On our third day in Brisbane, we fell in love with the Australian service industry, sporting culture and beer.
The day was meant to be about business. First on our list was getting personal and joint bank accounts. After extensive online research, we decided to go with National Australia Bank (NAB). Walking into their branch on Albert St. we knew we would be happy with them. They offered in-house computers for internet banking, a terminal for depositing loose change in exchange for cash or credit, a terminal to make change from bills, and multiple ATMs. To top it off, NAB had a great in-house soundtrack and a ping pong table under the stair case. Our teller Sunny was immensely helpful and patient as we worked through the available options to find the best fit. I can’t wait for my hot pink Visa Debit Card to come in the mail next week.
Second on our list was checking out mobile providers. From what I gathered Telstra is the Australian equivalent of Telus. Telstra has the most extensive coverage in Oz; when they privatized, Telstra was mandated by the government to provide service to country side towns. Given our upcoming move to Mackay, they’re our preferred carrier. Today they launched the iPhone 4S; our names are on the wait-list.
Pie Face Coffee Bar asks patrons 'how do you wake up?', serving up 'soft' or 'hard' blend depending on your response.
In between errands we dined at Pie Face, a meat pie cafe. It was everything I dreamed it could be. They serve coffee of varying strength and a plethora of pies. I choose two mini vegetarian pies and Chris went with the Thai chicken pie and a macchiato. Could you imagine munching on a breakfy pie during your morning commute? Or enjoying a beef pie during a cold, rainy day? Yes please. Did I mention that they also serve cheese sticks and croissants? Too delicious.
After our errands we sat down for a pint in one of the open-air restaurants on Queen St. A re-run of a match between the Australia Wallabies and New Zealand All Blacks was playing. I like to think of rugby a meld of soccer, football and pain/blood. I was immediately thankful that Dad took me aside before the move and explained the difference between Rugby League and Rugby Union. From Dad’s YouTube clips and improvised drawings I surmised the following:
- Union: When players tackle each other the play keeps going until a foul is called or a try is scored.
- League: When players tackle each other, the play stops and possession changes. Potentially more aggressive/dangerous.
We’re stoked for the Rugby World Cup semi-final between the Wallabies and the All Blacks on Sunday night.
Now, on Australian beer. The love of hops, barley, water and yeast was one of the first thing I learned about the land down under. Chris sampled XXXX Gold, which he called “Wholly unremarkable. Like water.” It’s only 3.5 % alcohol, perfect for drinking all day. I tried Victoria Bitter (VB) and then Beez Neez Honey Wheat Beer by Matilda Bay Brewing Company, the latter more suited to my normal palate. VB seems to be the Aussie version of Molson Canadian; classic but a bit lack lustre. Still to try: White Rabbit White Ale, Monteith’s Doppelbock Winter Ale, and Coopers Brewery Dark Ale. Any recommendations?
We’re spending the rest of the day watching the original Iron Chef and reading on the couch. The jet leg strikes us through-out the day with general fatigue and stomach pains. Hopefully I’ll be able to sleep through the night.
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