Gold Coast - November 19

Brisbane showed its summer climate as we went walking around killing time before catching our next bus off to the Gold Coast and Surfer's Paradise Beach. It was quite warm and humid, no wind off the water to keep us cool. Brisbane is not the place for us.

Brisbane Skyline

From our 8th floor balcony

When we were picked up it was across the street and down half a block, not in front of our hotel as the itinerary said, we then drove around for another hour collecting other people and headed to the airport, where we learned we had to get on another coach. This info was not in our documentation, but they told us what we needed to do. It was a hot, sweaty wait. All in all getting from Brisbane to the Gold Coast was a 3 hour journey on a jammed full van that had to drop off 8 other places before the Mantra Legends. 

Once settled into our room, we noticed we couldn't find the cellphone. So down we go to report to the Concierge and get some help to see if it was left on the bus. By bedtime no news and nothing the next morning, so figured it was lost. Later that afternoon, a call was received saying that we have your phone. Someone had found it on the bus and turned it in. Here is hoping we are done with loosing things.

Our room is comfortable with views of the city, ferris wheel and a bit of the ocean. A walk along the beach was our first adventure with lots of “Schoolies” roaming about. In Australia this event is held in November for the grade 12 graduates, celebrating the end of their schooling. So its all 18 year olds, mostly on their first trip without mom and/or dad tagging along. Hormones anyone?

The next day we booked a golf game and then headed for the beach. Frank had too much fun in the water and ended up with sunburn...forgot the sunscreen on the shoulders. It was only half an hour with his shirt off.

Our golf day arrived with disappointment as our golf shoes were ruined. When entering New Zealand, we had to declare them because of bringing in foreign dirt. The shoes were taken for a cleaning and not opened from their bag till two days ago. STINK, MOULD invaded our shoes. We ventured off and the Palm Meadow Club had shoe rentals as well. We both started out well, but didn't take long for unco-operative shots. It was a beautiful course and one we would play again, which is pretty good as we have fairly high standards for a golf course. We were fortunate enough to play with another couple, 5 month vacationer's from Toronto. They have been coming here for the winter for the last 5 years. Great fun and too boot an offer to drive us to the hotel instead of getting a cab. Wonderful day!