Exploring the metropolis of contrasts

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, September 11 — On a rather cold night, my phone rang and I was pleasantly surprised that it was Oofi, an old and dear friend of mine.

We exchanged pleasantries and, without much ado, she popped the question: “Would you like to go with me to a metropolis of contrasts?” I immediately sat up, my thoughts racing, and after a few salient questions found the idea exhilarating. As a positive thinker and a lover of nature, I was raring to go.

We arrived in the “metropolis of contrasts” at 5:30 a.m., which was sunny Brisbane, the capital of Australia’s Sunshine state, Queensland. We took a taxi to our hotel – coincidentally named “Metropolitan Inn” – checked in, showered and, after a short rest and a breakfast of sunny-side-up farm-fresh eggs on toast, were ready to savor and soak in the lush greenery and sheer beauty of metropolitan Brisbane, which has an irresistibly tropical flavor created by palms, riotous colors and luxuriant growth.

Since we had arrived already armed with an exciting agenda, one which we had discussed and debated throughout our eight-hour flight, we were ready to take off, or rather blast off as they say in Cape Canaveral.

We hit Jesmond Road at about 8:10 a.m. for our exploratory journey to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, 11 kilometers southwest of Brisbane, which is reputed to be Australia's largest koala sanctuary. I observed all along the journey that the “metropolis of contrasts” is indeed a mixture of relaxed, casual, subtropical living and the businesslike hustle and bustle of a large commercial center. It is indeed a vibrant cosmopolitan society.

Upon arrival at Lone Pine, I dashed to cuddle a koala. There were numerous wallabies, kangaroos, koalas and wombats for us to touch and feed. I found the hands-on contact simply irresistible. These exotic animals provide for a true firsthand experience of Australian wildlife. I enjoyed every minute of it.

Next, we drove on to our next activity – a Bush safari drive – this time to the highly rated Forest Glen Deer Sanctuary. Oh what a sight! There were masses of Australian wildlife everywhere, including hordes of deer, emus, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, geese, ducks and possums, all colorful and roaming happily and freely within the 60 acres of natural wildlife habitat, without a care in the world. It is precisely at this point that I envied the life of these docile animals and birds, for their blessed carefree existence.

There were several species of the world's most magnificent deer there, and we enjoyed observing and feeding them from the comfort of our hired car. The many kinds of possums – Sugar Gliders, Feathertail Gliders, Brushtail and Ringtail Possums – being creatures of the night, were housed in a special nocturnal habitat.

After having taken in the gorgeous sights and delights of the sanctuary, we unwound over a hearty, mouth-watering seafood lunch before proceeding to Mt. Coot-tha – our final destination in our sunny Brisbane escapade.

Mt. Coot-tha beckoned to us lovingly and Oofi and I took the Mt. Coot-tha Road, 8 kilometers west of Brisbane. A breathtakingly beautiful panorama of Brisbane and its environs greets all visitors at Mt. Coot-tha.

Brisbane, from Mt. Coot-tha, is a sight to behold, indeed a feast for the eyes. A scaled motif of the Brisbane River, highlighting the extensive meandering of this seemingly endless river, is easily appreciated from the Mt. Coot-tha vantage point. A delightful waterfall complements the view where the Brisbane River meets Moreton Bay; landscaped gardens, needless to say, make the picture perfect. Not forgetting to get a well-earned drink at the Mt. Coot-tha Summit Restaurant on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, we enjoyed yet more superb views of the “metropolis of contrasts” and Moreton Bay.

Since we had been on the road for a good 12 hours, we decided to call it a day, but not before a visit to the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, which was not only informative but highly educational in every aspect of its tour.

In the comfort of our hotel room, we chatted and talked all night until it was time to head off to dreamland. We left the “metropolis of contrasts” with mixed feelings, feelings of not wanting to leave, yet knowing that we had to.

The Sunshine state is well worth a second or even a third visit as long as time and funds permit, but first make sure that you are well-bitten by the travel bug.