James was in good spirits after his operation on Friday and so we were out and about, enjoying the winter sun over the weekend. We went out for breakfast, hung out at Nick’s parents and went to the beach. I also made a delicious Cauliflower and Prawn Soup in the Thermomix!
James even said “Poppy” for the first time as he hung out with his new mate Rex Dinosaur!
Now that I am back at work again, I am teaching a new group of Certificate III Tourism Guiding students and I took them on a fabulous tour in Hobart last week called Settlement Secrets.
Thanks to our tour guide – Colin Dean, who provided a perfect mix of interesting characters, intriguing stories, audience participation and some good old-fashioned humour. I would highly recommend you jump on this tour as you will learn so much about Hobart in an entertaining way, plus have special access to those ‘out of the way’ places in the museum. Thanks Colin!
Nestled in the heart of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery are the earliest buildings that still exist following first European settlement of Hobart, 1804. “Settlement Secrets” is a theatrical journey amongst these buildings and more.
Step back in time with an invitation to meet with the Lt Governor, Sir John Eardley-Wilmot, in his private secretary’s cottage.
Stroll through the basement of the Bond Store and learn the secrets of early settlement from an escaped convict turned bushranger who….”shouldn’t really be here”!
Secrets and Cover-ups: The magnificent new Custom House….is it really what it seems?
Meet the man who built it and discover its hidden secrets. Pass through the front door beneath the statues that herald Federation and stand in the inner courtyard that spans the decades between 1824 and 1901.
History and Entertainment intertwined: “Settlement Secrets” is the best way to explore these amazing buildings and to hear the stories about those who forged Hobart’s heritage from convict beginnings in 1804 to Federation, 1901. The theatrical style in which this journey is presented brings the site to life in an entertaining and informative way.
Saturday in Hobart was the quintessential winter’s day. A clear, frosty morning making way for the most beautiful still day.
No Saturday sleep-in for our household with Poppy and James up and at ’em by 6:30am. After mooching about at home for a while we decided to head out for breakfast, only to realise T42 didn’t open for another half-an-hour! Like desperadoes, we went for a wander to the Salamanca Market and returned to savour a hearty breakfast.
My boat-loving husband has just taken his hobby to a whole new level and picked up a steal on Gumtree with this 1978 original Pride Cheetah fibreglass boat, or as Poppy calls it:
Daddy’s speedy boat!
Nick justified his purchase by admitting it was a present for James’ 1st birthday. Mmmmmm – I’m not sure about that??
We all piled into this little beauty from the 70’s, complete with orange vinyl ‘back-to-back’ seats and took it for a spin on a beautifully calm Derwent River. The Captain was very happy because:
A: His daughter kept asking him to go faster
B: His son fell into a deep slumber en route
C: His reticent wife had a smirk on her face!
Looks like we will be water-skiing and wake-boarding this summer!
Friday night signaled the opening of ‘Articulated Intersect‘ – a large-scale light installation which is part of the fabulous Dark Mofo Festival in Hobart.
You’re in control when 18 powerful lights pierce the Hobart sky above Sullivans Cove from dusk until dawn. Six mechanical levers are set around the waterfront; as you move a lever, three robotic searchlights create a compound beam high above. Direct the lights to wherever you choose. As the different beams cross in the sky, they resist your control and pulsate autonomously in the darkness.
I rugged up Poppy and James and met Cath at T42 for front row seats. Boy oh boy – what a spectacle.
We wandered over to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery that was a hive of activity with live music, art and food. I loved seeing so many families out in the middle of winter, marveling at their fabulous city.
On Saturday night Nick took us out on the boat for a different perspective from the water. Once again you will have to excuse the quality of some of these photos – it was a difficult feat capturing moving lights, in the rain, at night on a boat!
Poppy, James and I popped down to Constitution Dock this morning for a hot chocolate and a wander around the docks. We also stopped by to say hi to Louis Bernacchi and his doggies!
I know, I know – I even let Poppy out of the house with her Uggies on! I couldn’t be bothered with the ‘put your shoes on’ rant. We had a lovely walk and I am getting quite excited about the opening night of Dark MOFO tonight!
Today I am loving Hobart!
I grew up in northern Tasmania and have lived in Hobart since 2005. I have always been aware of the North/South:Launceston/Hobart divide with parochial comments about either place, depending on where you were from.
I find both areas/cities so beautiful. Launceston nestling into it’s valley bowl, encompassed by the surrounding hills, beautiful architecture, parks and gardens. Hobart perched on the edge of the southern oceans with Mt Wellington dominating the city skyline.
I have found Hobart has totally ‘spunked up’ over the past 5 years. There are so many amazing new cafes, restaurants, shops, festivals and of course we have to mention the ‘MONA effect’.
My favourite things about Hobart include:
So today, I just wish to share the love for my city! xx
The Poppy Files 