In the leafy tree tops...

This morning began with a trip to Brisbane's South Bank street markets. We met up with Lindsey where she took us to the markets to buy over priced Australian souvenirs.

The Esplinade at South Bank, downtown Brisbane.

After our brief Australia shopping experience, we met up with Liam to travel down the Gold coast to stay in their holiday villas in Coolangatta.

The Gold coast is absolutely stunning, with miles of white sugary soft sand. It is so soft and it squeaks beneath your feet as you walk across it. Being the pessimistic Americans that we are, we of course thought the sand must be imported from somewhere, as nothing could be this pristine naturally.

After speaking with a few locals however, we were convinced the sand and beaches are indeed natural and were therefore even more amazed by there beauty.

We had a great time playing in the ocean, as the water was quite warm. We only had one mishap when we were not paying attention to the waves, important lesson: Never turn your back on the ocean if you do not want to get soaked. We also sent a shout out to our mum's back home, as today is Mother's Day:

After playing in the ocean we walked to a supermarket to find supper. Another interesting fact about Australia: If you are looking for exciting night life, or any night life for that matter, do not come to Australia. At 5 pm, or earlier if the shop keepers feel like it, all the stores (including grocery stores) close down for the evening. I think it is because everyone wakes up so blasted early from the insanely loud parrots in the mornings, but who knows, that is just my opinion. All I know is that if you wanted to hit a grocery store and it is 5:15 pm, you are out of luck and your only hope for finding food will be to go to one of the few pubs that remain open after 5 pm.

The next morning, we went to Lamington National Rainforest were we enjoyed a few bush walks and a tree walk on bridges suspended 60 m above the forest floor.

Bree had a bit of a run in with a sharp twig, and it was touch and go for a while with her big toe, we thought we may have to amputate; she fortunately pulled through though once we found a band aid. The tree walk was fantastic as it supplied us with a fantastic view of the park. Bree gave Australia a bit of a view when she had a Lindsey Lohan moment on the tree ladder.

After we finished at the park we returned home with Liam where we were able to further experience Australia by eating Kangaroo meat. It was actually decent, kind of gamey, Bree had a bit of a time eating it as it was Kangaroo, but all in all it was not bad. After dinner we enjoyed a tension filled card game of up and down the river. Bree's competitive side came out as she attempted to pull away with the win. In the end, she came up short, but it is just a game right?

For more Australia pics, click HERE