And this was the lull before the storm. During the night it got stormy and by morning there were 6 trees down in the garden and flood warnings all round this area.
Like fish in water
It rained so much that the fish pond overflowed and when we went out in the afternoon, during a blink of dry weather, we found dozens of them on the grass. We were quite astonished to find that when we picked them up and put them back in the water, they were (mostly) still alive. So that’s a few lives saved today.
Stayed with friends in Wollongong and took the train into Sydney. I felt really welcome as they’ve even given me my own station. How fab is that?
So we went to see the most famous icons in Sydney – the bridge and the opera house and I’m not going to put up photos of that as we all know what they look like. But I have to say, I had no idea that the opera house roof was tiled, and quite ornate tiles at that. Nor did I fully realise that it’s its back end facing the water and that there’s more than one entrance going into various venues. But that’s just me, it’s probably obvious to everyone else.
Anyway, I met up with some local musicians and was invited to make a guest appearance on clap sticks. How did they know I had bought clap sticks on my last visit to Australia 28 years ago?
Guesting on clap sticks
Before leaving Canberra: These Sulphur Crested Cockatoos become incredibly noisy in the late afternoon. They’re the biggest parrots I’ve seen here – and they don’t stop for a photo so I’m pretty chuffed I got this one. Mind you, I had to hang out of the upstairs window with the camera periscope-like around the edge of our balcony then point and hope. They were perched on the edge of the roof. But there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to get that special shot, really. David Attenborough’s been on the phone again wanting my services for the next series.
The parliament building here is spectacular. It’s palatial – even the ladies’ loos have marble walls! You can only see it if you do some zooming in, but the two national symbols are the kangaroo and the emu, which are on the crest on top of the building. Now an interesting fact about Australia is that it’s the only country which eats its national symbols!
Some folks have said that Canberra is ‘good sheep country wasted’.
You call that a sheep? that’s not a sheep – this is a sheep!
Now let’s get serious again! It’s autumn here, so here’s a beautiful pic of a typical street in Canberra. There’s just so much space everywhere – and so few people. You can drive around easily, park anywhere, and all free for public buildings such as museums or galleries. I love Canberra, but I can also see whey maybe it’s not for everyone – I’m not sure what you’d do in the evenings as I think it’s suburbia after dark.
We did the art gallery in the morning and the museum in the afternoon. All cultured out after that but they were great.
Had to get a photo of this famous Australian icon. No prizes for the answer.
Bet this is not the first thought of an Australian view! We did make it to Thredbo but the road in to the village was quite exciting with no line markings or roadside barriers and sheer drops, mostly on the passenger’s side! It’s now becoming a ‘des res’ for skiers so it’s all being re-built and extended but very cute and well kept – the advantage of attracting the rich, I suppose. Anyway, it was far too cold to hang about so we went for walks and then retired to the pub.
Not typical Australia
A perfect mountain view
I love Melbourne – it’s what everyone said it would be – arty, crafty, old & new side by side, with character and also edgy. We went shopping in the designer/maker area – slightly more expensive than TK Maxx so didn’t buy anything, but enjoyed the looking.
Went downtown to the Arts Centre to see a John Brack exhibition – he’s the most important Australian artist of the last century and if you want to know more, I’m sure you can google him. I really enjoyed the tour with the volunteer guide and you’ll see his influence on my photos in the watering cans photo below- he often showed himself in his paintings, but in a reflective way, like in a mirror. I think I captured the spirit of his style quite successfully. (NB to self – must find out how to focus camera for arty shots). And for the narrow bandwidth users – thanks to big Fergus forshowing me how to do something clever so the photos are quick to download.
Today went to the Australian Gardens and they are just fantastic. Everything is designed, every plant, every path, every background has been carefully planned and it all works perfectly. I loved it and it’s quite the most impressive piece of landscaping I’ve ever seen. Again, I’m sure there’s a website for the keen.
So here are a few photos from the day out.
An excellent example of the design content of the gardens
An Australian icon
Had a great run down to Melbourne. I now understand what they mean by ‘the big sky’. At times you can see 360 degrees as far as the horizon and you actually see the curve of the earth. It’s trully being on top of the world. So here are just a few photos to give an idea of the scenery, but it was way too cold to take a photo of our first stop where we had a dip in the hot springs pool then a fast sprint to the motel room.
Marvellous Middlepath
It would be too difficult for me to explain what Fergus & Trijntje do here, so I’m just going to give you the web address and you can see for yourselves.
http://middlepath.com.au/
Maloolaba Surf Club
Had lunch in this restaurant on the beach and sat at a window seat looking right over the lifegaurd’s hut. Just like Baywatch, I saw this hunky chappie stroll up the beach in all his bronzed glory, and head up into the hut – sorry girls, I just wasn’t quick enough with the camera!
So now I’m ready for the big road trip, heading inland to make our way slowly down to Melbourne. Just my luck, the snow has arrived 6 weeks early in Thredbo so I don’t know how we’re going to get on come Wednesday if it doesn’t warm up by then, as we only have one pair of wellies between us. Just my luck to hit unseasonal snow!
Gympie shopping street
Today’s shopping included 2 prs of reading glasses at £2.50 each (expensive I know, but they came with a case too), a new watch £5 (my fake Rolex packed up 2 weeks ago), a pair of thongs (that’s flip flops to you) at £1.50 and a pair of Ugg boots at a bit more than that (£37.50 actually, but then you’ve got to, don’t you).
All in a day's shopping
