So, back to Brisbane on Tuesday and the hostel where Paul has been staying. Baby arrived on Saturday, so I was looking forward to seeing her. I settled back in and made myself some dinner. Paul and I had a good catch up when she returned from Baby House.
On Wednesday, I treated myself to a mini lie-in, taking advantage of not being in a YHA. Although, having the shower and bath taps inches from my head on the other side of the wall does mean that there's a couple of hours each morning where there's not a lot of sleeping going on. It was a lovely day so walked the 5km to see Baby and she is an absolute cutey! I sat there and sat there with her in my arms. She wriggles quite a bit and makes faces and then goes quiet again. I went with Paul to Coles to do some shopping - it's amazing how much 'stuff' you suddenly find you need once such a small person arrives in the house! We stayed for dinner which Paul cooked and made our way home.
Thursday morning we went into town for more baby shopping, including a pressie from me. It's funny looking at all the things, remembering how it was when my two were little, what they liked and so on. I'd been told what new Mum and Dad had their eye on so that was found and bought. Paul went over to see them all in the afternoon and, following my watery success of Monday, I went swimming.
The South Bank is a fabulous area. Up near Victoria Bridge there's the Art Galleries and the museum, along with the Performing Arts Centre. Further back in our direction, there's a wonderful area stretching along the side of the river. There's the Nepalese Peace Pagoda; a rainforest walk; gardens and playgrounds; cafes and restaurants; pools to paddle, play or swim; formal gardens; a picnic area. And it is so well used. During the week there are always families enjoying the facilities. There seem to be at least two universities adjacent to South Bank and the students take advantage of the beach by one of the pools, to lounge or play. I like the fact that in all the cities and places I've been to, there are always plenty of good, clean, free, functioning public toilets. And where there are public swimming areas there are usually showers and changing rooms available. In the nearby streets there are regular markets and lots of places to eat, drink and watch the world go by.
It was my turn to cook, but we survived. I caught up with Mike through the powers of skype for the first time since I've been away. It was nice to talk and hear his voice again. It's also weird trying to arrange a time for these things that works for both of you when there's a nine hour time difference.
Today, Friday was great fun. I headed off over Goodwill Bridge towards Old Government House. Completed in 1862, it was built for the Governor to live in and work from. And what a beautiful house. Graceful large rooms with high ceilings, beautiful architecture and all overlooking the Botanic Gardens. There was a group of school children visiting and they were good fun. Upstairs some of the rooms act as a gallery for the works of William Robinson. I wasn't sure about the pictures to start off with. I tend to think that if someone is drawing a thing then it should be accurate, and not with the legs sticking out in odd directions or the perspective all wrong. However, after a while I got to quite enjoy the pictures and found humour in the cows and chooks and goats, as well as the many self-portraits of Mr Robinson himself. There was also a nice tea room in the courtyard ;-)
Looking at my little guidebook, nearby 'attractions' included the Queensland Parliament and an Art Museum. I went through security at the Parliament building and enjoyed a tour led by Genevieve with only two of us in the group. We started in the modern Parliamentary Annexe and went through to the old, original building. This was designed by the same chap, Charles Tiffin who was Queensland's first Colonial Architect, as did the Old Government House. Again, another gorgeous and grand building. Parliament wasn't sitting so we were able to take photos and go into the chamber where the Legislative Assembly operates. The Upper House was abolished so the system is unusual in having only one chamber. That means the old physical chamber is unused for its original purpose but is still in operation for committees, meetings and tourist tours. I really enjoyed it, understanding some of the history of the building as well as the Parliament, comparing it with what we have at home.
And finally, the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Art Museum. It was small but interesting with mostly what I would call sculptural pieces mostly in wood as well as some furniture pieces. Ihave pictures which I shall attempt to post up for you. I do enjoy seeing where contemporary art is moving to and how things evolve and change.
And in amongst all that, a quick trip to the botanic gardens to photograph the water dragons.
That all sounds like hard work!
ReplyDelete