Back to Brisbane

When I left Brisbane over two years ago it was not entirely certain I would ever be back. I loved the city and I thoroughly enjoyed my brief sojourn there back in 2003/2004. But things with Chris and I were relatively new at the time of my departure from Australia. We still had many things to figure out. None more so than if this relationship really was something that could uproot one of us from our native country and move half a world away. Well it is two years later and the solution to that dilemma has been answered rather naturally. A year ago during somewhat casual web browsing I stumbled across a masters program that appeared to be exactly what I didn’t even know I was searching for.

Further searching would not unveil a program in Canada that would fit nearly as perfectly. So it would be Australia at least for a year and a half. 18 months to enjoy all the benefits of living in a country where winter means a low of 5 degrees at night and day trips to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are a convenient possibility.

Chris and Jay wait for the train as we head to town for Chris's bday and at the bar with friends






During my first week back my friend Jason was visiting and so while attempting to reaccustom myself with the city I was bestowed the responsibility of tour guide. Luckily Jason’s tourist enthusiasm was quickly quenched by a couple of trips downtown and a wander through Southbank.

Being back to Southbank brought back all the memories of why I love Brisbane. Waking up my first morning in Australia back in 2003 I had laced up my running shoes and headed out for a little explore of this new city. My wanderings brought me down through the botanical gardens to the river and then across the pedestrian bridge to Southbank. This special area along the river was built up for the 1988 Expo and has remained a vital part of the Brisbane community. At any time the paths are filled with families pushing strollers, runners, roller bladers and sitting back watching them are the coffee drinkers at cafe tables.

In those first moments of being there I knew back in 2003 that Brisbane was a place that I certainly wanted to spend some time.