The weekend was good though. I finally got to play overnight mahjong again on Friday... and we had "supper" at 5am at the casino cafe. There isn't really much to choose from in peaceful Brissy.
Sunday was eventful for me. There was a public debate to attend and then a footy match in the afternoon... I wanted to start the day by having breakfast at Southbank. It didn't go smoothly. My chicken and vege pie was attacked by an ibis, this preying bird who hopped onto my table and took my pie away. Just like that!! Brekkie was back to just a cup of latte for me. Damn the bird!
After that, my friend and I attended a public debate "The Great Climate Change Debate" between Malcolm Turnbull and Peter Garrett (Minister for Environment and Shadow Minister for Environment). The debate was absolutely brilliant! I never did have to struggle at all to keep awake... both speakers were eloquent and needless to say, extremely politically correct.The audience had no qualms about interupting the speakers by shouting out loud objections like "that's not true!" & "answer the question!!" even though the person speaking is a Minister. Now, this is freedom of speech!
Never will you get this brand of open communication back in my home country without getting into trouble...
The public packed the Griffith Uni Conservatorium which held about 600 pax... the free event was booked out! I was one of the lucky ones (and one of the two non-Aussies) who got the ticket. Demographics of the crowd clocked the entire range, from young school kids 10 years of age to the seniors. It was very inspiring and heartening to see this natural response (no mobilisation needed to bus people down). These people were genuinely keen to do their part for the climate and to represent the community voice in government.
Point of similarity nonetheless which probably cuts across politicians of the world united: They NEVER answer the question... and have pretty much mastered the art of evasion.
