An Undercurrent of Violence

The myth that Australia is a naturally friendly place doesn't much survive being screamed at by an aggressive beggar in broad daylight on a Sunday afternoon. This was just outside Mincom Central on Ann Street at about 3pm. I was able to just walk away.

This makes three or four times I've been verbally assaulted in Brisbane in six months, as opposed to almost never in Hong Kong.

Local people don't seem to be too concerned about the shouted abuse from drunken yobs - perhaps it's just the local equivalent of witty banter, or maybe they're trying to avoid getting beaten up. Everyone assures me that it's very safe here. I don't quite believe them...