23 floors above the Brisbane, Park Regis North Quay, Brisbane - James Hill © Sultana Studios 2009

I'm back... on the 23rd floor overlooking the beautiful bris-vagas.

My roommate, an Irish bas-stard by the name of George, you may remember him from such ad campaigns as the best job in the world, the lovable larrikin that just wants to surf and spout the line kiss me I'm Irish to the fairer sex. So why are we here? Well the contracts have been signed but I don't want to give too much away.

Basically, the ever fantastic Tourism Queensland has offered some of the Best Job in the World finalists some extra work... Nothing off the scale massive or lengthy like Ben will be undertaking come July 1, just a little something on the side to help us through these difficult times.

These projects are yet to begin and thus George, Mirjam, Magali and myself bide our time by kicking it in this intriguing city! This really is the longest period I've spent in Brisbane since Expo '88. Most of the time we Melbournites or Sydney-siders write off Brisbane as a second class (uncultured swine) citizen, but gone are the days of the world fair and in it's place are a diverse and varied mix of galleries, bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and boutique clothing labels to satisfy even the most concerned fashionista.

But the killer is the weather... It's the middle of June and it's oh only about 20º outside! 20 freakin degrees!!! That's about the temperature in London in the heart of Summer, couple the beautiful weather with accessible deserted beaches and bountiful bush-land what's not to love about this city.

Woorim Beach, Bribie Island, Queensland - James Hill © Sultana Studios 2009