Brisbane: Christmas 2019
Christmas Eve disappeared entirely from the calendar thanks to the international date line. An overcast morning arrival in Sydney due to massive wildfires burning throughout southern Australia, plus the fun of several Airbus A380 sightnings on the bus ride from the international to the domestic terminals at SYD. Priority Pass provided a free meal at the domestic terminal (not much else to say about it-- it was edible enough?), then a quick flight up to BNE.
A rainy morning that tapered off by mid-afternoon was the first taste of Brisbane. The airport train is easy to access and quick, the staff were very helpful, and the first impression of the city was modest but pleasant: one big enough to have a legitimate collection of tall buildings, yet still small enough to be easily walkable. The boardwalk/trails/sidewalks on both banks of the river also made for a great running trail for miles.
Most restaurants and shops were closed for the holidays, and those that were open were all packed for Christmas lunch. Went for a nice run instead, and then did a sunset photography walk across the city on the way to Three Blue Ducks for dinner. Locate at the W Hotel, Three Blue Ducks was quality but not particularly inspired; to be honest that might have been a byproduct of sticking to staff recommendations for seafood. Going with the porchetta instead of the swordfish for the main course might have lead to a significantly different outcome?
Saw two more places open right by the W, one of which turned out to be a lousy kebab place (poor food choices continue! *grins*) that oddly hit the spot. Then continued the walk back to the hotel via Queen Street Mall, and was back at the hotel in preparation for an early start the next day.
Merry Christmas, all!