Busy in Brizzy

I said goodbye to the snail house on Saturday, which was very traumatic indeedio. I felt like I had lost a house and a friend :(

Steph picked me up from the depot and she is sooo friendly and chatty that I didn't stay bluesome for long. Some friends of hers were having an art exhibition in their house so we went along to have a look before we had lunch and chilled. Steph bought a gorgeous mixed media picture and a fancy paper bowl that she squashed on the back seat (oops!) 

Steph has lived in Brizzy for four years now, she works in boobage screening. She loves it out here but understandably misses her famille but she does have some great mates. Below Steph with Pat and Bob.

Steph and Pat were in the same class in primary school and coincidentally bumped into each other in Briz (no such thing as coincidence I can hear my born again Christian friends decree). They are a really well travelled and adventurous couple, Bob was telling me all about his bungee jumping and skydiving escapades, Pat buggered off to France and then America as a nanny when she was in her late teens. Brave for this day and age but back in the 60's practically unheard of. 

Sunday morning we drove into town to have coffee and cake with P and B and then headed to the South Bank on the free ferry.

Steph wanted to take this snap again as the sun on my boobingtons exaggerates their size. No way mate, it's going straight in the bloggage:D

I still can't remember the name of this bridge after asking Steph a gzillion times, but people pay to climb it.

This tower is where Pat and Bob live, they have a stunning view over the water and at the moment a stunning view of the crane too.

Below is a statue of Confucius, donated to the Brisbane people by China in celebration of the city's 150th anniversary. In honour of the great philosopher himself I thought I'd include one of his famous quotations (I know somebody else who likes googling quotations...)

'By three methods we may learn wisdom: First by reflection, which is noblest; Second by imitation which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.'

It felt like a pretty accurate and poignant quote for Adilady's life over the last few years. Trippingtons is giving me plenty of opportunity for reflection; who is there to imitate???; and I work incredibly hard at not becoming a bitter and twisted old shrew:D

The South Bank is full of these beautiful, vibrant blossoms. Can I remember their name! Can I fook lol.

Brisbane also has an 'eye'. Below arty wheel shots, reflection, through the blooms and angled.

Next we headed to the 'Afghanistan Hidden Treasures' exhibition. The treasures came from the National Museum in Kabul. They were hidden in vaults by brave souls trying to preserve their national heritage and forgotten about until 2003. The artefacts  provide a glimpse into the world of the ancient silk road, a trade route that operated from 300 BC until 200AD.

I did try to take some sneaky photo footage but got told off by an uptight Ozzie curator. I did manage to snap some ancient coinage...

And this fabulous golden crown worn by nomadic nobility. It folds up so that it's easier to transport, how cool is that?!?

Monday was spent pounding the pavements to get a feel for the city. Below are photos of things that caught my attention; predominantly street sculptures and historical buildings. I will give you details if I have them but will try to keep it brief, I don't want to be accused of being from Yawnsville;)

I adore these kangas and roos, better than the furry variety. They are made from scrap metal and are the most photographed things in the city.

This artwork is called 'Confluence' by Daniel Templeman.

The Drovers...

'Forms of Myth' by Arnaldo Pomadoro (1983).

Anzac Square Memorial dedicated to Australia's military heritage.

Me sporting my Byron Bay buy, brocade skinnies.

This sculpture is specifically dedicated to the efforts of women in the two great wars...

This one to the Vietnam conflict...

And this one to the South Pacific conflict, it depicts a Papua New Guinian helping injured Ozzie soldiers. 

The memorial with Grand Central Station in the background.

The flame is lit but it doesn't show up on the photo.

These bronzes were my favourite by a mile. The work is entitled 'Dialogue'.

Trippy mosaic outside the library. The artist's name is Lyndsey Edwards.

This crazy cutout design is on the side of the shopping centre. Beats the tiled 'giant toilet' effect of Manch's arndale hands down.

Brisbane Square, it is full of these strange fullerenesque spheres of all different sizes...

As well as this sculpture which celebrates the Jewish festival where they light the candelabra (sorry I can't remember what it's called). Check out the yellow bikes, they can be hired by putting coins in the slot and then returned to one of many deposit points. Imagine that in Manchester? They would all be on e bay within 24 hours;) In the background you can see the treasury.

 

Below is a panoramic of the treasury, it is not curved in real life.

This is the State Law Building, nicknamed the 'The Batman Building.'

This Windmill was built by convicts.

The Post Office was built in 1872.

This is the Mooney Memorial Fountain, dedicated to firemen who died in 1877.

George Street Mansions, built in 1890

and Parliament House, built in 1868.

This is some fancy hotel, one of Australia's grandest heritage buildings, there is a statue of Queen Vic opposite.

and finally, this is Brisbane City Hall in King George's Square.

I have now arrived at my couch surf hosty's house in Cairns. A real nice guy called Dave, staying with us is another English girl called Sally and 3 Belgium folk. Tomorrow I'm off to the reef. Must dash, early start tomorrow. Lots of love and over and out XXXX