with sandbags, some businesses were setting up their stores (the ones that had removed merchandise), volunteers and pumper trucks were busy, and the public was moving through it all.

Brisbane was my favorite stop last year, and I was curious if it would be as charming to me this trip. For a city of its size (roughly 2 million), it does fell nice. Traffic flows well, people are relaxed and young, and there are lots of memorials, historic buildings, parks and plazas, uniquely designed sky scrapers, the river (usually that’s a good thing), and bridges. The weather’s not as hot here (it’s subtropical), yet it's still sultry and enjoyable. Much of the surprise of last year’s visit has been replaced with a sense of familiarity this visit. But all in all, I do like Brisie.

I found a nook down by the river where volunteers were gathered for a reward of steaks and wine. The wine was set out as individual bottles on the ground, and volunteers were coming over to take a few of their favorites. The volunteers all seemed to be in good spirits (no pun intended), and I enjoyed watching them.

Speaking of “watching them”, I find that the larger the city, the more lonely it is. It’s so ironic. I had only one semi-personal exchange all day. Perhaps it is me. The opportunity for meeting people certainly exists in larger population centers. But instead, I revert to being almost completely an observer.

Roma Parklands are located adjacent to downtown, and for how little land they used to create it, it’s an incredible experience. Roma’s packed with a maze of walks that include bridges, sub-tropical jungle, water (in the form of streams, falls, ponds, and fountains), dozens of flower species, lawns, playground equipment, an amphitheater, and lizards. Yes lizards – scurrying all over the place. I haven’t included any photos of them because I don’t like them. They’re ugly and a nuisance (once you realize they’re everywhere). I just wanted to punt each one I saw into the water.

Thai food and Thai people are great – no matter where you are. Ironically, this familiarity (experienced here) reminds me of home. I was having a nice curry in Townsville and heard this song playing in the background: Clash – I Feel Presage I asked the young Thai man about it, and he did some research (it was music from his computer). He proudly returned with the name of the song written on a piece of paper. Our common interest in the music seemed to strike a genuine connection between us, I could tell. Enjoy.

Small airports are called “aerodromes”.

I saw a late 1970’s Chevy Stingray (a beautiful black one) with the steering column on the left today. Maybe that’s why the price of iconic American muscle cars is so high – the Aussies are importing them! At least they have good taste (i.e. see also Day 30’s Z28 find).

I think the charm of the crows has worn off. They can be quiet now.

***UPDATE*** Right after I wrote the above in Roma Parklands, I closed the laptop and started into the CBD to find an internet connection. A powder blue 1960’s vintage Camaro SS convertible went zipping by – and the steering column was on the left. ‘Crap, my camera’s in my backpack’ I thought. But then it pulled over and parked up the street. I ran to catch the driver. I asked him about the car and found out this one origninally came from the U.S. (he was the second owner in Oz), but he had imported another Camaro from America previously. Wow, I was being sarcastic with the import comment. Maybe there’s something to that.

That makes two "semi-personal interactions" here in Brisie today. I guess it was me afterall.

I tell people we each create our own reality, starting in our own minds. I guess I just made the point to myself. Big cities must be as personal as you want to make them.

Now, why don't I have one of those beautiful American muscle cars?! Oh yeah, they're too expensive because the Aussies snapping them up.