With nearly three years of weekly and bi-weekly yoga classes under my belt, I craved the peace and strength it brought my mind and body. Searching online showed me that Brisbane operated on a timetable of early morning classes or ones that were too early for me to rush back from work for. But I needed something. As I had come into contact with extra-sensory experiences most of my life, I had vowed to develop my spiritual self in the near future so when I found a Chakra Cleansing course at Spirit Rising Yoga, I decided to give it a go.
Each week, Brie walked the class through different Chakras which are energy centres existing at points in our nerve pathways. She taught us exercises to bring awareness to each area so we can see how the way we developed at such a primal level has affected the way we experience life and our sense of self. I enjoyed listening to these new concepts, which connected up to Buddhist philosophies on our lives on earth being just a small portion of our total existence - everyone is at a different stage of growth.
I also had my first exposure to Kundalini Yoga which involved alot of chanting of mantras in Sanskrit and different gestures/movements to change the flow of energy in our bodies. We were invited to try strange new ways of breathing, including one called the "Breath of Fire", which involved panting like a dog! it tickled my sense of humour hugely but on looking around, I realised that everyone was concentrating on their own practice, so my own wall of consciousness came down. It is meant to release toxins from the lungs and act as a deep cleanse.
One of the most interesting concepts we touched on was that it takes more courage and strength to listen to your heart rather than your head. Society teaches us otherwise, but I myself have always believed in letting your heart lead - it's riskier and the chances for greater hurt exist but who are we without our passion? The head will work out how to help you achieve your goals and we are reminded to always practice Yoga for the emotional balance we need.
I'm glad I attended this course for the first four Chakras and look forward to the next course to run through the remaining three.
Healing slowly, I have forgiven you for your fear... I understand that in the long run, I will have grown in strength and I can only accept the situation as it is and trust that it will all work out in the end. I send you love, light and joy.
With my recent foray into Buddhism just last year, I was interested to see that Brisbane was putting on a huge event for Buddha's Birthday. I was really interested in talks like "Froth and Bubbles (Impermanence)", "Can I have a say in my fate?", "Liberation from fear and anger", "How to avoid the misfortunes in this world of turbulence" and "Finding peace within". I like the philosophy behind it all. The day promised many activities and so it did provide.
Saturday morning, I walked over the bridge to discover a very lively South Bank. I wandered around the gift stalls, donating to blessing stalls to make wishes along the way, and arrived just in time to share in the Baby Blessing Ritual at the Courier Mail Plazza. I then participated in a meditation class with John Prescott from the BLIAQ. It was a different experience for me to be doing all these exercises to ensure good blood flow before we sat down to focus. We even walked around the room in very slow circles to enhance our mindfulness. I listened to some of the classes (where the topics were different to the page I viewed) and concluded that they didn't appeal to me. I prefer the Kadampa style, which shows you how to use it as practical advice to live our everyday life and meditation was about giving your mind some empty space, away from all of our problems.
A definite highlight of my day was tasting all the delicious Asian Vegetarian food. I wanted to try it all but there was only one of me! I enjoyed curry fish balls, siu mai and a lovely taro dessert. I rang the blessing bell, bought a little Lion string toy, and participated in the Bathing Buddha Ritual, which is supposed to send the universe a message to wash away one's inner dirt of greed, anger and ignorance, improving harmony and balance. A teahouse taught us the Art of Tea Making, and I remember pausing, tuning out the rest of the world, just to smell and taste the High Mountain tea. I went to the Art/Craft Workshop and made a little stencil cutout on red wax paper of double happiness!
Feeling hungry again now that it was close to dinner time, I walked up and down the food fair countless times to finally decide on a bowl of Taiwanese noodles - they were amazing! The soup was so different to what I expected or tried before, offering the comfort of a home-cooked soup, and the noodles tasted like Enoki mushrooms! I savoured each mouthful as I listened to the performers on the Cultural stage!
Finally, at 7pm, there was an Official Festival Ceremony, with lion dancing and performances from Rock Guitarist Katei and Blue Dragon, a Chinese group of young men who have mastered the playing of a Diablo (Chinese YoYo). I came back the next day, after the Jessica Mauboy concert, to try more food for dinner whilst I watched the Riverside Fireworks Spectacular.
I had so much fun and I walked away thinking of the three good deeds: Taking Good actions, Speaking Good Words and Thinking Good Thoughts.
I didn't know how to tell you but the family told me that you'd changed a lot since your accident. I could see it all over your face the night before I left, locked behind the bars of your own mind. I made a wish for you to suffer no more - to be released from all your worries.
Encouraged
by my recent exploration of the Newstead area, I hopped on Google search and found Beccofino as a restaurant I’d like to try. With a wide enough range of
items and reasonable prices on the menu to suit everyone, I made the final
decision based on the tantilising image of what might be handmade pasta from
the website. Upon visiting on a Tuesday night (30th April), it
became clear why bookings aren't accepted – it’s very popular and at
its current size, reservations would hinder the efficiency and numbers at which
customers are served. On the first taste of my Duck and Tomato Ragu with flat ribbons of pasta, I was in heaven! The texture of the pasta and the flavour of
the sauce left my mouth wanting more and friends on the table were also impressed.
Not normally a fan of desserts (I’m a savoury girl!), I was delighted to
discover that the vanilla bean pannacotta wasn’t too sweet for my palate as it
was garnished with fresh passionfruit and the lemon shortbread biscuit crumbs
was for the contrast to the incredible smoothness of the pannacotta that slid
down my throat! This Italian restaurant is a definite win and one I shall be
recommending to ...even the Italians!
Have I just been a romantic fool? If so, I shall be one. After all, I'd rather take chances and believe in the miracles and magic of love than be the one who denies it by overthinking or protecting themselves too much. That's how we fell in love at first, remember? We believed.
I sauntered off to the Twilight Markets on a Friday night (26th April), not knowing how amazing and large it would be! Amongst the buzz, I discovered stalls on the deck and in the square in front of City Hall, loaded with handmade art and crafts from local artists! Staffed by the original creators of the items (who were mostly on Etsy), it was really inspirational to talk to them and see workshops and demonstrations take place. I did a few rounds, drinking in the exciting visuals and great jazz vocals being performed and before I knew it, the night had come to an end. The results of my night can be seen here with artwork from Christine Donaldson, card from In Pink Ink and a beautiful ring made with vintage music score paper from myclectic. The next one is on the 26th of July!
The stars twinkle and the wind seems to caress my cheek. The music touches my heart and I remember you. I wanted to send you a message and have you appear by my side. But you won't show - you're busy hiding. Our time is so precious and you're missing our moments...
More Brisbane Events can be found at:
Two Up and Sand Crab Fettucini for Anzac Day at the Redlands RSL;
Making Cosplay Wings with Frances Foo at Brisbane Square Library; and
"Girl Clock" at Brisbane Library.
Strolling over to the City Botanic Gardens, a wall of indie Art greeted visitors along the fence. The sounds of smooth jazz enticed people to come through the gates to see that the gardens were especially decorated for the day. A range of seating options including a bright red sofa and bright red rugs were laid out on the grass with long strings of little patchwork hearts hanging from the trees. It was quite a sight to see and I took advantage of this later, by taking some great shots with my mobile phone to use for my blog photo
A bit further in, furniture design students from the Queensland University of Technology displayed their concepts for future seating in the park, inspired by nature. Visitors were asked to make their vote for their favourite moveable chair, to help Brisbane City Council understand how people would like to experience their time in the gardens. They were also asked about any more ideas they had to shape the whole city centre. I think it's a great way to develop the city - taking account of all the opinions of the community.
I haven't experienced a broken heart in so long, I'd forgotten what it felt like - it is a physical pain, that aches continuously. Shock, Frustration and Emptiness. The tears come too fast, too frequently. I didn't think you'd hurt me - I trusted you...
Celebrating my friend's birthday, we dined in at Jade Buddha, along Eagle Street Wharf, near where George's Paragon is. Rave reviews existed online about this place so we tried an entree as well as a main. We had a new member of staff serve us so he wasn't very knowledgeable on the menu items but he was very patient and eager to please. Unfortunately, the food was not to our liking. Our tiny entree of four Peking Duck wraps consisted of skinny finger-length rolls of Duck in Hoisin sauce. The sauce was too sweet and covered any taste of the duck. Half an hour later with some chasing up, my order of a Grilled Fish came out very salty and my other two friends didn't enjoy their lamb curry, which was served in a large bowl with the rice sitting at the bottom of mountains of curry. That's the thing with curries - everyone likes different ratios so it's a big mistake for a restaurant to serve customers like we were at a casual dinner party! A complaint was made and the manager tried to rectify the situation with extra drinks or dessert but my friends were too full and disheartened with their half-eaten curry that we left for a long walk instead.
The last time I visited Sea World was in 2005 so I took the planned outing as a refresher course! Not a lot had changed from what I remember... We fed the stingrays at the touchpool, watched the Dolphin show (and was astounded by how amazingly well-trained and friendly they are), then visited the Aquariums and the Polar Bears before finding some lunch at Dockside Tavern. We watched Fish Detectives for some humour and the jetski stunt show was fun! I don't remember if I'd seen the Penguins in Antartica display before but it was freezing cold in there and I loved the replica background! We finished the day off avoiding the burger patties thrown at us during the Sponge Bob 3D film and having a play-around at the gift store.
I've cottoned on to how Queenslanders usually have a yearly pass to these theme parks but I'm not that big of a fan. I think once every few years is plenty. It's probably just about spending time together and I had a great day, enjoying the company of three others.
Remember when you came down to see me in Sydney and we went to the Aquarium at Darling Harbour? :D You said a few months ago that you remembered it was raining that day :) ...I remember how your brother(3) asked me to go with you on your diving trip up at the Whitsundays and how all your diving buddies teased you for being crazy in love with me when they met me afterwards. We just blushed and laughed Xo.
Another Recreational Activities for Gold Coast would be:
On the way up to O'Reilly's in the Hinterland, Gold Coast
The Royal Pines Resort is a very impressive place to stay at, set on a world-class golf course. We had an Executive room on level 18, overlooking numerous trees and beautiful lakes set throughout the lush green lawns. Squeals of delight and laughter came from the pool and spas below and we pondered when we should join them. There were those huge air bubbles that people could climb in, and roll across the water but I think I would prefer the delight of warm jets of water in the luxurious large shower in the room later. Perhaps it was because of the Easter holidays, but the stand introducing the restaurants didn’t have the menus on hand so we waited for a long time for the staff to find and print the current menus. With a seafood buffet at Kalinda, Italian food at Trattoria Amici, Japanese at Arakawa, Fine Dining at Videre, and food and drinks at Tee’s Clubhouse and a few other bars, we had more than enough options to explore. The lifts even featured contemporary leather seating, placed at the right height just to lean against, and delicious green apples in a glass bowl can be located near the lift entrances! We only got to try some of the items on the Trattoria menu which we ate in our room one night and we never got a chance to enjoy all the lovely places to lounge at. This is definitely a place I would love to come back to stay at again.
State of confusion - I'm still trying to process it...Could I have gotten it all wrong? It just doesn't make sense. You brought up our past, You told me your plans for us and You were so nervous, waiting for hours just to hold my hand...
Read about past Hotels I've stayed at:
Setting up base camp at Frisco Serviced Apartment Hotel; and
Docking at the Ridge on Leichhardt Apartment Hotel, Brisbane.
After spending way too many dollars living in hotel rooms at Frisco and The Ridge on Leichhardt, feeling like I was bobbing around in the ocean, I concentrated my energies and time on finding a more permanent solution. I came across a cosy and funky little place where I felt an instant connection. It's also an architectural talking point as there are three internal windows but none to the outside. I applied to the Real Estate Agency that afternoon and was relieved and happy to be accepted to settle into this beautiful apartment.
Here's some information I would've appreciated knowing before I started:
- There aren't many furnished apartments that are available for rent in Brisbane City. Most are in Spring Hill or surrounding areas like Milton and Fortitude Valley.
- Always make phone calls to the agency advertising the rental property - they do not check/respond to their emails triggered by property websites.
- Real Estate Agents only advertise/organise the inspection dates and times once they have gained enough interest via contact on the phone.
- Furnished apartments are all shown during weekdays. Expect to take time off work. If you're asked to nominate an inspection time, set a time around your work hours and be firm as the agents may try to push you around to suit their own needs. I had an experience where they made it so difficult for me to change the time even though I just called five minutes earlier.
- Tenants only need to give 14 days of notice before they vacate the premises in QLD! So don't bother inspecting/applying for apartments that aren't available until a later date than that. It will cost you much more having to stay in a hotel room for a prolonged period than searching for another place.
- Forget looking at the Domain website - Brisbane tends to prefer the Real Estate website. It is updated with properties more often.
- A passport will come in handy when submitting tenancy applications - it will save you on trying to find enough points from other forms of ID.
- When you have agreed on lease agreement dates/pickup of keys, read the documentation carefully and prepare for agents who forget and fudge up the documents. I didn't think fast enough in response to the agent making up a lie on the spot so she wouldn't have to fix the paperwork. I had all the supporting emails - I just couldn't be bothered arguing and allowed her to charge me the extra day despite earlier agreements.
- Be extra diligent when filling in the Condition Report - test stoves, turn on taps, flush the toilet. Something will usually show up - maybe one of the stoves don't work, or water may leak from the ceilings or all over the floors after a shower. Maybe the toilet buttons get stuck. If anything comes up, at least you can start the process of repairs straight away - keep all emails and send photos!
I wanted to share my happiness with you and you finally initiated contact! You texted, you called, you tried to tell me so much at once. Slow down sweetheart - I'm here. But when we met, you brought along your safety blanket and I saw you controlling your body's natural instincts to fall into place with mine...
Looking for more Local Know-how? See:
Travelling with Translink, Brisbane City; and
Thursday Night is Soul'sa Night at Cloudland.
Taking in views of the Brisbane River with its water glistening in the sun, I enjoyed my lunch at George's Paragon with a dear friend of mine who had driven up from the Gold Coast for a visit. We didn't make it on time for the half-price lunch but had fun catching up on each other's lives, both past and present. I found it amazing how we just slotted back into our friendship, reminding me of the old days, when we'd keep talking in the dark during our sleepovers until one of us fell asleep. It was so refreshing to hear someone talk without any barriers and I found such comfort in finally being heard and understood, especially in a strange new city. We even ordered the same dish on the menu! I've eaten here before and we both agree that it's a great place to go to for some good quality food. Sometimes the service may take a little longer but, for me, the waitstaff are so pleasant it makes up for it.
:) You used to tell me so many things from the moment we met - that's how my affection developed for you. I found you endearing. Your openness and honesty earnt my trust. And in between your words, I found you insightful and intelligent enough to make a real connection.
What other places deserve a try in Brisbane? Choose from:
Vietnamese Pork Belly and Prawn Pancake at Sing Sing West End, Brisbane;
Birthday Dinner at Beccofino Newstead, Brisbane; and
On an Oasis at the Stokehouse on South Bank.
Frisco Serviced Apartments proved to be very popular so I moved
around the corner to The Ridge on Leichhardt for seven nights. Being the cheapest of all serviced apartments around, it lacked the comforts of free Internet access, a
sizeable wardrobe, a workable kitchen or an internal laundry. The daily costs of the hotels were high and I was even tempted to give in and sign up for one of the many leases available in the building, being so close to my daily travels at Central Station. However, with the humidity in Brisbane and the huge hill I had to climb daily, it encouraged me to find a more ideal and permanent place of residence quickly. Whilst here, I learnt that I preferred the views and sounds of the city as my company and was relieved that the hotel was accommodating enough to extend my stay until I was ready to leave.
Wake up every morning pining for your sweet morning kisses, this bed feels so
empty without you next to me. Miss your fingers in between mine.
I attended a Pain Management Support Group
through work and learnt how trauma can lead to anxiety and depression. Is this
what you’re going through? Is this what you can't reveal?
Want to know where to stay on the Gold Coast instead? Check out:
On an Easter Getaway at the Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast.
Surprisingly, Brisbane has got their transport ticketing systems in place, similar to dynamic cities such as Hong Kong who launched theirs back in 1997! It’s further ahead than Sydney, who are still in the process of rolling out the Opal Card, having launched a trial for use on Sydney Ferries in December 2012. The Go Card,
introduced in 2008, works in a similar way to the Octopus Card, where you can top up the credit available for use on public transport. As someone dear to my heart showed me, you have to touch your card at the entrance and then remember to touch your card again when you leave otherwise you will get charged a lot more money for your trip, like 10 or $20. I found out on my own though, that there is a number you can call to have the funds redeposited back into your card if you forget, which I did on my first day on the train to work… *chuckle* I stood
there waiting for the train doors to open. It was peak hour. Central Station. It took me a few moments to realise that I had to push on the button or turn the handle to open them!
One time, I stayed back in the office and found out the hard way that there was a half hour wait between train services! And guys, this was in peak hour! Sydney siders, never complain about a seven minute wait from CityRail again! I looked around Newmarket Station and understood that increasing the frequency of services would probably only benefit the three or four random people on the station waiting with me. There simply isn't enough of a population to sustain better services. Whilst I was lost in my thoughts, I noticed that a pleasant looking guy had suddenly bent over near my legs. Before I gathered myself enough to react, he had smoothed the fabric of my shoe and let out an
interested "Mmm!" ...Okayyy… :/
"Love is Patient, Love is Kind...It is not Proud. It always Protects. It always Trusts, always Hopes, always Perseveres. Love never fails."
With this in mind, I grow stronger and happier to feel the love that I do for you Xo.
New to Brisbane as well? More Localised information can be found at:
Finally finding refuge in Brisbane City; and
Thursday Night is Soul'sa Night at Cloudland.
Enthused by what I thought might have been destiny, I bounded into the city with curiosity, wondering what would be. Frisco Serviced Apartments was to be my new home base for the first nine nights, offering the luxury of free WiFi, along with the necessities of my very own
bathroom, kitchen and laundry. A Woolworths supermarket situated across the
road offered convenient access to groceries. I was slightly disappointed to find its hours of opening were so short but that, I soon discovered, was a city-wide thing.
Being new to Brisbane, and experiencing the quietness of the location, it felt like I was on the outskirts of the city, yet I was close enough to walk to Central station, where I experienced travelling with Translink. For those who have a million things running through their mind, the pool and gym would probably act as a welcome distraction.
Wanted to climb back into your arms to feel safe again. I opened mine and waited...I know you're struggling with all the thoughts in your head but I promise you - I can make it better. I've always been able to make you laugh and love...
Want to find another Hotel? Read:
Docking at The Ridge on Leichhardt Apartment Hotel, Brisbane; and
On an Easter Getaway at the Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast.
