Brisbane

Brisbane is pronounced "Brisbun" by the local Australians.  I think the weather was trying to bake that "bun."  It was one of the hottest days on record in the city, and the humidity was up there too,  This picture from the highest surrounding hill will indicate how much humidity was in the air.

Downtown Brisbane

This city is an architect's delight.  Every street in the downtown area boasts several different styles or periods of architecture.  The city is very much aware of the value of keeping the old while embracing the new.  The result is old buildings surrounded by new, tall ones.  A certain percent of the building cost must be dedicated to public art.

Memorial to the Australia New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC)

With all the new construction, about the only things I recognized were the City Hall and ANZAC Park.

City Hall

I found one other familiar thing.  I stayed in town for a bit after the tour and went into one of the downtown shopping malls.  There were at least 3 levels above ground, but the fascinating thing was that the mall continued underground.  One level down was a food court, a supermarket and several shops.  The next 2 or 3 levels was a Target store.  There are several ways to get between levels, so it is a bit confusing.  I went out a different door on a different level than I came in on and I was lost.  Fortunately, Australians are very helpful and we speak similar languages, so I was directed back to the pick-up point for the shuttle back to the ship.  Sue also found some "Sale" treasures at the Target store to wear with a new skirt she bought in New Zealand! (DZ)