New year, new home

Hello!! It feels so good to be writing again. I've been here in Brisbane for 10 days now and what a crazy 10 days it has been!

Perhaps it would be best if I write a shortened recount of some of the happenings.

Last week my extended family and over 100 others celebrated the life of my amazing grandma. We had known for many years that she was very sick, but for so many people to come and celebrate her life was absolutely beautiful. I shared a personal poem and some family members played music and shared their most fond memories. Even though this week has been incredibly emotional, I was so grateful to be apart of this as well as my grandmas life.

Apart from slowly unpacking our boxes of belongings into our new home, my family has been able to fit in a small amount of sightseeing!! 

I have been visiting Queensland all my life as I have family living here but they live in the country side; a few hours out of the city. Therefore, I have never really seen Brisbane properly before. Everything here is new to me. As we have been staying in the heart of the city we have been able to get up to a lot of shopping, from the Myer Centre in the city, Indooroopilly and the massive Carindale mall. 

It has been quite a suprising experience shopping in Australia after spending the last year shopping in Singapore. There is a lot I never took notice of when I lived in Australia. The shops close so early here!! I have now realized how much I miss being able to go shopping at night, it's so convenient! Additionally, the shops are nowhere near as busy here in Australia. People here can just stand wherever they want on an escalator as they are so empty; no more single file! 

Except I do have to say, I miss the extensive range of shops in Singapore. 

My family were at a loss when we first arrived in Brisbane as to what we could possibly go and visit in a short amount of time. Just walking distance from our hotel are the botanical gardens. I adore walking through pruned and well kept gardens; there is just something so wonderful and almost calming about it. I feel so inspired when everything around me is full of life. The gardens here are worth the visit. They are also located alongside the Brisbane River so you are treated to a wonderful view of the city, the iconic Story bridge and water decorated with an assortment of sail boats. 

A few days ago I went to explore South Bank. It was so nice to walk across the Victoria bridge and see a panoramic view of the cityscape. 

After a year of absence I was finally reunited with beautiful strong, cool gusts of wind which carried us as we walked along the bridge. I really missed this cooling weather. 

There are many lovely, vibrant gardens surrounding the South Bank area. There are even board walks, eateries and a Nepalese peace pagoda. I was especially surprised to come across the pagoda! This intricately carved pagoda is actually one of three Nepalese pagodas located outside of Nepal. I was amazed by the detailed carvings which grasped the exterior. 

I am greatly looking forward to seeing how the rest of this year will unfold. I intend on taking advantage as much as I can whilst I'm staying in the city to see all of the sites at my finger tips!