My Down Under

Pause

2009-10-26T19:11:00.004+11:00

Is anyone still out there??? Well, from my stats I can see that a few lost souls landed on this blog :) All my apologies for not posting these days, life has become a teensy bit hectic and I'm just about to go on holidays. I will do my utmost to resume my photoblogging activities upon my return. Please stay tuned!

Paddleboats

2009-10-11T14:03:00.000+11:00

Torrens River running under the Adelaide Bridge

Waterlily

2009-10-10T18:51:00.002+11:00

Amazon Waterlily Pavilion at the Botanic Gardens, Adelaide

Stack

2009-10-09T23:49:00.001+11:00

Rundle Mall

I guess I was too busy admiring the reflections on these giant balls to pay attention to the scary shadow!

What's the name of that street again??

2009-10-08T19:40:00.002+11:00

Oh yes... Leigh Street

The Big Rocking Horse and its baby

2009-10-07T20:43:00.004+11:00

Yesterday's photo was taken at the Big Rocking Horse in Gumeracha, in the Adelaide Hills! I had a great time in Adelaide and can't wait to share with you the highlights!

Where was I?

2009-10-06T20:53:00.003+11:00

Yesterday was Labour Day in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and.. another state where I spent the long weekend. Can you guess?

Aerial view

2009-10-05T13:23:00.000+11:00

Flying North of Wellington before
making our way across the Tasman to Sydney.

Words set in concrete

2009-10-04T13:40:00.003+11:00

Writers walk on the Waterfront

Yellow bus

2009-10-03T13:37:00.001+10:00

Bad case of chicken pox

2009-10-02T13:26:00.000+10:00

I didn't get a chance to check out the treasures inside the City Gallery, as you can see from the fences it was closed for expansion! Ah well.. this will give me an excuse to go back :) Loved those coloured spots though.

Kowhai

2009-10-01T20:10:00.002+10:00

I had seen those flowers while walking around in Hamilton and after my trip to Wellington, now I know their name! And thanks to the page on Wikipedia, I know that the bark and seeds are poisonous.. glad I didn't touch it!

Keep off the grass

2009-09-30T19:24:00.003+10:00

Preparations are on the way at the Basin Reserve for the cricket season.

MPs busy as bees

2009-09-29T19:22:00.004+10:00

The Beehive is the nickname given to the Executive Wing of the New Zealand Parliament, the photo below is a miniature replica of the building, on display at the Museum of Wellington:

and this is the actual building:

Have your say

2009-09-28T18:24:00.005+10:00

These posters were scattered all around the city centre. The local council is calling on the population to take part in a special project: developing a vision for the city centre, find out what the Wellingtonians like or don't like about it and how it can be improved. You can only hope that the council will listen! Before 2040 would be nice too :)

If this was happening in your city, what would you like? As far as I'm concerned less traffic would be a good start!

Boat sheds

2009-09-27T22:51:00.004+10:00

Chaffers Marina

Tripod

2009-09-26T15:32:00.001+10:00

Continuing on the sculpture theme, this bronze Tripod stands at 6 metres tall in Courtenay Place and was created to celebrate the local thriving cinema industry... Peter Jackson anyone??? The city has even gained another nickname: Wellywood (combination of Wellington and Hollywood). Sounds more glamorous than the Windy City :)

Light at the end of the tunnel

2009-09-25T19:29:00.004+10:00

Wellington has an impressive number of sculptures around the city and this work by Andrew Drummond called Listening and Viewing Device on Druid Hill at the botanic gardens, is probably one of the most puzzling pieces I've seen.

Listening to what?? Not the sound of the waves, just the echo of your voice. Viewing what? The sky?? Hmmm.. bizarre..oh, it swings as well. Really not sure what to make of it.

Cable car

2009-09-24T21:17:00.004+10:00

I was very excited to go to Wellington as I had never been there, didn't really have any expectations, maybe just to see another great rugby battle, and now I am under the spell! I enjoyed it so much I want to go back :)

Always on my list of things to do and see while in a new city is the botanic gardens. In Wellington, it only takes a short cable car ride to get there (from Cable Car Lane off Lambton Quay in the heart of the city). As you can tell from the photo, I was blessed with blue skies and a bit of sunshine.

Red dust storm

2009-09-23T19:09:00.007+10:00

First of all apologies for not posting yesterday, I flew into Sydney in the morning from Wellington where I spent a long weekend then went straight to work and finished the day very tired and couldn't get round to post a little something.

What a day it has been in Sydney!! I woke up this morning to the news that the city was shrouded in a blanket of red dust. I opened my curtains and wow! What a sight!! I got ready very quickly and left as I knew my walk to work would be a long one because of the photo stops I would make!

From top to bottom: Taylor Square, ANZAC Memorial Hyde Park, Martin Place, Opera House, Harbour Bridge

Maori garden

2009-09-21T14:16:00.000+10:00

Through the hole

2009-09-20T14:09:00.002+10:00

Chinese garden at the Hamilton Gardens

Peace memorial

2009-09-19T13:55:00.001+10:00

Worley Place
Peace memorial to commemorate the International Year of Peace 1986

Lake Rotoroa

2009-09-18T08:41:00.000+10:00

Brick caravan

2009-09-17T20:26:00.003+10:00

‘Holidays in Huntly’ is an eye-catching art piece created by ceramic artist Peter Lange.

“Holidays in Huntly is an extension of a body of work that I have undertaken over the last couple of years that has referred to parts of my life which I recall with some affection – in this case the year or more that I spent living in a caravan while looking for minerals in New Zealand and Australia in the 60s,” he said.

“The shape has the curving lines of post-war homemade caravans and there is reference to the stripped-down brick skeletons of abandoned buildings.

“Driving through Huntly is a mixed experience: out of the corner of your eye you catch the iconic cream and brown brickwork which has become a recognisable and nostalgic local building style, but then the road to Hamilton (or Auckland) always seems to take priority. However if time is taken to explore inland and away from the river you'll find some beautiful spots, rural and lakeside, which might have been holiday destinations for families of the 50s.”

Riff Raff

2009-09-16T20:42:00.003+10:00

Where we stand is the birthplace of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. On this site stood the Embassy Theatre, the home of Hamilton's late night double feature show, and the barber shop where Richard O'Brien cut hair and daydreamed from 1959 to 1964.

Kiwi TSB

2009-09-15T20:34:00.005+10:00

I'm back from my long weekend across the ditch: a bit of rugby, a bit of rain, a lot of sunshine and countless steps around the pretty city of Hamilton, my feet still hurt!

In Sunday's post I was telling you about my appreciation of Brisbane's TSBs.. little did I know I would meet their kiwi cousins! Much to my delight, there's a few here and there around town. This one was snapped at the corner of Bryce & Barton St in the city centre.

Ferry map

2009-09-14T13:02:00.000+10:00

Hopefully Blogger has been kind to me and posted the photos I scheduled as I have been spending a long weekend in Hamilton... not Hamilton the Brisbane suburb (shown here on this map) but Hamilton.. New Zealand!

TSBspotting

2009-09-13T09:29:00.000+10:00

If you happen to be a Brisbane Daily Photo follower, you will be familiar with these painted traffic signal boxes. I absolutely love them!!! and I wish idiots would stay away from them. More info on this TSB snapped in Paddington here.

To Hell and back

2009-09-12T09:15:00.002+10:00

Now I can say I've been to Hell and back :).. and they serve some deliciously yummy pizza there. and I'll share the address with you: 232 Given Terrace, Paddington.

Kurilpa Bridge

2009-09-11T04:56:00.001+10:00

The last time I was in Brisbane this bridge was a work in progress (see my post here) and I was hoping I'd walk on it on this trip.. well I didn't! It's not quite finished yet. Ah well.. next time!

The mystery behind yesterday's photo

2009-09-10T16:59:00.003+10:00

Yesterday's photo was taken up there at Brisbane Town Hall's Tower Clock. On the way down the lift attendant saw my friend's impressive camera and mine (a little less impressive) and stopped at the clock's level for us to take a shot!

Behind the scenes

2009-09-09T16:57:00.001+10:00

Beads and sequins

2009-09-08T19:30:00.004+10:00

The Museum of Brisbane currently holds an exhibition called In Fashion: Dressing up Brisbane, showcasing local talent and this is where you can see this dress on display. It was created by Hwa Sook Lee Bora, a Korean Brisbane-based designer, and worn by Jennifer Hawkins the night she was crowned Miss Universe in 2004.

Trophies

2009-09-07T15:49:00.002+10:00

I was up in Brisbane at the weekend, the purpose of this escapade was to catch some live rugby action on Saturday night! Australia (aka the Wallabies) beat South Africa (aka the Springboks) 21-6 but South Africa having won the two previous encounters this year were awarded the Nelson Mandela trophy (on the left) and the Boks are likely to get hold of the Tri Nations trophy (on the right) should they beat New Zealand (aka the All Blacks) next Saturday in Hamilton (NZ). If only the Wallabies had played earlier in the competition the way they did on Saturday, the silverware would be found at the Australia Rugby Union headquarters!

Veg out

2009-09-06T03:33:00.003+10:00

Welcome to Veg out, St Kilda's own community gardens! When I was walking around I thought that this could be the best spot in St Kilda! I loved the concept of having veggie patches in the heart of a the city and the quirky way they were decorated by recycling bits and pieces. Needless to say my camera got a little bit carried away!

Green building

2009-09-05T04:09:00.003+10:00

When I laid my eyes on this building in St Kilda I remembered Julie's comment about the windows of the Jane Foss Russell Building at the University of Sydney. THIS is a wasted opportunity. Methinks the architect has a fascination for reptiles or a fishnet stockings fetish . What do you think?

St Kilda pier kiosk

2009-09-04T15:24:00.004+10:00

The St Kilda Pavilion is an historic kiosk located at the end of St Kilda Pier built in 1904, originally known as Parer's Pavilion and later renamed Kirby's Kiosk but locally known as St Kilda Kiosk.

An accurate reconstruction of the fire-destroyed heritage St Kilda Pier Kiosk building has been reopened and is welcoming new friends and old to the St Kilda Pier once again.

Original kiosk plans from 1903, historic photos and surviving iron lacework from the arson-destroyed kiosk were used as guides to faithfully reproduce the look of the original historic and much loved structure. The original kiosk was devastated by fire on 11 September 2003.

Additions include a café out back and an observation deck up top. Along the length of the pier interactive panels tell the pier's history. The kiosk complex now sits on a concrete slab supported by 29 new timber pylons, to ensure minimum wear and movement. Here's to another 99 plus years.

Source: Only Melbourne website

Rainman

2009-09-03T12:35:00.003+10:00

St Kilda Botanic Gardens

Rainman is the little dude in the middle, he would have deserved a close up but I was too "wowed" by the reflection of the trees on the water.

On a plaque close by you can read the following: Rainman is a solar powered feature in harmony with its environment. In utilizing the sun’s energy, the variations in light are reflected by the flow of water. On a sunny day, rain will fall onto the figure from under the umbrella, the figure’s hand stretched to feel the day beyond. A cloud passes over, it starts to rain, the solar power ceases; a dry Rainman reaches from beneath the umbrella to feel the rain. (Artists: Ken Arnold and Corey Thomas)

Meet the locals

2009-09-02T18:47:00.003+10:00

Spotted on a rooftop on Acland Street, St Kilda

Crushed shells

2009-09-01T16:34:00.003+10:00

Surfing seagull

2009-08-31T19:18:00.000+10:00

Tram lines

2009-08-30T18:13:00.001+10:00

Boatin'

2009-08-29T11:34:00.001+10:00

St Kilda marina, and Melbourne CBD skyline in the background.

The eye

2009-08-28T11:27:00.002+10:00

Anyone who's been in St Kilda or seen photos of this Melbourne suburb should/will instantly recognise the owner of this eye .. if you think you've met his Sydney cousin before, you might be right!

Man at work

2009-08-27T11:22:00.001+10:00

Hook turn

2009-08-26T11:25:00.005+10:00

In the city centre of Melbourne, and at some intersections in the suburbs you might spot one of these signs. Drivers wanting to turn right must wait on the left until the road is clear of other cars .. and trams!

Tram stop

2009-08-25T04:42:00.001+10:00

Scarves

2009-08-24T04:36:00.001+10:00

One of the most popular sports in Australia is Australian rules football (two teams of 18 (very fit) players run around after an funny shaped ball to try and score goals and suprise surprise whoever scores the most goals wins the game. That's for the basics.. if you want to find out more, you can click here). The game was first played in Victoria in the late 1850s, which would explain why the game is so popular over there and merchandise of differents kinds sell fairly well at the Queen Victoria Market where I took this photo. Strangely enough, none of the teams "represented" in this shot are based in Victoria! (From left to right: Port Adelaide, Sydney Swans, Fremantle Dockers (aka Freo), Adelaide Crows, Brisbane Lions, West Coast Eagles, a Perth-based team). Maybe they're sold out...

The rugby union/cricket tragic that I am would not be seen dead in one of those scarves but they make a good photo.. I think :)

Southern Cross Station

2009-08-23T04:34:00.000+10:00

This is where my journey to Ballarat started and ended! Back to square one in Melbourne...

Countries

2009-08-22T10:56:00.000+10:00

We are in the Contemplation Space at the Eureka Centre. The wall bears the names of all the countries where the diggers came from. The majority of them were British and Irish, Chinese but also American, French, Italian, German, Polish and Hungarian and a few others representing 16 countries in total on the goldfields as well as in the battle.

The battlefield

2009-08-21T08:34:00.000+10:00

We are in the gardens just outside the Eureka Centre. This is where the battle is said to have taken place lasting only 15 minutes, killing 30 diggers and injuring at least 60. On the troopers' side, 5 were killed and 20 wounded. On a plaque nearby you can read the following:

At this place in the early hours of Sunday 3 December 1854, there was a defining moment in Australia’s history. Without warning, a superior government force attacked a makeshift stockade built by a few hundred angry men to defend themselves from further armed hunts to enforce the unpopular licence tax to dig for gold.

Reproduction of the attack on the stockade at the Eureka Centre

Bakery Hill

2009-08-20T10:39:00.000+10:00

During November 1854 a number of large public meetings were held at Bakery Hill by diggers and supporters to protest against the actions of the administration and to demand reforms, including the removal of the Gold Licence. The authorities refused to meet these demands worsening the already tense situation and increasing the diggers' determination to fight for their cause.

On 30th november 1854, the Southern Cross flag was raised for the first time and the protesters, under the leadership of Peter Lalor an Irishman, swore allegiance to this flag (see Tuesday's post) before proceeding to the Eureka lead and construct the stockade.

Eureka Hotel

2009-08-19T13:15:00.000+10:00

During 1853 and 1854 the tensions are rising around the goldfields of Ballarat. The miners are becoming increasingly frustrated at the harsh treatment they receive from the local authorities, especially at the high fees they must pay for the mining licences introduced in 1851. Many of those diggers live in poverty thus unable to pay those fees and get hassled by the authorities. No licence meant no digging and no chance to strike gold.

One of the events that will anger even more the diggers is the murder of a young Scottish digger, James Scobie, in a brawl outside the Eureka Hotel (Photo: reproduction of the facade at the Eureka Centre) in October 1854, and the inability of the authorities to sentence the culprit as quickly as the community would have liked. On 17 October 1854 the Eureka Hotel was burnt down, its owner James Bentley being the main suspect in Scobie's murder later to be found guilty of manslaughter.

The oath

2009-08-18T08:12:00.004+10:00

Over the next few days I will touch upon one of the most significant events in Australian history called the Eureka Stockade, and it all hapened in Ballarat. In the meantime, I will let you ponder these words:

We swear by the Southern Cross
To stand truly by each other
And defend our rights and liberties

Peter Lalor, 1854

Ironwork

2009-08-17T08:46:00.003+10:00

Burke & Wills Fountain

2009-08-16T17:25:00.006+10:00

This fountain completed in 1867 and located on Sturt St was named after the explorers Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills (who grew up in Ballarat). In 1860-61, they led an expedition of 18 men with the purpose of crossing Australia from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria in the North (2,800 kms). Unfortunately the return journey ended in tragedy and only one member of the expedition, John King, returned to Melbourne alive.

The Arch of Victory

2009-08-15T18:43:00.002+10:00

Sturt St the main street in Ballarat is said to resemble the Parisian Champs Elysees It's a fair comment and I guess the Arch of Victory (opened in 1920 by the Prince of Wales) has something to do with that.

The inscription "Avenue of Honour" at the top refers to the 15k road lined with around 4,000 trees, at the foot of which you will find a bronze plaque dedicated to a soldier from the Ballarat region who enlisted during World War I.

For more information on the history of the Avenue and also about the Arch, click here.

Time Lane

2009-08-14T20:43:00.005+10:00

Mural painted by the public art students of the University of Ballarat.

Pointing in the right direction

2009-08-13T04:55:00.001+10:00

I'm a sucker for those signs! I snapped this one at the Black Hill lookout where you have an amazing view of the city. You might have noticed that the name of the city is spelt Ballaarat. Confusing huh? Here is the answer :

One of the most often asked question is "Do you spell Ballarat with four a's or three a's? It is generally accepted that the origin of the name came from two aboriginal words signifying a camping or resting place - "Balla" meaning elbow or reclining on the elbow and "Arat" meaning place.

The first white settler (1837), Scotsman Archibald Yuille, called his property "Ballarat". We cannot know how a Scotsman pronounced an aboriginal word, but in 1851 another Scot arrived to officially survey the area and he recorded the towns name as Ballaarat. When the first local paper arrived in 1854, three years later, it was called the "Ballarat Times" (perhaps the typesetter ran out of "a's").

Official government documents used the double "a" spelling and successive local councils varied the number of "a's" according to the prevailing fashion of the time,

Prior to amalgamation of the councils in 1994, the municipality of the City of Ballaarat was the official spelling for the corporation that was the Council, though the official spelling for place name purposes of the area (then comprised of several municipalities) was Ballarat.

When the new single Ballarat City Council was gazetted in 1994 the single "a" version was adopted for the corporation, to align it to the area's place-name,

Therefore both spellings were legitimate at different times in the city's history and can still be seen on buildings and in historical literature.

Craig's Hotel

2009-08-12T08:38:00.000+10:00

From the website:

As one of the first Grand Hotels in the colony, Craig’s Royal Hotel was born from the wealth of the Australian Gold Rush Era. Established in 1853, Craig’s soon set the standards for unparalleled hospitality and service. Hosting poets, princes and prime ministers over its 155 year history, the hotel is a true icon of the Victorian period.

Now, after nearly 6 years extensive restoration, the magnificent accommodation, dining, meeting and banquet facilities are re-establishing Craig’s as the finest boutique heritage hotel in Australia. Located on historic Lydiard Street in the heart of Ballarat, this Victorian landmark invites you to experience the legend that is Craig’s alone.

Don't know what to drink?

2009-08-11T16:44:00.003+10:00

Ask your favourite drinking consultant!

(Spotted on Sturt St)

Make a wish

2009-08-10T18:58:00.004+10:00

Wishing wells have a magnetic effect on me.. I can never walk past without tossing a coin and I want to believe that some of those wishes did come true.. after all I ended up staying in Australia, as per my wish, when I nearly didn't and not by my own will! I was going to reveal my wish when I threw a coin in this well at the botanic gardens.. but you're not supposed to so I'll keep it secret!

Her Majesty

2009-08-09T19:21:00.001+10:00

The lady does not need any introduction...
just behind her the Town Hall clock.

Mining Exchange Building

2009-08-08T20:36:00.006+10:00

This building completed in the late 1880s is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture in Ballarat. I wasn't curious enough to go inside but I read that the hall is lined with forty small offices where sharebrokers, and mining agents sold shares in goldmines and it played an important role in the development of Melbourne's stock exchange.

Boatsheds

2009-08-07T17:07:00.006+10:00

In yesterday's post I mentioned Lake Wendouree, the meeting point of boating enthusiasts. The problem is, after a few years of drought there's not much boating you can do. At least there is enough water for the swans to enjoy some peace and quiet on the water!

Olympic glory

2009-08-06T15:18:00.002+10:00

Lake Wendouree Olympic Precinct

Not every country town can boast a bit of Olympic glory, Ballarat does! Thanks to Lake Wendouree which hosted the rowing, kayaking and canoeing events for the 1956 Summer Olympics. Ballarat's other sporting claim to fame is Steve Moneghetti, a long distance runner who was at the peak of his career in the 90s and who gave his name to the 6-k track around the lake.

Unusual architecture

2009-08-05T15:19:00.003+10:00

The Robert Clark Centre (named after the the co-founder and proprietor of The Courier, the local newspaper) is your one stop shop in the gardens: you can buy everything from plants to postcards, have coffee and check out the exhibition on the history of the gardens and of the Ballarat Begonia Festival.

Gold!

2009-08-04T20:09:00.005+10:00

From one goldmining town to another.. I'm back from an awesome (long) weekend in Victoria, spending most of my time in and Ballarat where gold was found in the early 1850s. The mines have closed long ago but gold is still everywhere in Ballarat: you can pan for gold (mainly for fun) here or on Sturt Street!

My favourite initials

2009-08-03T05:01:00.000+10:00

You might know that I have a fascination for license plates and this one caught my eye while I was in Arrowtown a cute village, not too far from Queenstown, more specifically a former gold mining town, hence the line "Born of Gold".

Hide and seek

2009-08-02T00:16:00.004+10:00

Nice try Joey, but I can still see your paws!!

By the river

2009-08-01T02:30:00.001+10:00

Bremer River, Ipswich (Queensland)

Outdoor lounge

2009-07-31T14:49:00.002+10:00

SOL Square, Christchurch

Cosy outside area of a cafe/bar/restaurant whose name I forgot!

Sails in the setting sun

2009-07-30T21:21:00.002+10:00

It took this shot last week, forgot about it until earlier today when the sun was setting in similar fashion.

Posing

2009-07-29T21:16:00.001+10:00

Funky chickens

2009-07-28T18:45:00.000+10:00

Bird Textile Emporium
a cool fabric shop in Surry Hills (Cnr Cleveland / Marlborough Sts)

Coloured windows

2009-07-27T07:40:00.001+10:00

Jane Foss Russell Building, University of Sydney

Welcome aboard!

2009-07-26T05:11:00.000+10:00

This is the not so fun part of my weekend getaways: getting back on the plane to Sydney. This time round it wasn't that bad... I enjoyed a bit of extra room, countless channels of entertainment and a delicious meal courtesy of Emirates and the A380!

City views

2009-07-25T07:00:00.000+10:00

Road trip

2009-07-24T17:08:00.003+10:00

How I'd love to travel around Australia or
New Zealand in one of those!!!

Little house in a tree

2009-07-23T08:44:00.002+10:00

One, or two or more, lucky kid(s) live(s) in this house! (Snapped on King Edward Parade, Devonport)

Ferry ride

2009-07-22T20:33:00.002+10:00

Ferry arriving at Devonport terminal.

The other coat hanger

2009-07-21T19:12:00.003+10:00

Not as impressive as Sydney's Harbour Bridge but I think it adds a nice touch to the Waitemata Harbour. Next time I'm in town I should do a bit of bridge climbing kiwi style!

Reflection

2009-07-20T20:25:00.001+10:00

The Sky Tower reflected in a window in the Viaduct Harbour area.

A little bit of self-indulgence

2009-07-19T06:05:00.001+10:00

Another Sydney Opera House photo.. I never get enough of them :)

Ferry terminals

2009-07-18T06:10:00.003+10:00

From Circular Quay, Sydney....

To Auckland.....

I'm in Auckland for the weekend... I didn't get here by ferry though!

Out and about in Newtown (6)

2009-07-17T06:31:00.000+10:00

I will wrap up the series with another bookshop... Better Read than Dead... what a cool name! Having already bought a few (too many??) books at Gould's I stayed well away from it. Next time!

Out and about in Newtown (5)

2009-07-16T19:09:00.000+10:00

Wonder what's behind those doors? If you never been to the Vanguard on King Street, take a look here. This is a pretty funky place to have dinner & listen to some good music.

Out and about in Newtown (4)

2009-07-15T17:21:00.001+10:00

Continuing on the (King) street art theme and .. this one is the "Herald" mural, a reproduction of the front page of the Sydney Morning Herald's edition of 10 July 1992, when recession hit the country. This time round Australia hasn't been too badly affected by the GFC and hopefully we're not heading for the wall again.

Out and about in Newtown (3)

2009-07-14T19:10:00.002+10:00

Martin Luther King mural on King Street

According to Wikipedia: it was painted by Andrew Aiken and Juilee Pryor using a donated cherry picker and $1000 worth of paint. Aiken and Pryor created this landmark " over two nights in August 1991, declaring it a "humanist protest against the sterility of postmodern art". You will find out more about this mural and street art in Newtown here, including on the tragic life story of Andrew Aiken.

Out and about in Newtown (2)

2009-07-13T19:04:00.006+10:00

Beautiful pattern spotted on the facade of a house on Georgina Street

Out and about in Newtown (1)

2009-07-12T20:15:00.007+10:00

Remember Belinda Carlisle's song Heaven is a Place on Earth?? Well.. in my books, excuse the pun, this is the place: Gould's Book Arcade. The best second hand bookshop in Sydney / Australia / the Southern Hemisphere!! I'm not saying the whole world because I know a great spot in Paris :)

If like myself you are a bit of a bookworm, not allergic to dust and willing to spend a couple of hours trying to dig little gems, this is the place!!!

Lonely lily

2009-07-11T11:47:00.001+10:00

Working men

2009-07-10T16:33:00.000+10:00

Footsteps in Time is the name of this sculpture group unveiled in October 2004 near the St Martins Centre, 40-50 St Georges Terrace in Perth. It commemorates the 175th Anniversary of Western Australia and symbolises the people who have built the CBD.

St Martins Centre occupies the site of the first businessman's club of WA, this public artwork recognises their involvement in significant historical moments during Perth's development.

1. Dutch exploration, discovery, mapping and naming of Swan River, 1697
2. Anglo-Celtic settlement of Swan River, 1829
3. Discovery of gold, 1885-95
4. Post World War II European immigration, 1945-55
5. The Millenium Man, 2004

What's what?

2009-07-09T12:12:00.004+10:00

Donaghys Hill lookout, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Tasmania

Blow me away

2009-07-08T11:45:00.002+10:00

Round House

2009-07-07T15:31:00.000+10:00

The Round House in Fremantle was built in 1830-31 as a gaol and is the oldest building still standing in Western Australia.

Wave

2009-07-06T15:36:00.000+10:00

Walking up the hill

2009-07-05T13:35:00.001+10:00

Graffiti

2009-07-04T13:24:00.003+10:00