Someone told us to go to Brisbane in August because the weather is wonderful there and shitty in Melbourne.  For our American friends, this is like going to Florida in February.  Naturally, when Jetstar had a fare sale back in May, we choose a weekend in August and bought tickets.  Unfortunately, the weekend we chose was shitty and rainy, but we made the best of it.

We arrived in Brisbane around lunch time on Friday, and realized that none of us had pre-researched this city.  First thing after lunch, we headed for the visitor center to get some literature and maps.  Because of the rain, we decided that perhaps a riverfront bar crawl might be the best way to spend Friday afternoon, so we started our adventure across the river, coming across artwork, a ferris wheel, gardens and a great view!

Saturday morning we went looking for breakfast and stumbled upon this little gem in the alley.

My first thought was, this seems a little shady; I hope the food isn’t super greasy and nasty.  When we sat down, the menu was full of vegetarian options and Bloody Marys.  When the food came, it was AMAZING!  Yes, I ate the flowers (off of Ben’s French Toast).

Also, this creeper showed up at our table.

After breakfast and a quick trip to Target for rainboots, we headed for the Botanical Gardens.

Since the Botanical Garden runs along the river, we took a stroll to see the Story Bridge better (and find a beer).

After a couple of beers, we grabbed the water taxi and headed for the night market.  Apparently, it was closed due to the rain, but they never bothered to update their website or take down the signs.  We walked forever from the water taxi drop off, only to have the last person we asked for direction, within 100 yards of the market, tell us that it was closed due to rain.  Seriously.  So we found a festival, watched a dragon dance and proceeded to dance the night away!

Sunday morning we woke up to the sun!  Ben and I had breakfast at the Pancake Manor, which was OK, and then headed for the markets on the opposite side of the river.

Brisbane is a very pretty city, but I’m not sure why they call it Bris-vegas.  Anyone?