Tag 52: Cows in the Devil's Front Yard

08/20/2016

The journey continues, this time just a short car ride as we were already near Brisbane and only slept outside for price reasons. They also call it perpetual saving - but that's how it is when you want to experience as much as possible in a short time.

Brisbane has the reputation that the city is not even worth a full day trip. We cannot confirm this because we don't even try. In fact, we take all the collectible first impressions in a few hours, but probably don't stay longer than half a day in the metropolis.

After climbing the Brisbane sign and being lucky enough to admire the Saturday morning market, we also marvel at the incredibly clean and equally cold outdoor pools that Australians provide for free in their cities. So you quickly get the feeling that with just a few steps you can go from the hectic city life to the relaxation oasis of the enjoyable and relaxed Copacabana flair.

After responsibly completing the duties of every tourist, I dedicate myself - accompanied by my partner - to the really important things in life. The bodily pleasures must of course not be neglected, which is why we - contrary to the given savings plan - sit in one of the restaurants on the promenade and actually spend 22$ together (a fortune for us - nothing in Australia). But if you know how much beer costs so far away from the alcoholism support homeland, you probably understand that we cannot refuse the offer to have a pitcher and a large portion of fries in the sun of the promenade. The joy of the bargain, followed by the disillusionment of having bypassed our savings budget in this way, triggers a teenage-like urge for self-presentation in us, which is why we - as tourists probably should do - take more pictures of our food than actually eat it. What is created is french fry cigars, yellow rabbit teeth, and mainly cold potatoes.

Slightly dizzy from the liter of beer for two and the previous abstinence - but certainly still capable of driving (my dear police friends and grandmothers) - we make our way to the Gold Coast. Specifically, Surfers Paradise, the Miami of Florida Australia is our destination. In Vienna, one would probably feel teased that just on the way to the Australian Sunshine State a thunderstorm breaks out over us, which forces us - where else - to stop at McDonald's. But there I actually managed to get myself a surfboard, which I bought around the corner on Gumtree (Willhaben for Aussies). We find the pickup location without any problems, but when I try to make myself noticed, I have to realize that the suburban house where my future favorite sports equipment is stored does not have a doorbell. So I have no choice but to go into a completely strange house in a completely strange country, which may possibly be the one where I made the appointment (numbering the houses is rather unusual here). Fortunately, in the beginning twilight, I don't have to be afraid, as I am kindly greeted by two dogs. It should be noted that I would probably never enter a garden where two four-legged creatures were keeping watch - but because of their stature and the light conditions, I first recognize two cows. Heroically, I also master this hurdle and return a short time later from the Devil's Front Yard with my first surfboard and only 40$ (28€) less. It should also be mentioned that after this spontaneous break-in, I still have full possession of my backside, which makes me incredibly happy and proud.

Upon closer inspection, the surfboard is primarily one thing - too small for me and my surfing skills. It also has a small break. It should still be usable and I am so in love that tonight Gudi has to sit next to the camping chairs under the car, as the newest family member is invited to cuddle inside the cozy interior of the campervan.

Gudi's glorious (miserly) laws:

Go to a big city on the weekend - you will save on parking fees!

We are priceless, not only because of ourselves but also because of how we try to avoid any kind of payment. Slowly but surely, we know the exact appearance of Australian coins in quite detailed, as we have probably turned them over too many times already ("turn the penny around").