Day 6 – Tuesday, March 26th Singapore to Brisbane
Qantas flight 52, an Airbus 300, not as comfortable as the Airbus 800 which brought us to Singapore, but better than any domestic flight. The Beef & Noodles wasn’t so tasty either. And apart from wine with dinner, no other drinks offered. Another overnight flight, at least it saves on accommodation. The crew wanted the lights out as soon as they could get away with it. Yes, we were due to arrive early morning Brisbane, but many of us were still adjusting to Singapore time. Seven hours, again we would arrive early, but not before Hector had spent the entire journey writing up – Singapore. No in-flight entertainment for the scribe, seen the best bits already.
Clearing immigration was straightforward. Marg got a – well done – as she handed over her landing card and the printout from the automated passport scanner. No passport stamps yet on this trip, Hector’s passport may fight on to the end of the year. Meanwhile, a chap was given a hard time for using his phone during the processing.
Due in at 05.10, try waking people up at 04.30. Ryan finally acknowledged our arrival, a Qantas pilot, even he was impressed. Beverley, Marg’s niece, drove the short distance from Nundah to collect us. Check-in at Ibis Styles Elizabeth was booked for 09.00, too early to take us there.
Sunrise in Brisbane, the light, the smell of the damp vegetation, took me back to winter 1980 in Emek Hayarden. Have I mentioned it was raining? May do so again, and again. Hector believed that with the sun now north of the Equator, the ITCZ would have shifted upwards, no such luck. On seeing a weather map, a classic tropical rainstorm is scheduled to last for days.
Is Brisbane a catholic city? – I asked Ryno as I looked at opening times for nearby breweries.
The coming Friday and Sunday could be a washout in another use of the term. Something to do with paying staff overtime – was the explanation. We shall see, we can’t go hungry. A day or two of – Temperance – may be in keeping with the motto printed on Hector’s polo shirts.
Who is he, and why is he here? – was the general consensus of the two children.
Two hours in Brisbane, I had seen the BBQ, but it wasn’t lit yet.
The programme for the week was discussed, Hector wouldn’t see the family again until Friday. Marg has something arranged for tomorrow from which I can escape.
Ryno drove us to Brisbane City, Doris at check-in was as dozy as us. Oh, you have paid for early check-in – when she tried to charge another A£30.00. Floor 26, wtf? With the glass windows from ceiling to floor, not so good. The view was non-existent anyway, clouds, haze, just like Scotland. Did I mention it was raining? Those are huge buildings opposite, I’ll post a photo when it clears, if ever, the forecast does not look good.
After a few hours sleep we emerged into the downpour. Downtown Brisbane has a grid street pattern, at an angle. Streets named after female British Royalty run NE-SW. Streets named after male British Royalty run NW-SW. Should be straightforward, it isn’t.
Google’s blue dot was not coping with being in the Southern Hemisphere, it kept going in the wrong direction, so therefore did Hector, despite his instinct, or in-built compass.
With heads under umbrellas, we both failed to take in our surroundings. As the afternoon became evening, we found ourselves covering the same few blocks time and time again, no sense was being made. With the tilted grid pattern, north and south were meaningless anyway, and as for the Sun, where was it?
Getting Australian SIM cards was expected to be the first order of the day. It was therefore a huge surprise when the Singapore SIMBA card burst into life on landing. Ryno had also picked up two Woolworth’s SIMs for us. There was no point changing SIMs, yet.
Marg had a highly rated coffee shop looked out. Sugar ‘N Spice Cafe had worthy coffee, but was way too small to relax in.
Marg had her diary to update, Hector had many words still to write for Bier-Traveller, and this is going to be a major feature of this trip, like it or not.
The array of clocks on the wall felt fitting. We moved on. Next choice of venue had no wi-fi, move on.
Brew Cafe & Wine Bar was just what we needed. Located in a lane just off Queen St., another miracle piece of navigation.
The Ginger Beer here was way cheaper than when I bought the same in Ashton Lane (Glasgow, Scotland) at a dinner. We settled down, then after an hour became unsettled. Is (c)rap music designed to make a stay shorter than planned?
Back at the hotel, floor 1 has the bar/restaurant. Wait to be seated – ?
We are resident. With a power socket, slow wi-fi and A$5.00 soft drinks, at least we were out of the rain.
Around 20.00 it was dinner time. Most of the eateries we had passed this afternoon were Asian. Done that. Burger and Pizza is the food of the last resort. We had passed a Nando’s earlier, it was on the street parallel to our hotel, simples.
Whilst the menu was similar, the food was not. The Chicken had a definite BBQ flavour to it which it does not in the UK. The reason became obvious, the sauces are significantly different, here was the root of the BBQ. No way as good.
An hour to go before curfew. Everything seems to shut at 22.00 in Brisbane. With umbrella in one hand and the struggling Oppo in the other, we located some promising bars, closed, closed. The only one open had so average a range of Bier, nope.
Intemperance in moderation – today was a day of – temperance.
Bar, restaurant and cafe visited today:
Sugar ‘N Spice Cafe – 210 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Brew Cafe & Wine Bar – Lower Burnett Ln, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Nando’s – Festival Towers, Shop 6/108 Albert St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Day 7 – Wednesday, March 27th Brisbane
Sleep remains sporadic in the same way that the continuing downpour does not. Once again there was an interrupted sleep meaning three more small hours were devoted to these writings. Marg went out for her morning constitutional run/jog and returned slightly late for her train to her planned activity this afternoon.
Despite seeing where Central Station is on the map, and having passed it yesterday, the Hector still managed to head off in the wrong direction. Something is seriously wrong with the inbuilt navigation. Marg tried to enter shops, twice, believing them to be Central Station.
Nundah is where Marg was heading, however, the train she took did not stop there. Google decided at the last moment that Northgate was just as good. Apparently it was, and this train was an express. Having seen Marg on to her train, here was the opperchancity to purchase the Queensland Translink Card. A$10.00 for the card, a A$20.00 top up. Whilst one can tap on/off with a bank card on the train, buses require the Translink to achieve the same method.
This left the Hector to his own devices for the afternoon. First there had to be Curry, Punjabi Rasoi behind Central Station as great value for money. If I have a cheaper dinner on this trip, I look forward to it too. It was dry inside back at Ibis Styles Elizabeth where refuge was enjoyed until late afternoon.
Bus 60 took me from Adelaide Street the four stops to Range Brewing. Range opened at 16.00, it was after 17.00 when I arrived. Where does time go?
This brewery was brought to my attention in Manchester earlier this year when visiting Track Brewery. The chap who served me at Range did not recognise Larissa, nor had he heard of her. So it goes.
Sat at the corner table facing the bar, Dreams, a Hazy IPA at 6.4% hit the spot. This was followed by Roam, another Hazy IPA at 6.8%. For full tasting notes use the links to the Range Brewery page.
Still Hector was typing away when Marg phoned to say that – the Easter bonnet parade – was over, she was coming back to town, and no way was she traveling any further. In fact she would be back before I left Range.
A meeting point near Central Station was required. I checked out Criterion last night and bought nothing. I was confident we could both find it again. The rain had abated when I left Range. There’s hope.
Marg was waiting at Criterion with a glass of Ginger Beer, non-alcoholic.
The Bier at Criterion still did not impress, a 4.0% Ginger Beer (Brookvale Union, Australia) was seemingly the best choice.
Ginger Beer, I brewed this in my youth, the only brew of mine I considered to be drinkable.
Now where?
Across the bridge in Brisbane South lies both a Curry House on the radar, and a bar apparently serving the style of Beer the Hector desires. Saccharomyces Beer Cafe was found with relative ease. Behold the – muriel (sic).
Hop Haze (Six String Brewing, Erina, NSW, Australia) a NEIPA at 6.2% was exactly what the Hector required to follow the Bier at Range. At IBU-10, this was a smooth as… Full on juiciness, the full milkshake haze, a classic NEIPA featuring: Idaho 7 Cryo, Nectaron, YHC701 hops.
Having started small, I went larger to a schooner. Suddenly we were advised it was last orders. Closing at 22.00?
The Hector was last out.
Marg led me to the bright lights of Brisbane where she had jogged this morning.
Surely there was somewhere open later and near the hotel? Frog’s Hollow Saloon was on the street parallel to ours, and seemingly for Brisbane, open well late.
A CAN of Boozy Fruit (Big Shed Brewing, Royal Park, South Australia) a NEIPA at 6.2% was better than anything on draft. With lactose declared, this full on milkshake took a moment to adjust to. Galaxy, Wai-Iti, Ekuanot and Mosaic hops featured, quite an array.
Meanwhile Marg was getting into the spirit of things. There was an impressive number of bottles on the gantry. Marg had her usual cola contaminated with a white spirit, twice.
We were not last out of Frog’s Hollow.
Brewery, Bars, Restaurant visited today:
Range Brewing – 4 Byres St, Newstead, Brisbane QLD 4006
Saccharomyces Beer Cafe – Fish Ln, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Frog’s Hollow Saloon – 26 Charlotte St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Criterion – 239 George St., Brisbane City QLD 4000
Punjabi Rasoi – 401 Edward St, Spring Hill QLD 4000
Day 8 – Thursday, March 28th Brisbane
The sleep pattern continues, awake in the middle of the night, a couple of hours of blogging, then back to bed for a deeper sleep. Meanwhile, Marg is out for her exercise ritual, and returns with news of something different: the rain has stopped, sandals and shorts restored.
Before leaving the hotel the view from the 26th floor was finally worth photographing. Don’t look down.
I saw Queens Gardens for the first time without the gloom, and the historic buildings on its perimeter. Historic, remember, this is Australia. A quick visit was required.
And so we headed towards the southeastern tip of the peninsula and Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.
With the high-rise construction all round, the sense of being anywhere but a city is lost.
The open areas are classic parkland, flowerbeds etc., then there’s the more daunting – forested paths. Marg did spot a spider’s web, the Hector kept his distance.
Across the Brisbane River the cliff is called – Kangaroo Point, the eroded debris of an ash flow dating back some 220 million years. Australia has no active volcanoes, one less thing to worry about on this trip.
Three days in Australia and we haven’t seen kangaroos crossing the road. Maybe they don’t like the rain. The plan was to take a ferry across to the South Bank Parklands, but hey-ho, the Goodwill Bridge has popped up, one of three in this stretch that does not feature on Google Maps. Maybe someone should tell them?
Ibis – they’re everywhere, Brisbane’s equivalent of gulls, and with similar opportunist behaviour.
The view back across to – our side – showed Brisbane 2024 in all its glory. The 26 storey Ibis hotel was dwarfed.
The – Brisbane Sign – in daylight, useful for a Blogger.
Lunch was calling, the first venues were dismissed, too posh for this time of day. Marg already had an encounter at an outdoor cafe at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre where a woman gave her the dirtiest of looks for daring to choose a particular table.
Marg gave way, international incident avoided, a peaceful morning coffee.
The much praised Singapore-SIMBA SIM card had decided that the Hector had roamed enough. The top-up fees were prohibitive. It was time to install Ryno’s courtesy SIM, but to do so required t’Internet.
The Charming Squire, adjacent to South Bank Station, a microbrewery serving – James Squire – Bier was nearby.
Too early for Bier, but when might the opperchancity present itself again? I studied the taps, nothing of interest. A mature chap was cleaning a line, all the wee girlie staff were surrounding him with glee. I felt in the way being a potential customer. Marg fetched the Wi-Fi code, a chit was provided. Hector studied the food menu, the usual Aussie/American fayre which turns the stomach at the very thought of it.
The Wi-Fi wouldn’t connect:
It’s not reliable – said a spokesperson for The Charming Squire.
We walked.
Italian food, Marg’s favourite. Julius Pizzeria was adjacent to the SE Busway. Seafood Pasta, for Hector, a Salad with Potatoes on the side for Marg. The Seafood was a departure from the European Mussels and Prawns, this was Squid-based. Different, but it’s all about the sauce, which was tasty. Expensive lunch.
By using Marg’s Oppo as a hotspot, so the Woolworth’s SIM was installed in Hector’s. Or so I thought. With no Australian landline or postcode, the app wasn’t happy. Who designs these things? Can they not think through all eventualities?
After lunch we made a beeline to the Uptown Mall adjacent to our hotel. There, a patient chap took minutes to confirm that I had set up the SIM successfully, it just took a while to become active. Could the app not have sent a message to inform thus?
I installed Marg’s new SIM, same story. Still, we thank the chap at – Phone Mania Brisbane. In a brief wander, we took in some old buildings.
Bier o’clock, and the bus out to Range Brewery.
The chap recognised me, I had said – I’d be back. Our table was reserved at 17.30 for – Trivia. Before then the serving Doris suggested we move, it would become – loud. A new table was provided, Marg bought Hector a birthday present, Hector bought some – Tinnies – of – Dreams – for later in the week.
Ah, the Bier, as with the model I shall hope to maintain, all Brewery tasting notes are linked – thus.
As per yesterday, Dreams was my starting Bier. Excellent. This was followed by Angel Numbers, an 8.0% Oat Cream DIPA.
Straight five – as someone might have said, oft.
Trivia – was underway. A question on Scottish Whiskey nearly had the Hector giving some advice to the Quiz-master.
Left to my on devices, I could have stayed here until the – Angel – became a – Devil. Sense prevailed, and Bus 60 took us across town and over the SE Busway to Punjabi Palace.
A decent Curry, though Marg’s choice did cause confusion all round. Thereafter, Saccharomyces Beer Cafe was matter of metres away. It’s amazing how that happens. En route we passed a hundred people, adults, queuing for ice-cream at Gelato Messina. Come on, it can’t be that good. If it’s that awkward to acquire, we shall never find out.
Hop Haze IPA was still on, a pint, no messing.
Last orders! – they’re having a laugh.
Hector was not last out this evening.
A three Bier day, enough already, back to the hotel.
Being far too early for sleep, and with Aussie TV having near constant adverts, time to watch more of – Michael-TV. Marg and Hector binged on Outlander during Lockdown, the last season and a half moved to an obscure channel, time to catch up.
Brewery, bar and restaurants visited today:
Range Brewing – 4 Byres St, Newstead, Brisbane QLD 4006
Saccharomyces Beer Cafe – Fish Ln, South Brisbane QLD 4101
The Charming Squire – 3/133 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Julius Pizzeria – 77 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Punjabi Palace – 135 Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Day 9 – Friday, March 29th Brisbane
An uninterrupted night’s sleep! Maybe going to bed with an empty bladder can help. Blue skies at the start of the Holiday Weekend. What’s a – holiday weekend?
G’day – as they say in these parts, little did I know at the start of the day the extent to which the powers that be in Queensland had other ideas.
Today we were due to meet up with Ryno, Beverly and family at Felons Brewing at 15.00. That gave us a few hours. We needed food before going out for afternoon Bier, well the Hector did. Across from the hotel lies Lü Cha Kitchen offering something different from the so-called Chinese fayre which dominates Food Courts, even in Brisbane. It’s as if we hadn’t left Singapore, and the number of Asian here is – significant.
Marg had her usual Sweet & Sour Pork, for Hector: Wok Fried Ramen with Beef. Ramen – is noodles, I had checked.
The Sweet & Sour was standard fayre, the Ramen went on forever. A huge portion, mostly Noodles but with an uncomfortable monotonous Flavour. At least it was different from the Chilli Sauce laden meals which otherwise predominate. Give me Soya Sauce, but nobody does.
Less formal than yesterday’s – Italian – in this cafe style eatery, there was a 15% surcharge because today is a holiday. OK, staff have to be paid extra.
We tracked down more – historic – buildings in Brisbane’s city centre. Outside Town Hall we found our first kangaroos, albeit made of metal. The frontage of Central Station was worthy of note.
ANZAC Square certainly impressed.
This led to the old Post Office and the cathedral.
The 1865 built – Servants Home – now – School of Arts – was the oldest building found on our wanderings.
Felons Brewing is located on the north bank of the Brisbane River south of Fortitude Valley. Being adjacent to Story Bridge was evocative of Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s – By The River – another Brewery.
Bus 199 took us the couple of stops to the top of the bank leading down to the food, drink, entertainment complex on the riverside adjacent to Howard Smith Wharves. Next to the Pirate Ship – was the clue given to locate les autres, who were well punctual. I have never walked into a brewery and had to ask – where is the Pirate Ship? When not there, chasing the odd Ibis around the grassy areas proved to entertain some weans also.
Ryno had a lightly hazed Bier – Galaxy Haze – at 4.4%, a mere Starter. There was a downpour before I secured Bier #1.
Meanwhile Marg was in full – wean entertainment mode – and had gone to play at the Pirate Ship.
Beverley drew my attention to a notice on the table. You couldn’t make this up. Outrageous.
So as not to confuse payment later, I used the QR code to order for Marg and myself. The P-Hs had the service of a chap who was determined to enforce the letter of the law. He was nothing but a nuisance. Even having ordered burgers for the girls, he was persistent. There was food on the table, let it go. Pizza was ordered before his shift ended at 16.00, the girl who replaced him was way more relaxed. Anyway, by retaining the last slice of pizza, who knows who had eaten in the last hour, or hadn’t? An absurd regulation, and only invoked in Queensland.
New World Pale Ale at 5.8% was better than its predecessor, but going – West Coast – became the obvious route, no NEIPAs at Felons.
Felons IPA at 6.2% became our session Bier. One can adjust to the higher IBU when needs must.
As the sun set and the children became tired and had to leave, not an unusual event with The Company back home, so the P-Hs departed.
Cue another downpour and this one was not for letting go either. We took refuge, standing, drinking alcohol, not permitted today under Queensland Rules.
Drinks were finished, back t’Bus Stop.
It was still early – the zone – was still on the horizon. Another tour of Brisbane City venues. Sugar ‘N Spice Cafe, visited on Day 6, appeared to take pleasure informing us about the absurd rules.
No thanks, we have eaten.
Embassy Hotel was still closed, Death and Taxes, a potential new venue for us, also.
Back to the hotel, let them try it on, they didn’t. A reasonably priced bottle of Sparkling Wine was shared.
And so this strangest of days drew to a close, in better spirit.
Brewery and restaurant visited today:
Felons Brewing Co. – 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Lü Cha Kitchen + Bar – Shop 3/97 Elizabeth St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Day 10 – Saturday, March 30th Brisbane
This was the day Marg was most looking forward to in, Brisbane. Animals, not only that, at 11.30 she was scheduled to cuddle a Koala.
Ryno, Beverley et al were picking us up at 08.30, an early rise, but maybe not given the interrupted sleep patterns of late. Last night, another straight seven hours. Perhaps the body is finally adjusting to places east. The feet aren’t. Two days in sandals has taken its toll, foot the right is suffering. Shoes today.
It was a half hour’s drive to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, it would have taken an hour on the bus. Before we knew it, Koalas were being photographed by the dozen. It’s just as well we live in a digital World, this would have been an expensive day using 35mm film.
One knows when one has captured the image that is going to be posted on every medium. This is it, Hector the Koala:
Then there were the Kangaroos. Smaller than I expected, and tame. Feeding the ‘roos was the order of the day. And getting photos of and with. Fun, even for this old cynic.
Lorakeets, Ryno and Marg were well into this. The hand-held feeders contained a brew which the birds crave, or so we were told. The Lorakeets must have good watches, they appeared right on schedule. Organised, mayhem, but lots more photo opperchancities..
There was a crocodile, but after Crocoparc, Agadir, a single crocodile hardly impresses.
Is it possible to see the much maligned Dingo and not think of Merly Streep?
Cassowary look as though they have come from Jurassic Park, but proved to be somewhat shy.
There were two shows to take in before the important 11.30 event. A sheepdog doing its job was nothing not seen before. Birds of Prey turned out to be two owls plus something else. Owls, not that interesting and try photographing birds on the wing without an SLR.
Reptiles and a frog, not the ones introduced by Bart Simpson, were captured, then finally, Marg’s was on.
A professionally taken photo was part of the deal, but who wants a print? The consequence of this was not having enough time to capture one’s own perfect digital. Still, this was the moment Marg was waiting for, the Koala is called – Howie.
After Lone Pine, Ryno drove us up to the summit of Mount Coot for the definitive view over Brisbane.
Dropped back at the hotel, food was required. Ginger & Garlic Indian Cuisine provided the food, Curry for Hector, Samosa Chat for Marg. The Bread was diabolical, I told them so.
Marg suggested coffee thereafter. Belleza was located in the basement of yet another Brisbane mall. Good coffee spoiled by the cardboard cup. Why do so many places do this?
There was a couple of hours back at the hotel, Blogging does not do itself, before heading out for the evening. The South Bank was the objective, with a view to a third visit to Saccharomyces.
We walked down the CBD peninsula and crossed the Goodwill Bridge once more. This time, the Hector stopped to add it to Google Maps. Surely, the powers that be should be on the case of three missing bridges.
Market stalls had been set up along the main thoroughfare. With numerous cafes and bars long the South Bank, this proved to be a hive of activity. This is where the people were.
Fritzenberger reportedly had a Hazy Bier for Hector. You can’t win them all, a Can had to substitute.
Sunset Haze (Revel Brewing Co., Australia) at 6.5% , a Hazy IPA/ NEIPA was poured, carefully. Only by using the acquired skill was the full haze attained. Tropical, juicy, there was no distinctive hop blast. Strata, El Dorado and Ella were the hops which had not been added in sufficient quantity.
Marg had ordered a Fish Taco to accompany her soft drink. That’s how they make their money.
Ice Cream – Marg’s turn to be indulged. A quick search revealed Max Brenner Chocolate Bar.
Chocolate and ice-cream, behold not a chocolate fountain, but a pond.
Even Marg thought we overdid the creation we ordered. Ice Cream, fruit, crunchy stuff and a side of melted chocolate… mmm.… as The Good Doctor might say.
We left the South Bank and its illuminations and headed to Fish Lane and Saccharomyces, closed.
It’s a Saturday night!
The Hector was not for having a one-Bier-Saturday. Frog Hollow’s Saloon was our best bet, and it’s one block from the accommodation.
There was a chap on the door. We were studied before entering, the oldest swingers at this venue. This time I tried the tap Bier, better than I anticipated.
Bling (Bridge Rd. Brewers, Australia), a 5.0% IPA had the West Coast bitterness. Gold, with a slight haze, the palate adjusted to the powerful hoppy flavours: Vic Secret, Enigma, Galaxy, Citra, Simcoe. Quite a collection, and Marg left me to have another.
Good night.
Bar, restaurant and cafes visited:
Frog’s Hollow Saloon – 26 Charlotte St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Ginger and Garlic Indian Cuisine – 1/168 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Max Brenner Chocolate Bar – South Bank – shop 1.1 & 1, 2 Little Stanley St, South Brisbane QLD 410
Bellezza by BG – 226 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Day 11, Sunday, March 31
All this time time in Australia and still Marg and Hector have not taken part in the great ritual, today was the day. The Barbie was scheduled for late afternoon, before that, the opperchancity to explore a couple of breweries in Northgate.
Ryno texted to suggest we meet up at Aether Brewing at 14.00. A good time to start. Before then there had to be bunkers. Uptown Food Centre was one of few places open this Easter Sunday. Google had Aether closed today, Ryno knew differently. As per the Friday holiday, all financial exchanges in bars, restaurants etc. would have a 15% surcharge. At least – the day of abstinence – and outrageous rules, was past.
Thai food for Hector – Cashew Nut Stir Fry – Pork. It tasted the same as any other Chinese Takeaway. But as I keep writing, if they all buy the same sauces at the same suppliers, what do you expect?
Marg had a bagel and coffee, suddenly my Stir Fry seemed better.
Let me introduce the reader to the plastic cutlery set provided by Beverley. No more wood, and somewhere to house my metal, telescopic straw.
Tap on, Tap off, easy on the trains. This was my first train journey in Australia. For those who like that sort of thing, a photo or two.
Holland Street was outside Northgate Station, home from home. Melton Road is adjacent to Chez Ryno, oh to have a microbrewery that close to home. Marg and Hector were the first customers of the day as we entered Aether Brewing just on 14.00. The serving chap was excellent, not only did he look up the hops, he gave a list of suggested venues for Sydney.
Seltzer, I have seen it on many a menu, but what is it? Marg was brave and took the plunge. Wild Peach Seltzer at 3.5%. It was a weak Sour, if Marg can drink this, she can drink Sour.
With no NEIPA seemingly brewed at Aether, it had to be West Coast IPA at 6.0%. With all these hops, it had to tick the boxes. When Ryno plus a tiddler turned up, there was another.
Marg entertained whilst Ryno and Hector got serious. There was no point not visiting Fick Brewing Co which was minutes away and also open.
Marg plus one headed for the house with the – Tinnies – which Ryno had just purchased plus the Dreams (Range) which Hector strategically acquired earlier in the week.
The chaps strode out, I did inform Ryno that my right foot was still causing problems, but after five minutes it would be normal. He noted:
You’re walking faster towards the brewery than you walked away from one.
A good sign.
Fick had no NEIPA, after the brisk walk, Helles Lager at 4.8% felt a good choice. Cold, yellow and fizzy, it did the job. XPA at 4.2% followed. You’re going down the abv scale, Hector.
It was meant to be hazy – the barman advised. XPA, Extra Pale Ale, had there been time, there would have ben more. A perfectly competent session Bier.
An Über had been mentioned, however, Beverley came to pick us up, well, she had a sitter.
Sitting out back, as opposed to being in the outback, Marg had an ongoing, nay, never ending, Easter Egg Hunt, for those who were not amused by chilled Bier. The much celebrated Dreams I shall miss, I did get the chance to sample another Aether which was a joint brew with another award winning brewery. Who wins awards?
Fusion Celebration DIPA at 8.00% took me back to the days of Rowing Jack (AleBrowar, Polska). A high IBU might take a bit of work after NEIPA, there is no bad thing in keeping the palate ready to accept a variety of styles. More Dreams.
Still daylight the mosquitoes had heard that Hector was in town, Retreat indoors.
Barbie, Marg had watched the movie on the flight here. She was not impressed, I shall await the sequel about Barbie’s uncle Klaus. Ryno, he told me, is a celebrated BBQ Chef. The Spicy sausages impressed, but not as much as the – Lamb Cutlets. I have never had Lamb at a BBQ before today. Chops, with the thin section of Meat removed, stunning.
With the sun down and no sign of the weans settling, it was time to head back to the city. Still Easter Sunday, still the Embassy Hotel was closed. Definitely gone. We had located Death and Taxes on Friday, tonight it was open. A classy joint, the gantry was reminiscent of The Pot Still (Glasgow) but with an array beyond Scotch.
All the bar stools were taken, a strange sight. Marg reckoned it was so that customers could watch the cocktail mixing show.
Marg had to watch the mixing of her – Moonlight – from afar.
The range of tap Bier was naff. The chap at Aether had mentioned Young Henry’s (Newtown, Sydney, Australia). Natural Lager at 4.2% was therefore chosen. An unfiltered Lager, dry with Malt coming across, the hops kept coming. This was a decidedly different Lager, far from the usual blandness. This was the last Bier in Brisbane.
Back at the hotel, I checked the price of an Über to the airport. It was comparable to two train tickets and would save us hauling the bags to Central Station. But what about at 06.00? I decided to wait and see.
Breweries, bar, and food centre visited today:
Aether – 340 Melton Rd., Northgate, Brisbane QLD 4013
Fick Brewing Company – 108 Old Toombul Rd, Northgate Brisbane QLD 4013
Death and Taxes Brisbane – 36 Burnett Ln, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Uptown Food Centre – UPTOWN Brisbane, Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Back to : Brisbane Homepage
Back to : Singapore Days 0 – 5
Continue to : Sydney Days 12 – 17
The intention was to circumnavigate the planet back in 2021 in the aftermath of Marg’s retirement. Today marks four years since Boris declared all schools should close, it is also the Equinox.
The 15.30 BA flight from Glasgow arrived at Heathrow on time having treated us to views of central London on the approach. The transfer to Terminal 3 by bus was much easier than the shuttle alternative. Terminal 3 has improved greatly since 2016 when last here. Then the facilities, even the seating areas were overrun, a well known coffee chain offered refuge until the 19.50 Qantas flight to 
From the pool, the Sim Lim Square shopping mall was visible a block away. Two SIM cards were soon installed courtesy of Vision 11. 
Outside the Sim Lim mall is a parade of eateries each selling their take on Asian, non-Indian food. First we needed cash, just in case, S$100 (£60.00) was withdrawn, we can spend it on the last day if we still have it. How could the Hector resist – Wing Seong Fatty’s Restaurant? Marg ordered Sweet & Sour Pork, standard, the Hector Duck with noodles, medium. Oh, and a big bottle of Tiger Lager.
Nordic India Pale Ale (Nordic Vibes, Kiruna, Sverige) at 4.5% claimed to be – Hoppy Citrus – and a NEIPA. It was neither. Mosaic hops featured but as this was clearly a West Coast IPA in both colour and bitter taste, I would love to establish the IBU to prove my point.
Air-con, it’s noisy, but necessary. Awake at 05.00, it was time to seize the day. In reality it was still three hours before UK bedtime. An opperchancity to get writing. Bier-Traveller is never as up to date as Curry-Heute, or anywhere near as comprehensive. With many hours to be spent on ‘planes, I may actually post in batches, time will tell. If I post daily it all goes backwards anyway.
Crossing over Bukit Timah Road took us to 
Having checked out the other side of the main road it was time for Curry. 
After a bizarre eating experience we walked back to Rochor MRT station. The blue – Downtown – line took us, well – Downtown. What a line, it runs from Expo, the airport to the centre of the city and loops back on itself. Each station on each MRT line has a name and a number, this facilitates counting the stops and must help those who have limited ability in reading of our script.
No eating, drinking, smoking, don’t set yourself alight, and no – durian! 
We soon found ourselves at the waterfront. Walking around the bay/marina seemed logical. Gardens by the Bay – was the only 
Marina Bay Sands Hotel dominates the 
Photo opperchancities were aplenty, so little jostling for the best positions, everyone was more polite than everyone else. Twenty four hours in 
Chewing gum – I did see the telltale black stains on one flight of steps in the garden area. Otherwise, every pavement, floor, is spotless.
Emerging into the heat was testing. There was a pit stop, cold drinks required. Having walked miles, the body was protesting. The base of the back, the legs, the feet in sandals for the first time in a month. Here is where the heat definitely helps, having resumed the walk the body thawed out. 
We passed the Tiger Taproom en route up the hill. Smoke-room – had me worried. I popped my head in, no ashtrays, smoking has long gone in 
Bubbleicious Burst (Ren Min, Singapore) at 6.4% was the real deal. With the full haze and a big hop hit, a joyful experience. HBC 586 and Superdilic hops were possibly not encountered previously, a definite – wow!
Heart of Darkness is an outlet for Bier of the eponymous Vietnamese brewery. A 
Wide awake at 05.00, I switched on the netbook. In the blink of an eye, Scotland lost another goal to Nederland. 4 v 0 ! Three subs, three goals lost in quick succession. John Souttar did not cover himself in glory. Meanwhile, Yilmaz limped off in the first half playing for 
Today’s Curry was at 
Google Maps does not work in 3D. I took from the blue dot that Kebabchi was inside, but how high up? We searched two floors up, inside and out. It would have been easier finding Anne Franke. At a Japanese restaurant cluster a young chap said – go to the basement! 
The approach to Helix Bridge was complicated by ongoing construction for the – Youth Olympics. Photos secured, there was little point actually crossing the bridge, Merlion was on our side. Blue sky today, time for the hat. As we took in the same views as yesterday, but with better conditions, so a young chap offered to take our photos. Marg handed over her phone and my camera.
You’ll run away – she said, in jest. 
The Merlion was mobbed with ever so polite people waiting in turn to have their photos taken at – the spot. Marg’s position meant she was cooled by the spray, the Hector was cooking. Bunkers, a pit stop, S$5.00 Colas. 
The brew-plant was there, the World’s highest urban microbrewery. Where was the telltale smell of yeast? Everything was pristine, if they do brew here it must be when nobody is around.
The tropical phenomenon of instant darkness meant we saw the night skyline without having to wait for twilight to dissipate. That was a view!
American Taproom is situated in a lane off Waterloo Street. Julia led Mihajlo to another branch. This multi-tap bar did not only feature Bier from the USA, it also had Verdant (Falmouth England) and Cloudwater (Manchester, England) were also available. 
Eight hours ahead, we were calling it a night as peeps back home were going out to play. The walk back to Ibis Styles Albert took no time at all. Marg claims to know these streets from her morning runs and has photos to prove it. 
You think a night is over and then it’s not. There were lights still on in Albert Street, people were sitting outside a venue having Bier. 
The last full day in 
Marg and Hector emerged from the Chinatown MRT stop on the Downtown line, other Singapore MRT lines are available, just after 14.00. 
As with 
The Bombay-Mexican food outlet stood out from the mass of eateries. Why come here for either? I have seen so ,any photos of Chinese/Thai/Japanese/Malay cuisine that I believe I have seen every Dish possible. Trotters are on many a menu, but – pig. Our Pakistani restaurants back home don’t have this. Paya!
It was time to rendezvous at Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine @Chinatown. The blue dot took us to the correct locus, but which shop exactly was it? With unforgiving signage what’s what? I had to ask in one restaurant where possibly their more famous competition was. We were directed across the street.
Table 26, not the window table the waitress directed us to. QR code ordering, what is this, Covid is no more. For reasons unknown, my Oppo wouldn’t pick up the QR code, Marg’s identical machine did. Two sweaty blobs ordered two colas, duly delivered. We had a menu, lots of delightful photos with English written also, yay. Marg was heading for her customary Pork: Bamboo shoot with stir-fried pork, but was then caught by the big photo of Xiang Xiang’s signature Dish: Hunan style stir-fried pork. Still Pork then. For Hector, it would normally be Duck, but the word – cumin – took me to the Beef dish. 
The table was soon laden with food. This sharing lark, no way with Curry, here it made sense. The lack of complexity in each dish makes one want variety. The Cumin Beef had lots of sliced Chillies and no Onion or Capsicum, Marg’s Pork had some Onion and loads of Capsicum. 
The Rice seemed stingy but this is as much a bib as an accompaniment. Sticky Rice, far from the cultured Basmati the Hector is used to. Imagine trying to pick up individual grains of Basmati with chop sticks. My fellow diners used the traditional weapons, I used what I have come to know as the ceramic soup spoon. It took us a while to wade through this lot, Mihajlo ordered more Tofu, he likes Tofu. Another chit in the drawer. 
It came time to pay, which chit was which? Out came the trusty Oppo, Google Translate recognised – Simple Chinese – and is if by magic, all was revealed. I took our chit to the counter, but we still owed for the first colas. 
Calum, a colleague of Julia’s joined us. His origins are Scottish. 
SG Taps, another multi-tap 
Time to leave 
A Monday lunchtime, surprisingly most of the cafes on Bencoolen Street, opposite Sim Lim Square were closed. This left the Hawker Market in the basement of Sim Lim as the obvious nearby place to eat. 
We had cash to get rid of, having only spent cents of the S$100.00 taken out on Day 1. Some units were selling substantial Dishes up to S$20.00, we knew what a feast these could be. Wok Of Wonders had prices suggesting more modest portions. Marg had Sweet & Sour Pork, for a change, the Hector – Chai Poh Fried Fish Rice. The whole fried egg was a feature of both Dishes and the sliced Red Chillies a feature of of mine. Marg had the big onions.
Our extra punctual taxi took us to Changi Airport at 14.15 for our evening flight to Brisbane. The driver insisted we visit – 
Putty, an 8.0% DIPA with the full on milkshake haze features Galaxy, Mosaic and Azacca hops. Imagine Mango Lassi with a kick. Today, selected pubs across the UK simultaneously served the keg. One keg per venue. The list of venues essentially defines the best Craft Beer bars in the UK.
Are you sure it will be on? – asked Marg.
For reasons unknown, our pre-booked train tickets from 
PsicoNauti – I had to buy their CD. Those who know CAN’s – Dizzy Dizzy (Soon Over Babaluma) will recognise the vibe. 
And so to Caffè Terzi, where we managed to get a table through the back. This was my first encounter of an Americano served as an Espresso with hot water, as well as hot milk, on the side. We like our coffee hotter than hot. 
The next half hour or so was spent at Le due Torri: Garisende e degli Asinelli. There was no desire to climb Garisende, but having just left Pisa, it was weird to discover that Asinelli is tilted by 0.1º more than Pisa’s more famous tower. 
There are two distinct lines of Craft Beer houses in 
Birreria Popolare 
Astral Beers Pub
Mornings, what’s the point? Marg tends to disappear to get her steps up, the Hector usually gets around to some blogging. With 
We strolled through Parco della Montagnola on our return from the wrong side of the tracks. Not much to see there.
Somehow we missed 
Il Punto
Eight taps, one more than seven, the choice boiled down to a 5.6% or 8.0% IPA. Still relatively early, the lesser was chosen. Sound (Birrificio Wyatt, Italia / Fan, San Marino) was cold, yellow and fizzy. With hardly any flavour at all, it should have attacked the palate after Hallertau Hops, it didn’t. More West Coast dryness, at least these encounters have yet to be sweet. A pity the IBU has not been forthcoming.
Trattoria Baraldi lies next door to 
Only then did I discover the Bier was 3.0%. I enjoyed every drop, but as this had become a very slow Bier day, it was time to move on up.
Marg sold me the need to enter 
No Curry for lunch today instead we dined at 051 Cibo e Passione in the heart of the market area. 
The pasta was different, tortellini stuffed with meat, and served in a cheese sauce that quickly became monotonous. Marg did better with lasagna. 
There was nobody behind the bar when we entered soon after opening time. Having inspected the array of – safe Bier – the kiosk in the corner of the room caught the eye. Different. As one would order a burger, so we purchased the gentle 5.0% Franziskaner Weizen (Spaten-Löwenbräu, Munchen), and a cocktail.
Meanwhile Marg had been given a bottle of water. Bier or water, that was it. Sadly, this curtailed the visit, else the feet would have been firmly planted under the table. Mein Host and a customer engaged. The customer worked across the street at a public facility. Here too was a hole in the wall serving gas for Frizzante. Is this why sparkling water is so cheap? 
Mein Host likes Pils, the Hector tends to avoid it, especially Deutsche Pils. Clearly a Bier enthusiast, I suggested he visit Manchester at the first opperchancity. He needs to be exposed to Craft Beer for the twenty first century. This was the best bar in 
We were recognised having been last night. The chap and his lady assistant looked after us. Second division Bier in many ways, but a proper bar and confirmed Via Pratello as the better of the two drinking areas. 
The annual trip to 
The Metro took us to Monastiraki, our accommodation for the first two days was opposite Little Cook, a much decorated cafe at the southern edge of Psiri and a major attraction for children of all ages. Hector will admit to having enjoyed the ice-cream here. 
Attic room – was how our accommodation was described, more like – rooftop. Bijou – would be another suitable description. For two nights, fine.
Bier o’clock, the staff thought otherwise. Anywhere else, we would have walked. Take in the view, take some photos. Eventually service, of sorts. The Bier list was poor, over-priced small bottles. That my first Bier of this trip was Budvar (Czechia) felt strange. Marg had Sparkling Water, she wanted a snack, not possible. The issued menu was due to change in ten minutes, if Marg wanted food, she would have to go downstairs to the restaurant. I texted both Clive and Maggie, relocation.
Beer Time
Clive and Maggie have moved house since I last saw then in 
Shots were provided as we departed, we are known here.
Grill Houses, don’t start me. Have the Greeks lost the ability to cook? I ended up with a substantial Meze Grill, OK, it was for two and Marg was willing to share. Great value for what we had and impossible to finish as a Meze should be. 
Suitably replete, we walked eastwards, across Athenas and into the back streets to find to 
We hadn’t seen Agis, Mein co-Host, for some time, hugs all round. At least tonight the music would be better. Led Zeppelin trumps Northern Soul, always IMHO. Agis also appreciates Prog Rock and acknowledged that Marg and I are due to see 
The board of ten taps had three – in the style – plus
Miltos was as exuberant as ever. It’s fair to say that he greets everyone with enthusiasm, and is not afraid of going OTT with those he knows. The board did not match the quality at 
Having justified the visit, it was time to take the long walk home, three minutes at most, including the stairs. It was a long day’s night. 
Marg likes to rise early and go for a run/walk depending on circumstances. This may involve a stop-off for breakfast. In Psiri, around Iroon Square, there are plenty of morning venues to choose from, I am told. Importantly, when the rain stopped around 06.00, the street s started to dry up. With rain still forecast for the coming days, there would be no going out with out a brolly.
Having drifted off the northern edge of Psiri, we were nearer Omonia. A day ticket was purchased, two stops to Larissa Station where we bought return tickets to Chalkida/Chalcis on Eoboea/Evia. Everywhere in 
Bus 36 was scheduled to take us almost to the door. It was like being back in Glasgow, multiples of every other route appeared, not the 36. A half hour wait, by which time Clive and Maggie had reached Padre and ascertained a lack of Bier choice. The delivery had not come. Sensibly, they had a Bier whilst they waited, at a table outside, as we would discover. Our small bus emptied en route. By the time we reached our stop, we were down to three passengers. A strange little bus is the 36.
Bus 35 would take us back to Psiri, it passed regularly whilst we sat outside Padre. Then it stopped, Google showed a re-route. The ladies returned from their coffee break and reported riot police up the street. Marg and Hector have previously been caught up in an 
At 
22.00 is not that late for dining in 
Fermi Paradox was on here too, however, it was straight back to Take Your Time “Persephone” (Main Squeeze Brewing, Athena, Hellas). As it happened, the Brewer was sitting beside me, another introduction. The Hector knows nobody in 
The first pit-stop today was at Letraria da Anunciada, a pleasant place to stop and acclimatise in the shade to the extra few degrees Centigrade that 
There was no water in the fountains at Praça dos Restauradores, still, there was the ritual photographs to be taken, similarly at the waterfront – Cais das Colunas. En route we passed the most famous lift in Lisboa – Elevador de Santa Justa, the queues were as long as ever. However, Hector draws the reader’s attention to the most useful means of gaining height on the west side of 
More bunkers were required, a brief stop off at a pavement cafe presented a unique photo opperchancity – Yo, Ladies! – that’s a Bier glass!
So good was the Nelson Sauvin, I decided that Verge (Funky Fluid, Polska), an 8.0% – NEDIPA – could wait for another day. 
Nelson Sauvin has become a favourite hop, this full on Hazy IPA totally hit the spot. There was more! With two staff, the service was a bit hit and miss. The chap appeared easily distracted. Still, I knew we would be back here over the course of the coming week, I have yet to find the Bier choices here to be a let-down. Another bonus, the sound system was not manned this evening, last year we had to tolerate electro nonsense. 
Afterwards, 
This left
Friday Prayers, not that the Hector is ever likely to attend, however, the number of times this coincides with Curry is uncanny. We arranged to meet Clive and Maggie at Martim Moniz Metro station, metres from Curry Heaven in 
At the foot of the hill, which we walked up too often in 2020 before discovering the escalators, lies 
Some time after 2020, 
Having turned right last night on reaching Rua dos Bacalhoeiros and finding all restaurants full, tonight Hector applied some Stats & Geography (after Hotelling) the normal distribution and turned left. An inside table was secured at Adega do Atum, a proper Portuguese restaurant. Hector had that well known Portuguese delicacy – Seafood Paella, and to prove consistency, Marg had a Tuna Salad.
Now for the main event. Tonight no messing, Hector would have the Verge (Funky Fluid, Polska) DIPA at 8.0%, but only after a sensible Nelson Sauvin (Funkly Fluid, Polska).
The eve of – The Birthday – today’s plan: to stay until after midnight. Before then, some unfinished business. Having what felt like – Tapas – yesterday at 
Normally the modern tram would take us from Cais das Colunas to Belém, however, the line in the city centre has been ripped up. Cais do Sodre is therefore the present terminus. We headed west, under – 
As with 
A – Gastropub – in other words it served Burgers. I have reached the stage where Burgers and/or Pizza is the food of the last resort. Is this what the masses are destined to eat forever? Throw in some Spicy Chicken Wings and the Hector may be tempted. Maybe the conservative food was a reflection of the Bier choice also. With ten taps representing a range of Bier for different nations, plus a fridge with T.E.A. – Traditional English Ale, in theory, something for everyone. This – one – as ever was hoping for NEIPA but had to settle for West Coast. I was surprised when this turned into a two Bier stop. 
Bah! Cascais (Bah Craft Beer, Portugal) is a 6.0% APA. At 50 IBU, it was gold, clear, dry, and not exciting in any way. Importantly no nasties were tasted. 
The birthday card from Marg was appropriate as always. However, for once, there was to be no Curry-Heute. My intended venue is closed on Sundays. Hector’s 67th birthday in 
We left, gained altitude with the nearby Baixo-Chiado escalators, and tracked down Cervejaria Do Bairro which was empty. The match was arranged, meanwhile Rangers’ inept defending once again saw a goal lost on the 42nd minute mark. Game over. Happy Birthday, not.
Today, a blue sky and no haze. Marg gave me into trouble for barking at a couple with a wean who appeared to be taking root at the obvious spot from which to take photos.
Despite the throng, we managed a tram back down to the centrum. On the south side of Praça Figueira lies Marg’s favourite coffee and cake shop – Confeitaria Nacional. There was cake for the Hector. Fitting. 
Maggie needed shoes, just like that. Actually, she had been slipping with her inadequate footwear for days. Bad planning. This interrupted the next trek up flights of steps and another slope, of course, to – The Queen Ale – Craft Beer Bar. What a royal day it could have been. 
Two chaps were behind the bar, no other customers, it was but late afternoon. Friends of staff did join them at adjacent tables once we were settled. This was a two Bier stop. 
First up, a Spanish NEIPA appropriately named Smooth (Peninsula, Espana) at 7.2%. With a decent milkshake haze, this lived up to its name. The hops were quite pronounced: Verdant, Elaborado con Bru-1, El Dorado and Talus. The latter was not an issue. 
The Queen Ale looks like a place to keep an eye on. If today was typical, then they have Bier – in-the-style. There was an interesting fridge also, but who wants this Scottish brewed Irn Bru in a Bier? Had we stayed longer, then hopefully we would have had more interaction with the staff. There will be a next time. 
We chose Inhaca, a table outside with space such that those who pollute would not be right up against us. Our first alfresco meal of this trip. It was time for Hector to have Catapla- na. My fellow diners wimped out. A bottle of Mateus Rosé had to be also, this time Marg shared more. 
The mains were being presented, the Birthday Boy’s came last.
Is that it? 
Iparactivo (
Back on the Metro, two stops home. The hill up to our apartment suddenly felt like but a mound. 
At the halfway point, Hector secured a decent photo of Ponte 25 de Abril. On arrival, the submarine was the big attraction. 
We were about to negotiate a discounted pensioner entry when I spotted another sign, ah well. Next time.
On 
At our pit-stops, the Hector was busy planning a trip to Óbidos, preferably for tomorrow. Somewhat surprisingly, a tour company did come straight back to me confirming availability. However, the more research that was done, it became obvious – take the service bus.
Weekend (
Rua do Benformoso
Marg wanted coffee, the surly chap would only supply espresso, declined. 
With the knowledge that better Bier was available down the hill, it was back on Tram 28, in the same direction of travel, alighting just above
It was – Dan the Man – our guide on the Canyonlands school trip of 2010, who first made Hector aware of the mediaeval town – Óbidos. But how to get there? Four people on an organised tour was throwing away money. Train was a possibility, too slow and infrequent. The – Rapida Verde – coach service from the main bus station could be the way.
This unfortunately included Maggie who soon headed off with Clive in search of shade. They took refuge at Petrarum Domus Bar where cold, yellow, fizzy lager was served. Quite a place, we had it to ourselves. If one was here of an evening, this could well be the place – to dine.
With twelve taps and a choice of NEIPA, so far so good. Suprassumo (5.0%) was not on. The staff weren’t bothered. There was no word of it returning, complete indifference. We were left with the other 5.0% NEIPA – Triton whose efficacy I have to challenge. With only the slightest haze, this was far too sharp tasting, the wrong mouthfeel. Nelson Sauvin hops were allegedly featured, so where was the hop hit?
I let Clive and Maggie choose our next and final venue for the evening. Surprisingly, 
Finally, there was a sense of recognition, we were not just tourists passing through. Patrick, Mein Host, engaged, we discussed the original venue and the move west. The good news, NEIPAs do make an appearance here. Given the proximity to 
The final day of this trip began with some blogging whilst Marg was out for her daily exercises. The hills of 
Sensing that our fellow travellers could be melting, we arranged to meet for ice-cream at 15.00. Being Mr. Garrett’s birthday, where better than Amorino Lisboa Garrett? This involved a walk up the hill behind Baixa-Chiado, logically, it was downhill on the way back. In fact, we managed to avoid any serious hills thereafter. It’s almost as though someone knew what they were doing.
I don’t often get the chance to rave about hot melted Chocolate. I understand that this is how Chocolate was first consumed, by the elite who could afford it, before the fondant and Chocolate bar was invented. Yes, I have been to a Belgian Chocolate Museum, one has to keep Marg amused in the afternoons.
As expected, the tap Bier was not setting the heather on fire, Tasters dismissed. The young lady serving produced a can: Captao Leitao 
Downstairs we went, with the door to the garden open it was a bit chilly. Back upstairs, the only low table was occupied by a chap with a laptop. It turned out he was – The Boss – and was doing the accounts. There was no interaction despite being propped at the window beside him for a good hour or so. A pity. Rather than take the Metro home, it was decided, by others, that we would walk. Fortunately it was all downhill. En route we passed
We alighted at the furthest extremity of the tour and walked back to the next pickup point, along Praia de Matosinhos. Hector put a finger in the Atlantic, enough already. 
So back along the coast road, the Tourist Tram ran parallel, this may be as good as any means of getting our to the west of 
As we approached the city centre, it was matter of finding a new Bier venue. 
The tap Bier at 
Marg and Hector were having Portuguese food tonight. 
Bonaparte
No fireworks tonight, just the short walk downhill to São Bento. Tomorrow:
