General, Brisbane

Whilst walking around the Roma Street Botanic Gardens, I happened to notice a Rosella Bush. I was with my Malaysian friend, and she had never heard of Rosella Jam.

Rosella plants that Rosella Jam is made from, grow very well in Brisbane and Queensland as it is the perfect climate for them to grow. The Jam has a taste of its own, it is rich and flavoursome and a lovely pink red colour. Rosella jam is made from the fleshy red calyx and bracts that surround the green seedpod of the plant. The crop must be harvested before it becomes tough and the seedpod discolours.

You will never find Rosella Jam on the supermarket shelves, but you will find it at fetes and Church stall's as it is a best seller, so if you see it for sale, buy it before it disappears!

Rosella Jam is "money for Jam!' It is a dinky-di home-made jam!

Rosella fruit can also be used for Jelly, Tea and Cordial.

In Brisbane, as in the rest of Australia, tipping is NOT customary. In many industries (particularly retail) employers forbid their staff from accepting tips. Tipping is really only accepted in the hospitality industry and is reserved for EXCEPTIONAL service only. Typically, $20 is a reasonable tip for excellent service. If the service was simply good, but nothing out of the ordinary, it is usual to leave no tip.

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This is something I have not noticed elsewhere, although I am sure it must happen in other places.

The traffic light control boxes are all painted. The art work is all different for each control box, and often reflects the area or environment the traffic lights are in.

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There is some sculpture in Brisbane on public display outdoors, of animals, made out of old engine parts. There is a fish set in a wall, pelicans on a pillar in the river, and kangaroos, lounging in a Brisbane street.

They are great, and often photographed

There were a number of water sculpture's in downtown Brisbane that have unfortunately been removed, they were great also. 1 was a large glass and stainless steel table and chairs that flowed water. Some tourists (the game ones,) went and sat on the chairs to have their photo's taken.

The water Dragons are seen all around Brisbane where there is water.

These lizards are semi-aquatic, using their laterally-compressed tails to propel them when swimming. They are able to remain submerged for long periods of time. Like many lizards, water dragons have a parietal eye, a light-sensitive "third eye" located in the top of the head.

They are frequently seen round the river on sunny days sunbathing, and also at Mt Cootha Gardens with the numerous water features there.

Queensland Anti-smoking laws are the toughest in Australia. Heavy fines apply if you are caught breaking the laws which include:
-no-smoking anywhere inside pubs, clubs, restaurants and workplaces
-no-smoking in commercial outdoor eating or drinking areas
-no-smoking in outdoor public places such as patrolled beaches, children’s playground equipment, major sport stadiums and within 4 metres of non-residential building entrances
-no sales of tobacco products to children under 18 years of age

Website: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/atods/tobaccolaws/existing_laws.asp

It's maybe weird that were writing about this subject, but for us (Dutchies) it was quite an experience for us :-)

Of course we do understand what it means whenever we read "Mothers Room" at a sign, but making a picture with a real mother on it ... on her way to her own room is always nice.

Smile!

These aren't particularly cultural tips for Brisbane but a list of very important Australian cultural icons.

SKIPPY THE BUSH KANGAROO - TV show from the 60s. Skippy is a lot like Lassie, he warns people of danger and is Sonny's best friend (Sonny is the boy pictured left). To listen to the famous Skippy theme or to watch a short video clip, Click hereWE LOVE SKIPPY!