Character experiences featured prominently on our recent trip to Queensland’s Gold Coast. Sponge Bob Square Pants was an elusive target that thankfully made an appearance on our last morning at the Sea World Resort. My two year old found Dora the Explorer a little scary but was particularly fond of Boots the monkey. I don’t think my kids have ever viewed an episode of Scooby Doo however they jumped at the chance for a photo with Scooby Doo and Shaggy at Movie World. When I spotted this Surfer’s Paradise Meter Maid rescuing people from parking fines in the city I couldn’t resist another character photo – just for contrast.
Bub 2 with a Gold Coast Meter Maid
The iconic Gold bikini clad Surfer’s Paradise Meter Maids have been roaming the streets of Surfers Paradise for more than forty years. They were initially introduced by the Surfer’s Paradise Chamber of Commerce who feared the introduction of parking fines would damage business. They are currently employed by a private business and rely on gold coin donations to feed the parking meters, at the same time as promoting Surfer’s Paradise businesses, mainly family friendly restaurants.
Sponge Bob Square Pants at the Sea World Resort
My husband was embarrassed by me taking a photo of this Meter Maid with my youngest son and bid a hasty retreat from the scene. What do you think of the Maids? Sexist? Out-dated? Perhaps. As an Aussie that, at least until having kids was comfy on the beach in a bikini I’m not offended by her outfit although she must have been a bit chilly on this May day. I originally though that taking a photo of my son with a Gold Coast Meter Maid is similar to photographing him with a dancer in the Rio Mardi Gras, or a bikini topped girl dressed as a mermaid. Closer inspection of the photo revealed the calendar that the Meter Maid is holding in her hand and I realized that I had really taken a photo of my two year old with the Aussie equivalent of a Play Boy bunny. Bad Mummy moment me thinks.
Scooby Doo and Shaggy at Movie World
Dora and Boots at Sea World Resort
I love that my little guy, no matter which character he is meeting still has the same, shell-shocked expression on his face.
This post is linked to Delicious Baby’s Photo Friday
