On Saturday 30 August, we were battered by ferocious and cold westerlie winds. On Sunday, Joc and I had planned to join the 40th anniversary celebrations of our wonderful Queensland Performing Arts Centre. (QPAC).
It wasn't forecast, but to our relief, we woke to a calm, sunny day. 6C minimum with a maximum of 22C and just a gentle breeze.
I arrived in the city at 8.30 and took the river walk to the meeting point with Joc. I was immediately spell bound by the beauty of this last day of winter and our beautiful city and river.
Images of the opening celebrations, April 1985.
A very inpressive event as seen by these photos, but I have no recollection of the event. We did attend their first production - Pirates of Penzance - a brilliant and memorable performance.
40 years later, a very low key celebration in the Melbourne Street Green.
QPAC choir.
A preview of a new show, The Lovers.
Adding our best bishes.
Our own birthday badge.
Learning to use the spotlight.
A pop up event - very enjoyable but we felt sorry for these lovely performers. We were their only audience.
The Concert Hall readying for the opening of La Boheme in a week.
Pizza by the river for lunch. Delicious!
Time now to do some city exploring. First stop the 'W' building.
The Brisbane Festival commences this comimg weekend, running for 3 weeks. Internationally reknowned Brisbane boys, Chris and Karl, will be creating colourful, inflatable 'Mateys" for a public art trail through the city. Diny and George are the first to be presented to the public.
Bet you didn't spot me!
Joc decided to catch her train home. It seemed too early for me to do the same, so I headed for the river walk and completed 8 km, before I arrived at my bus station.
A different angle of the Casino.
'Artistic' high rise.
Our new pedestrian bridge. A view from the Botanical Gardens.
Party boat.
I was now walking on the opposite shoreline. I usually stay on river level, but today I decided that as it was such a glorious day, the views warranted a higher level.
Halfway up, looking north.
The steps still to be climbed.
At the halfway point, I stopped to enjoy the view [ie a rest stop.] I was excited to spot a Mother Possum with her baby clinging to her back, feeding in a tree below. Oh, how I wish I had brought my camera. Alas, the Iphone just couldn't get a clear image. Possums are nocturnal, so this wasn't a normal experience.
Oh, what a beautiful day!
Bougainvillea and sparkling river.
Wherever you live, I hope your last day of August was as splendid as mine. Today however, was the complete opposite, with no sunshine and regular cloud bursts. How fortunate was I yesterday?
I would love to read your comment.
Hi Helen, beautiful photos of your river ❤️ walk. The pizza 🍕 looks 👌 scrumptious.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. The pizza was our second choice and delicious. It was a busy Sunday and a toasted sandwich had a 30 min wait. Next door the pizza was served in 5 mins.
DeleteLooks like it was a great day to explore your beautiful city!
ReplyDeleteYes, perfect. I just hope summer doesn't rush in!
DeleteLooks like high summer from your photos. Glad you had a good day and a very scenic walk. B x
ReplyDeleteBarbara, this is just one small section of our beautiful, accessible Brisbane River. The city council is to be commended.
DeleteWhat a spectacular last day of winter. The weather was perfect! The city is so impressive. There is always something to enjoy as well.
ReplyDeleteThe possum was a wonderful sight. Isn’t it always the way when you don’t have the camera with you…
Another lovely day!
Thank you, Marie. I'd keep this weather if I could. I believe you had another stinker yesterday. Hope it is the last. At present there is just too much to do in the city. Poor Frank.
DeleteAnother wonderful Helen day!
ReplyDeleteIt was a top one, Bill.
DeleteBuena despedida del invierno, con la ciudad llena de fiestas. Aquí en España no faltará mucho para dejar el verano, este año ha sido el más caluroso con temperaturas máximas que han llegado alcanzar los 44º.
ReplyDeleteQue tengas un agradable día.
Many thanks.
DeleteKudos to you for making it up all those stairs! The view was pretty spectacular, so I'm sure you felt it worth the effort. So glad you had a great day!
ReplyDeleteSpotting the Possum and babe, definitely made it worth it, Kim. I never tire of our rier city views.
DeleteWhat a beautiful blue sky day. Nice job getting out and seeing the sights. Those steps look very challenging!
ReplyDelete70 altogether and often busy with the fitness keen! It is a beautiful time of year to be out and about before the summer heat.
DeleteI was extremely impressed by the people in the crowd in the picture of the "low key celebration." The younger people were sitting on the ground which leaved the chair seats for those who were gray haired and older. Obviously, no usher was directing them to the ground but it appeared they graciously volunteered this arrangement. Such well mannered, kind young people are a breath of fresh air.
ReplyDeleteJeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
Jeannie many of these young people were students from the conservatorium and their respectful behaviour quite intuitive. The bean bags were also a draw. Travelling on public transport we 'oldies' are regularly offered a seat.
ReplyDelete