Shannon McDuff’s Blog

Brisbane is the third largest city in Australia…. and after spending 2 nights there I don’t think I could ever live there.

Sure the place where we stayed “Holiday Inn” was in a … ok spot…although I do suppose it being walking distance to the casino did make my time more enjoyable. But while its good for a short get away, I just don’t see how people could live there.

While yes, its great having a big town but the way people drive, and how the streets are set out are just stupid! The poor GSP even had trouble working out where to turn let alone the traffic making it difficult to change lanes.

For those who want busy but not stupid busy – I suggest Toowoomba. And yes, I stayed there for two night’s as well just after Brisbane. They are similar in they both have alot of people, but Brisbane is just for people who know where they are going and don’t care about anyone else.  In Toowoomba case, you could be a tourist and find it quite easy to get around and if you miss a street there is plenty of opportunities to turn around.

So, take your pick - Brisbane  

 or                 Toowoomba

Or if they don’t have what you want….. try Hervey Bay

The fresh, floral air energizes you. The warm, tranquil waters refresh you. The breathtaking, natural beauty renews you.

Look around. There’s no place on earth like HAWAII!!!

And that is where I am going – to stay for a 10 relaxing days exploring the island and the volcanoes!    

Anyway – back on topic:

With my trip to Hawaii only 26 Days away (and counting) I have been keeping a close eye on the Australian dollar to the US dollar. Yesterday, it surged to 23-year high after the Reserve Bank of Australia raised interest rates and investors interpreted its outlook as hawkish.

The central bank increased its official rate by a quarter of a percentage point to a 11-year hight of 6.75 per cent - as widely expected, to fight inflationary pressures.  (And, because of it going up, it has just helped my fight in not know who to vote for- just gives me one reason to go against John Howard.)

The Australian dollar raced back above US93 cents shortly after the announcement and by late afternoon yesterday had jumped as high as US93.80 cents, its highest level in 23 years.  

Anyway, good news for me and my money in regards to my trip!

Some Interesting Information - Central bank data showed  that the Aussie closed at US93.93 cents on April 4, 1984  

With someone’s “inside knowledge” on the Hervey Bay council came along http://strewth.wordpress.com . Starting from just a small website Strewth has gained around 29,000 hits! I remember, just back in September reading this website and wondering if it was just another website doomed to turn boring and to be never used again. But, no such luck for Strewth, with so many people finding out – more people will bring in information and all under ‘secret’ names. It would be impossible to find out who anyone is, unless of course, someone who knew let it slip.

Anyway, for those who are interesting in the Hervey Bay council, I seriously recommend reading it. It’s very interesting to see the truth about what’s going on in this town!