Travel is a huge treat for me. Unlike my partner, for whom overseas trips are frequent but mostly work-related, my journeys are few but mainly for pleasure.
Sydney isn’t exactly “new” to me, having visited a few times before. But last week was the first time I’d gone there alone, so was free to explore at my own pace. The excuse for my trip was to visit Sculpture by the Sea, an annual exhibition held at Bondi Beach, but I was also able to see some other fabulous art, meet a fellow blogger for lunch, and generally enjoy the luxury of a few days away from the routine of everyday life.
I love art, and sculpture in particular, so visiting Sculpture by the Sea was a real treat. I feel very privileged to have seen so many great works in such an amazing setting.
I’ve already shared some photos of the exhibition in these posts below …
… so I’ll only add a couple more.
When I told my son I was planning to meet up with fellow blogger, Margaret Rose Stringer (of Adjusting my Background), he (only slightly tongue-in-cheek) repeated back to me all the advice I’ve given him over the years about “real world” meetings with online friends. I guess this is the bit where I have to confess I, um, didn’t take my own advice — unless you consider the door to M-R’s building a “safe, public meeting place”. But I’m happy to report that Margaret Rose is for real; and as cool and interesting as her online persona. We had a delicious lunch, lots of laughs and set the world to rights. Thank you M-R — spending the afternoon with you, Jocie and the beautiful, reclusive Lui Stringer was a treat indeed.
My first trip to Sydney was in 1988, not long after the Queen Victoria Building had reopened. Occupying an entire city block, George McRae’s Romanesque Revival design of 1898 was refurbished in the 1980s and is now home to lots of interesting shops and cafes. Architecturally ornate, I fell in love with its elaborate, luxurious magic on that first trip and always feel the need to revisit.
This time around, the building was already decked out for Christmas, with a massive tree occupying the full height of the central atrium.
However simple, fresh food, prepared with care is always a treat. In the foyer of a city building I was served this folded, toasted flatbread with tomato, and a rocket salad dressed simply with olive oil. Food like this inspires me; simple, thoughtful, visually attractive and delicious to eat.
This post was written for the Daily Post Photo Challenge. This week the theme is Treat.
What a treat indeed! The Queen Victoria Building is beautiful. I haven’t been there since “last century” – nice to see it’s as majestic as ever. 🙂
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Yes, it seems to have survived the endless development of new “malls” which suck the life out of older areas.
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Wonderful visual journey for someone who has never been to Australia, like me.
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Thank you Olga. 🙂
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Wow, I agree what a marvelous treat indeed. I love everything you went to see and what beautiful photography! Thanks for sharing your trip. 🙂
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Thanks Amanda. The trip has made me feel both relaxed and invigorated. So much art, so little time!
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LOL, So glad to hear.
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Beautiful sights! And, yes, it’s rather embarrassing informing the offspring that one is meeting with online friends. Words come back to bite!
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So true.
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Your images are wonderful Su, I have scrolled back and forth several times on your post. This was a treat for me too. How very grown up to go off on your own too, I am struggling to think of time when I did that, you make it sound very exciting!
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Thank you Julie. I think I am a very selfish traveller; I really prefer to go alone and frequently do. I’m introverted anyway, so find myself uncomfortable if I’m around others’ for too long, but I also know from experience that sometimes the compromises one makes to travel with others can really diminish the enjoyment of the experience. I spend waaay longer in art galleries than most people I know, and I’m always conscious that my companions are getting bored while I’ve barely scratched the surface.
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Full of treats indeed! The Ben Fasham is my new favourite of the sculptures.
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Thanks Anabel. It is a wonderful piece, and in such a prime location!
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Such a treat to see your photos as well.
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Thanks Raewyn 🙂
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