The Sun has broken thru for at least a day. It seems there are some mega storms off the coast but they have gone away for now. The meetings finished around 11:00am so we went across for a swim in the Lagoon. Before that I found the other Woollies which has a greater range of stuff. I got two egg and lettuce sandwiches and a couple of drinks. We found a shady tree on the sand which was very idyllic. The city backdrop is impressive from this spot.
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| City Beach |
I heard Evie make a noise, only a squawk but it's a start. The man who evented the Snoo also has a white noise machine. It was tried last night when Evie was a bit fidgety and she went to sleep. The sound is more like loud static which would be the last thing you want to hear but it did work. Today's jobs included mowing the lawns with a hand push mower. I thought these had gone to museums and very physical it was too.
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| only half way |
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| A top up |
I went across the way to the Lagoon which is a huge pool complex. It was raining again and totally deserted and also getting some maintenance via a large vacuum cleaner. So I turned around and went back to the hotel pool. This was also empty. I tried the spa as well. It was well heated and you would not want it on a hot day. I was doing this while the first meeting of the day was in progress. We keep getting thrown by the one hour difference. It is better if I get out of the room when the cameras are running. The Rydges hotel next door is brand new and they all have balconies. I am putting that one on my list. We have done a check on the Uber/Taxi/Car hire question. The Ubers are around $28 (to the city at night) and the Taxis $35 (from the city during the day). There are two trips per day to/from Nundah, so say $60 per day. We should be well ahead by not hiring a car. ($40 per day just to park.)
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| Sucking up the sand |
Sounds like something Shakespeare would write. Evie is fast finding her arms and legs and how to wriggle them. So even when wrapped up she can get on her side, so that's when the Snoo comes in. It is a smart basinet which ties the baby down and at the same time rocks them and mimics the movements and sounds in the womb. Also monitors sleep patterns and serves breakfast. Well almost. They are $2000 to buy but rental is a better option. Debbie made some zucchini slice this time so everybody is feeding, including Evie which is every three hours and requires the parents to wake her each time with sleeping in between. Such bliss.
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| We had lunch Next Door - the cafe's name is Next Door |
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| I see you |
Last time we were in Brisbane last December it was storms rain and nasty wind. Right now it is poring heavy rain. I did go out earlier looking for some breakfast as the government here has stopped all hotel restaurants. There is a huge pool just across the road so I might try that out tomorrow. This morning I went to the gym to try the bike machine. There is also a pool there which is open. The hotel is old and needs some work but it is doing the job we need. The air conditioning works as the humidity is up. I have had this situation before where I am in the room where the business meetings are also being held so I tiptoe around the cameras. I will have to check out the lounge areas. Evie is getting her photo taken today but originally it was supposed to be of a very pregnant Laura. Some small person changed the schedule.
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| Pool 1 |
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| Brooding sky |
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| Pool 2 |
A long day but they couldn't keep us out forever. We have changed our opinion of Jetstar. The airport checkin has been fully automated and the upgrade package on board was a winner as well. We went straight for the Evie visit and I must say this is the quietest baby I haven't heard. If you are well fed then I guess you not complaining. We got all the presents delivered in one piece and with room to spare in our cases. Debbie cooked up a lasagne using chicken mince. That's different. We are at the Mantra Brisbane which seems a basic hotel but it was dark so we haven't seen much.
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| Evie and friend |
Good thing we have large suitcases as I can count at least 8 extra wrapped packages. I also increased the weight limit up to 30kgs each however the parcels don't seem to be that weighty. A huge purge is taking place in the wardrobe so packing is a bit delayed as I can't get into the room. From the doorway I estimate well over 100 empty coat hangers and a large delivery to the op shop. A purge always makes me think of the Japanese Kondo queen of declutter. She would be happy with my stamp purging. I have cast aside maybe 50000 stamps and kept 17000.
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| swinging on the coat trails |
