After the holidays in Hobart, we visited our friends Chris and Laurence on Stradbroke Island to celebrate the coming of 2010. We stopped over in Brisbane, a true jungle metropolis. Check out those blooming trees in the park!
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Sam also found himself a striking plant backdrop. 5 minutes earlier, he was following ibis between giant bamboos, but I didn't get the picture.
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Flood-proof artchitecture and barefoot people everywhere in the city gives Brissie its particular flavour.
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A water-taxi ride later, we were among friends. Meet up with Mélia on the other side of the world.
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Main Beach vista, as seen from the Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC's are as common as LCBO's in Ontario, but with the added presence of ripped guys in speedo's and ocean-proof bathing caps)
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The waves are often superb and huge, sharks often come by to say hi, and to add to the pressure for beginner surfers like ourselves, many local pros scanning and commenting the performances in the water. Utes gather on the beach and people catch up, throw a fishing line in, have barbeques and good times on the amazing beach.
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Exterior shower. What a delight!
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We're living the good life in the home of the Semple-St-Pierre: fresh-caught spanish maquerel galore and master recipes by Laurence. Today: grilled garlic prawns, crispy salad, cheese and hummus.
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Larrie and Chriso at the 'rents' during their new year dinner. Excellent party with charming folks, food for the gods, and surely one of the most stunning views of the island.
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Chris's mum and little 6'6" brother.
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Chris and the belles, and life is good yet again.

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Lunch break with Laurence who is working at the gelato shop that day. We bring her lunch and she shows her one of her usual eating spots. Unbelievable! There are even rays gliding in the waves below.
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The fishing season is on, the maquerels are in a frenz, and Chris brings Sam out in the boat to get it on with some serious marine life! Very productive mornings, and the boys are packing big smiles to match their big fish!
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Fish to the right of us, fish to the left of us, and Chris's mom is unconsolable because there's no more freezer space to be found anywhere.

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The biggest hardship when fishing for spanish mackerel is the biting presence of sharks, who zero in on hooked fish for a little nibble. That there is the head Sam pulled into the boat... the fish was so big that just from the meat left over on the head, we fed 4 people that night. Fish burritos yummmm. We wish we were already back over there.
