Back to the sandwich. Bridget put a type of Greek cheese on it called Haloumi. She lightly fried it and put it on top of the lamb, capsicum (that's red pepper in Aussie speak) and assorted spices. I can't tell you what else is on it, because she'll kill me. No really, I woke up in the middle of night with Bridget standing over me with a sharp spatula whispering "if you reveal my greek lamb sandwich recipe I'll kill you". That's actually a complete lie but it makes the story way more interesting. Seriously though, go out to your local grocers and ask for the Haloumi. Wow!
Day 5 - Prior to my departure from Rockhampton I stopped by ABC to say goodbye to Bridget and met all co-workers. According to Bridget they gave me the thumbs up and said I was attractive. Take that ex-wife! I've still got it.
ABC is the equivalent to CBC in Canada except they're totally government funded and don't need advertisers. This particular ABC station is based out of an old gold depository. One of the audio booths is the former home of the gold safe (If I worked there I'd be checking any loose panelling and chipping away at the walls looking for hidden treasure). There was so much gold there at one time that they actually paid off Australia's national debt and still had plenty left to throw one hell of a party.
Off to Hervey Bay. As you may have guessed from my last post I decided to skip the town of Bundaberg and it's famous (?) rum factory. If you've ever tried it you'd know why.
It took me about 5 hours to drive to Hervey Bay. Thanks to 5 stops in 10 kilometers, while road crews fixed potholes. While waiting I ate the egg sandwiches Bridget made me, compliments of the chickens in her back yard. Yummiest treat ever presented from the rear of pet.
I was surprised how big the town/city is. I was expecting a little each community. But when I drove in there was no beach or water to be seen. I drove and drove, finally arriving at my hotel, The Mantra, at the marina. The accommodations didn't disappoint. My room has a spectacular marina view and came equipped with a spa tub. I'm not afraid to say that I'm going to sit in the spa tonight, looking out at the view, sipping a beer. Maybe that's what I'm doing right now. Okay, stop gagging, I'm actually sitting at a boardwalk restaurant called Cafe Balaena drinking a Toohey's New beer watching an attractive lady next to me breast feed her baby. What the hell is wrong with me? Stop checking out the lady Jimmy. I'm so conflicted. Men are sick.
After checking in, taking photos of my room, and changing my stanky t-shirt I headed out to a movie. That's right a movie. It's my journey people. I went to the new Underworld movie. Mainly because it was the only film starting when I got there. It actually wasn't bad. But short. 90 minutes max.
I met Kate Beckinsale once. My friend Darrin and I crashed her wrap party for the first Underworld movie, shot in and around Vancouver, Canada. I saw her across the room and just had to say hello. She had very little makeup on and was still beautiful. I said " I know you're married but I just wanted to tell you how gorgeous you are" or something tacky like that. She said "thanks, my husband's the director of the film, he's standing over there". We both laughed. But her personal assistant wasn't in on the joke and stepped in between us. I'm sure Kate was really disappointed.
After the movie I drove down to the Esplanade to see the famous Hervey Bay beaches. The sand is by far the softest I've felt between my toes yet. I was driving down the esplanade as the sun was going down. As I looked up I saw giant fruit bats taking flight from a couple trees. I stopped to take photos of this maxing sight. Now, Cairns has a couple trees in the downtown area that are covered with hundreds of fruit bats, but these trees contained thousands and they all took flight at once (see photo- sorry I only had the Camera on my iPhone 3Gs handy so it really didn't do it justice - video to come). Some of the bats had at least a 3 foot wingspan. But there harmless. That is except for their crap which eats through a cars paint like acid.
I stopped of at a funky eatery called Cafe Tapas. It was very Cosmopolitan for a beach community. Funky interiors, delicious tapas and sushi, and an assortment of smoothies, coffees and wines. Like most Mexican Tapas restaurants in Australia, Cafe Tapas is owned by a Chinese man, who also owns the Smiling Wok restaurant next door. We should all take lessons from the Chinese. They see a business opportunity and they take it. "Don't stereotype us" they say. If you're from Vancouver, next time you're in a downtown sushi restaurant, take a look in the kitchen and see who runs it. Business geniuses!
It's time to wrap it up here at Cafe Balaena. I'm now watching a terrible first, or last, date across from me. A lady has been talking on her mobile phone for that past half hour, laughing and having a great ole' time, as her date, who looks like Kenny G, is giving her the most evil of eyes. She doesn't even seem to notice. Take the hint buddy. Get out before its too late.
Talk at you tomorrow from Brisbane.
Jimmy
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