rave about Grayson Perry

Whilst in Sydney a couple of weekends ago, we visited the Museum of Contemporary Art at Circular Quay.

I'd read a review of British artist Grayson Perry's work and was intrigued.

Although the exhibition included his ceramic decorated vessels, sketchbooks photographs and paintings, it was his tapestries that made me gasp.

The sheer size and intricacy of detail was amazing. Here's one end of this piece..

..and here's Paul at the other end.

Social commentaries, stories and the artist's perspective on such things was very strong in all his pieces.

Glorious of suburban middle class life.

No visit to a gallery is complete without a reflective cup of coffee.

It doesn't hurt when the view is this good as well.

road trip

On the road again for family visiting in Armidale.

Taking the scenic route as there are extra adventures along the road.

Testing the coffee and sandwiches at Grantham. 8/10

Some interesting paraphenalia in the cafe.

We took the Gatton/Clifton road to traverse the Great Divide. It is much less severe than the Gap, but little traffic and lovely views.

After seeing ths signs for Darling Downs Zoo for years, it was time for the visit.

A surprising number of beguiling animals.

This meetcat refused to smile for the camera.

Rhesus monkeys (and capuchins, but they move too fast for a photo.

These unfriendly ostriches.

Famous white lions

The slow road led us to the Suttons apple cidery/ cafe for a late lunch. Hm what to have?

After that replenishment, we just had a fierce storm and 210 kms to drive to get there.

We let at 0900; arriving at 1815 Qld time. I think the diversions were worth it.

am still talking about geraniums

I know you've all been wondering how the geraniums are progressing. I am very pleased to report that they are flourishing!

Exhibit A

Exhibit B ; with some heliconia's thrown in for good measure.

.... But wait, there's a new kid in town. Our lovely friend Gloria donated this Gloxinia cutting for propogating trials.

I'll let you know how that goes.

Compare geraniums

Geraniums in Italy

New geranium at our front door. Thanks for the cutting Nick.

We have a bit of catching up with the rest of these flowers though.

Take a quick trip to Cairns

There was Father's Day, a Birthday and a Wedding Anniversary, so a fast weekend in Cairns was organised.

Good food. Cairns has come of age in the restaurant and service department.

The beach at Port Douglas is sublime.

Don't you dare swim though.

It's ok to paddle in the rock pools.

Just as lovely on the bay side.

Our hotel room; level 6, corner room.

A trip to the Gallery is always a good idea. These are lengths of fabric with Indigenous design.

And just this last weekend, I got to walk in the sand again at Currumbin Beach on the Gold Coast. The Swell sculpture exhibition making us think.

show you Vilła Uno

Villa 1 was hidden away behind stazzione massona; the nearest town being Montecatini Terme.

It was a classic villa, as one dreams about. 

This is actually the back entrance, showing only 2 of the 3 levels.

There were 3 accessible floors with the grand staircase linking them. A 4th floor attic gave the children much to speculate on..... And secret passage ways and a chapel to boot.

One of the 5 or so sitting rooms.

View from the terrace

A china pantry with sufficient  settings for our 15 guests.

Signore Myles 1st floor appartment. He had this floor to himself.

The car park

And from the garden.

Meanwhile back home, strange things were going on???

sweat in Orbetello

It's hot, damned hot. We were hopeful that by heading for the coast for the last couple of days we may induce a sense of cool and maybe even a sea breeze.

It's 31, not 38, but the plan isn't quite working. Restaurants are not air conditioned.

The views are beautiful though, as we flash by them in our air conditioned car.

Porto Ecole

A refreshing Magnum and caffe americana at this spot.

Lunch at Porto Santo Stefano

I know you're feeling sorry for us right now!