Day 31: Boat Tour and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

We started our day with a refreshing boat ride on the Brisbane River. With the heat and humidity upon us; the shade of the upper deck canopy, the constant breeze, and the subtle piano music in the background was the perfect storm for a nap. Although I didn't take that nap, the relaxation paired with learning about the city and it's significance in the wool trade, second World War, and it's context in the formation and growth of Australia was quite enjoyable. We coasted around for some time, returned, then bused up to Fig Tree Pocket, a suburb of Brisbane. Although Fig Trees weren't the main attraction, koalas at The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary were. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, was phenomenal. Koalas napped in every direction and sleepily clung to your shirt as you got a photo. Wombats crawled and chewed tires for fun, kangaroos roamed and licked your arm, dingoes pranced and licked your hand through the fence, Tasmanian Devils slept after their big meal, and all was well.

Holding a koala and having it cling to you was incredible. I feel like a pet koala is up my alley: they always sleep, want to snuggle, and mosey around with no cares except for their next meal and nap. The kangaroos here were friendly and curious, very similar to the Unzoo experience in Tasmania. With our visit concluded, we returned to Brisbane via the bus. Earlier in commuting to the zoo, I ran out of money on my bus card, which meant that I had to purchase a paper ticket for the return ride. Ticket in hand: no problem. I walked off the bus and didn't tap off, because my paper ticket sufficed, and as soon as the door closed: big problem. I did what every man instinctively does: the butt tap. This instinctive move is common for leaving the house, leaving work, etc, and ensures one doesn't forget their wallet, phone, car keys, etc. As the fail-proof tap proved, I had forgotten my wallet, on the bus. With the largest previously lost item being a pair of Rayban's (which I believe were stolen out of my house by a visitor), this makes for the jackpot of losses. All cards, cash, IDs (both student and state): gone. Luckily, Professor Anoop was extremely patient and assisting, lending me cash and helping me find a transit worker to track down the bus and driver. Although this was rather unfortunate: at least I held a koala? We'll hope and pray the lucky winner turns it in or reaches out, I'd like to think this world is inherently good. Only time will tell!