When I found out that David Attenborough was coming to Brisbane, I was beyond excited. He has always been my absolute hero - when most kids were watching Disney movies, I was watching documentaries, and his were always my absolute favourite. They still are.
Tickets sold out instantly. In fact, they sold out before I got mine, but I refreshed and refreshed and refreshed... and a single ticket popped back up. I was in! I squealed and danced around the way most people would about rock concerts.... no shame here. 😎
His show 'A Quest for Life' covered his career from the very beginning, as he sat in conversation with Ray Martin, and enchanted us all with his stories and never before seen footage. He told stories of his first ever documentary adventures, and how his career came to be. He was cheeky, alive with a spirit that we rarely see on camera, making jokes as he reminisced on his incredible, inspirational journey - and so very humble and thankful for the life he has had.
The show ended with a montage of his greatest moments, as he spoke the lyrics to 'It's a Wonderful World' by Louis Armstrong - aaaaamazing. Then, he left the stage to a standing ovation, and I thought that was it... my Attenbro time was done. I was happy with that - never in my life did I think I'd have the opportunity to see him in person, and hear his voice in real life.
But, little did I know it was going to get a whole lot better...
The next day I had time to kill in the city, after checking out of my hotel and meeting a friend later for dinner. I decided to wander Southbank, and wander the museums and galleries. It turned out to be the very best decision. As I wandered between GoMA and the Queensland Art Gallery, I spotted a familiar looking legend sitting in the QAG Cafe...
Typical Attenbro blue shirt and beige pants uniform... check... white hair... check...
I laughed to myself at the idea that DAVID ATTENBOROUGH was casually having lunch at the gallery, but figured it was worth checking out... so, I ordered food, took a seat, and sure enough, there he was. I waited until he was leaving, then half launched myself at him and blurted out a sea of words - something about loving his show last night, and him in general, and how he was my hero... I'm sure I made a total fool of myself. He was wonderful, and thanked me, even though I interrupted his day. After a shaky handshake, we took a photo and he was on his way, and I sat dumbfounded as to what had just happened.
To most, it may not seem like that big of a deal, but Sir David has been a hero of mine for as long as I can remember. Meeting him has been number one on my bucket list forever, but I never ever thought I'd get the chance to cross it off.
And then... I did.
