Enjoying the Gold Coast

Today I awoke to find it was yet another sunny day. with an expected high of  28 degrees.   As we are close to the beach, there is always a breeze so the temperature is lower than in Brisbane, but generally the temperature does not go above 35 degrees.    We found this to be so, when we lived in Brisbane 42 years ago.  Unlike Adelaide, where the air is dryer, temperatures can often be in the 40's.    

Yesterday morning I went with Jackie to Toastmasters, which is held at the Council Offices.    Jackie worked for the council before she retired last September.    Toastmasters started in America and has taken off in Australia too.    It comprises of a structured meeting, where the participants carry out certain roles such as toastmaster (leader), time keeper, evaluators.    Someone introduces the word for day.    Roles are changed each week.  Two people give presentations (timed and evaluated) and four people are nominated to give impromptu presentations about a given topic.    The meeting lasts for an hour and must run according to the agreed time, everyone gets feedback and applause is given freely.    This particular Toastmasters is supported by the council, who pay participants' annual fees.   It is a very powerful way for people to gain experience and confidence in public speaking.    And experience in appropriate meeting formalities.  I was very impressed by the whole process and the support members give each other.    The structure does not allow for big egos or domination by individual people.   I certainly appreciated this, especially after being in education for 30 years, and suffering countless of frustrating meetings.

Afterwards we walked around the grounds surrounding the Council Offices.    Jackie and I posed in front of the Nerang River and the buildings in Surfers Paradise.    An idyllic working environment?    I think so!        

Then we drove to Mudgeeraba, which still has much of its original settler charm.    I was impressed with all the bromeliads growing on the trees.   It was also a very restful coffee stop.   Coffee is very good in Queensland, I am pleased to say.

The longer we stay in Jackie's house,the more we feel we are holidaying in a luxury resort.    Well it is really!    There is a swimming pool and a tennis court, both are available for residents and their guests.    And of course we have been making the most of the swimming pool.    After I went for a walk early this morning, I dived into the water for a swim.    It was very easy to swim 20 laps, unlike in the pool at Camping Manjestre.   I am working up to the tennis!

A view down Jackie's street.

Today we visited a shopping complex called The Brick Works.    A visit to Freedom, which models its meandering path in the store on Ikea, is full of expensive furniture and furnishings.    However, it was a refreshing place to visit after our frequent Ikea visits in the UK and Europe.

The market area was full of coffee bars and delicious food.

I love the blue paint on the walls in this specialist coffee shop.

Finally it was off to the Southport Surf Life Saving Club for fish and chips and xxxx beer.    I diluted the beer with lemonade, as it was a bit strong for me.    I did not want to embarrass myself by falling down the stairs afterwards.    We had a beautiful view of the beach, through open windows.   And a lovely breeze.

Tonight we ate delicious fresh pineapple.   So juicy and sweet.