Walking, Words, and Work | A Day in my Life in Brisbane

Over the past few weeks living and working in Brisbane, I’ve been developing a sort of routine. Although my hours and adventures vary, some of my weekend days have shared a pattern. They contain key highlights of my life at the moment: coffee, words, and work. 

At the weekend, Brisbane comes alive with markets across the city. I’ve spent many mornings exploring them. Sometimes solo, other times with new friends. It’s always exciting to meander through the different stalls, admiring handmade crafts, tasting treats that are offered as you pass. I’ve tried some delicious falafel at one market, a shot of fresh ginger beer at another. The smells of frying food, scented soaps, ground coffee and more intertwine. I love scouting a bargain at the fresh produce stalls, items being discounted as you walk by. All of this often in the sunny Brisbane weather, too! 

I usually treat myself to a coffee from a stall. Usually there are options to choose from, so I try to judge from the outside which would brew the best. I take into account the queue, logos, and brands of plant milk (because that does make a difference). Usually, I’m not disappointed. 

When I can, I enjoy making lunch fresh at home. I’m making the most of my house’s facilities whilst I’m renting, which feels luxurious after cooking in hostel kitchens! What I make for lunch varies, but I’m especially enjoying the privilege of having an oven again. One afternoon I made a delicious baked sweet potato with chickpeas, smashed avocado, salad, and beetroot hummus. A lot of the ingredients had come from the most recent market I’d visited!

In the afternoon, I like to make the most of the sunshine before work. Often, I’ll head towards my work a few hours before my start time, just so I can take it easy and read in the park for a while. Usually I’ll take the bus, because it’s easy and frequent. I’m making my way through a list of books I have on hold at the library, which I joined recently. At this time of day, the UV is lowering, but it’s still warm in the sunshine. At the weekend, the park is filled with birthday celebrations and baby showers; picnics and barbecues abound. I’ll read until I need to head into work, and the temperature starts to fall. 

I’ve been working at the box office of one of Brisbane’s theatres. Each shift I learn something new, meet someone new, and enjoy working in an environment I love. I spend the evening selling tickets, solving issues, and telling people where the bathroom is. 

Sometimes, depending on timings, I’ll take the ferry home. I love the ferry in the dark, watching the lights from the riverside dance on the water’s surface, sailing under the ignited Story Bridge. It is moments like these, after a day’s joys, admiring the city at night, walking through once unknown streets that have become my neighbourhood, that I realise I am carving something out here, and I reflect on where I am with pride.