Day 10: Mountain Climbing Pt. II

As we all pretty much expected after our little walkabout the Blue Mountains, Anoop found us another mountain to walk up, with full knowledge the entire time that there was a bus route to the summit. Thanks, Anoop.

I guess it is all well and good with me though, as I need to drop about 20 pounds anyway. The exercise feels good, it's something I have not done in a long time. Not to mention that the incredible views always seem that much better when you had to do something so miserable to get to them.

We climbed up Mt. Coot-Ah (pretty sure that is misspelled) to get a glimpse of the most spectacular view available of Brisbane. There was a cool little shop and cafe up on the summit that we were able to get a drink at before descending on the bus. After getting a little lost, we ended back up in the same area we had been in the day before. The sushi area. I told you we would eat it again.

After another consecutive Sushi snack, we got some work done in the dorm on our thesis projects. These periods of extended time to work are really starting to be valuable as I am watching my time here fly away. Anoop continues to remind us to not forget why we came here...but it gets tough when he drags us all over the city to see every great view and cultural experience he can.

Speaking of cultural experiences, we got another great one tonight. We got to experience our first Cricket match! The Hyundai Center, home of the Brisbane Heat, is literally across the street from our hotel, so there really wasn't a reason we should not go. After getting a quick run down of the rules from Anoop (a native of India and avid Cricket spectator) we headed out to the stadium. The game really is very similar to Baseball, containing runs and fly outs and a large symmetrical field with defensive players.

Interestingly enough, the night before the game, a couple guys in our group decided to make it interesting by putting a few dollars down at a gaming lounge on the Heat beating the Hobart Hurricanes. Then we founded out that Brisbane is 0-20 and Hobart is undefeated. Whoops. Interestingly enough, the Heat pulled off the massive upset and we were able to see their first win of the season in truly stunning fashion. I know the guys who had slapped down their cash were relieved too.

Looking a little sweaty after a long hike up to the top. Worth it for the view, though!

The Hyundai Center right next to our hotel in Wooloongabba

Brisbane "Heat" ....get it?