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 the election well on its way, I can’t help but wonder if anyone is in the same boat as me.

I don’t follow anything to do with politics and I didn’t care who our priminsiter was or who got chosen. Being under 18 I didn’t have to worry about that but now the time has come. Now that I’m 18 I have to vote and no – I don’t want to go make up a dodge vote because I can’t help but think that mine will be the one that is the decider!

But who to choose if you don’t know anything about what either one of them promises! Watch the political discussions more? Well I tried watching the 90minute debate last night but much to my partner’s disgust – only got through 30 minutes of it before I was fast asleep. All I got out of it was that Kevin Rudd wants to get rid of the workers right thing – which I think is a great thing… I thought anyway… and that John Howard made the best argument over all. (judging by the votes on sun-rise the next morning).

What to do? Who do I choose? Hopefully something will happen that will make me choose one way or another……

With winter gone and the days starting to warm out, Hervey  Bay beach is the place to be. The best thing about Hervey Bay is that this beautiful weather will continue way into next year! It always been something nice to do if you are board, not to mention the dogs just LOVES the beach! These shots were taken on a beautiful Wednesday morning.

Of course, as usual pictures are on http://www.flickr.com/photos/shannonmcduff/

So today I hear on the Radio that Hungry Jacks is coming to Hervey Bay in December. They were looking  for senior employees from the  ages between 17 and 21. But, I can’t help but wonder – is this another rumour going around? First time i heard about it was it was going in where Bunnings is. Then, I heard that it was going in near red roster and I actually thought that this time it was really going to go there, but no. So here we go again, but will it happen?…. we shall see

I’ve always loved Hungry Jacks and maybe it’s because we don’t have it in Hervey Bay and it’s always nice to get a burger when I’m off on a holiday. Will having it in Hervey Bay and so accessible all the time – still make it taste as good every time?  

One the biggest events which happens every two years is the Bundaberg Air Show. This is a magnificent three day event, incorporating aerial demonstrations, joy flights, and static displays of some of the finest aircraft to take to the skies.

This was my first year of going to the show, however I have been to a similar smaller air show in my town – Hervey Bay. It was fantastic, and even though we arrived in the afternoon while most crowds had gone – it was still impressive!

The thing that impressed me the most was …the plane in the picture below. (try as I might, I can not find the name of it!) It is used to drop of soldiers in battle so it has to be able to get away quickly. It can take off in under 400m! Just to be able to see something so big, build up so much power and than take off in just that little amount is quite amazing!

More pictures to come of the Bundaberg Air show (2007) in the Gallery!

A few of them are already on www.flickr.com/photos/benmay - have a look!