Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Boy, oh Boy!

It was our mission to really celebrate Australia Day as the locals would celebrate it. So, to ensure that our first ever Australia Day would be “Oz-some” (too cheesy?), we asked a local taxi driver for some ideas. We thought we would have to travel to the outback, boomerang a kangaroo, and then grill it up on the Barbie all the while scoping out a killer wave for the best surf. Not surprisingly, he said no. He told us to go to Southbank, a district across the harbour from the city that was offering many events and activities. That was our best bet.

They offered free ferry rides around the city harbour. We missed them. They offered free tours of the Government House. We missed them. They offered a spectacular fireworks show by the boardwalk. We missed them. They offered an Australia-themed parade. We saw 5 minutes of it. Prime example of how our timing is fundamentally off…..or how God hates us.


Later on in the night, we decided to go to a bar. The Plough Inn is in the middle of Southbank. It is the be-all and end-all of bars. Let me tell you, it was packed with revelers looking to ring in the birth of their beloved country that started off hundreds of years ago as a convict farm. Flags, face paint, and oodles of pints. There was a live band, a massive group huddle, and a conga line. It’s obvious that they busted out the big guns for this party.

Throughout the week leading up to this day, rumour had it that an American navy aircraft carrier had docked in Brisbane for a couple of days. Well, it turned out to be true. We mingled with some of the American sailors at The Plough before they had to return to their carrier. I know what you're thinking ladies. No, they were not in uniform. Remember, God is not fond of us very much.

Oh, scary sidenote: a couple of days after Australia Day, the news broadcasted a story about how a fighter jet crashed off an American carrier off the coast of Brisbane. I’m pretty sure it was the fleet we met. Luckily though, it was reported that no one got hurt.

So, that was Australia Day for you. We missed practically every planned event and spent the majority of the day with Americans. Doesn’t get any more Australian than that.

Peace out.

Jess

“Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi, Oi, Oi!” screams: more than 50
Number of Australian flags acquired: 3
How many people God hates: 2