Firstly, you think the Sydney Harbour Bridge is stunning but as Brisbane CBD is nestled amongst the snaking Brisbane river, there has to be bridges for the inhabitants and visitors to commute and explore. And they're impressive too! See for yourself!
What's more is the view of the city from the eastern bridges - it looks like something from a futuristic Superman comic with the high rise buildings and sweeping roads.
And I've found a few other treasures too. I've spent my time here so far with a plan of some of the places I want to visit but stumbled over so many other delights along the way.
When I arrived on Friday I discovered I'd booked a different hostel to the one I thought (there's another story for another time!) so instead of nipping across the road from the transit centre I ended up traipsing for what seemed like miles! On the plus side I passed these interesting statues. The white statues were made for the 1988 Expo and were part of a series of statues that celebrated daily life. The kangaroos can be found in King Georges Square and I think that they are part of a memorial.
Yesterday (Saturday) I planned to draw St John's Cathedral. While I tried to find it I ended up at the back of the cathedral faced by these imposing roots.
Just as I'd finished, a white limousine with ribbons tied to the bonnet pulled up in front and several kilted men climbed out. Glancing at my watch I noticed it was 12:20 and thought the wedding must begin at 1pm. I couldn't resist the temptation to stay and see the bride.
Next on my plan was a trip to the City Hall. I had passed it the day before and was keen to draw it. Along the way I stopped at a couple of other interesting sculptures and monuments.
I was keen to complete my day of drawing with the treasury but it was too cold to sit in the shade and I hadn't taken a jumper with me. Instead I took one of the many bridges over the river and found the museum. I couldn't resist this dinosaur so I went in for a closer look.
Today I started with a trip to Queensland Art Gallery. It's great to discover the work of new artists and recognise their work from previous art galleries. This was the case with Grace Cossington Smith and Weaver Hawkins. Anyway, here's some pieces that caught my eye:
Leonardo Dudreville - Espansione fella lirica (Expansion of poetry)
Unknown
Grace Cossington Smith - interior
Weaver Hawkins - from the gods
Grace Cossington Smith - church interior
Sam Fulbrook - Surfers paradise
I still had delicious thoughts of Max Brenner running through my mind so set off to find the South Bank branch. Unbelievably I was defeated by my serving!
Surronding Max Brenner and throughout the Southbank was a cool food and crafts market. I wandered through the various stalls and enjoyed the sun and the music. One guy impressed me so much I bought his CD - Pacha Mamma.
I switched hostels today from a rather dingy one with paint peeling off the walls and an elevator that you had to open the doors of yourself to a really nice one. Sometimes you have to deal with the grotty to appreciate the pleasant. As I headed to the hostel to check in, I passed through a food demonstration (part of the food market) and a brightly decorated night time noodle fair.
Although I enjoyed my time in Sydney, in some ways I think I prefer Brisbane with its more laid back feel. Perhaps it has a lot to do with arriving with no expectations and an open mind and being pleasantly surprised by the things I've found by accident.
Make your life a story worth telling.
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