2006 Hobart in June – Day 4

Mt Wellington & Cadburys - frozen chockies in the wilderness

We wake to another crisp Hobart morning.  The sunrise is spectacular – I don’t know what it is but when I am away from home I just can’t sleep in.  I have to be up and doing.  This part of my character drives EVERYONE crazy.  Let’s just face it – the girl can’t help it AND I have to have the cameras going as well.  So that makes me twice the pest that I normally am. 

With spectacular sunrises and sunsets not to mention glorious scenery how can anyone stay in bed and miss the best part of the day.  Just as well I have a room to myself.  I shut the adjoining door and mosey on out to the balcony – it is cold – no, it is really cold.  We were promised snow on the mountain but as yet the promise has not come to fruition.  Words will be said and letters will be written!

Our first task of the day is some brekkie.  We have a light snack and then it’s off to the Cadbury Chocolate Factory.  Cadbury’s make the best chocolate!  We are like kids at Christmas with the thought of being let loose – sort of – in a chocolate factory.  Big disappointment!  The samples as you walk around are no longer – we get to choose some little chockies before we go in and then we have to don our paper hair covers and cover all rings and bracelets and watches etc.  How close are we going to get I wonder.  I think our guide must have done a stint in the Armed Forces or a Women’s Correctional Facility.  The factory is not really busy today – there are only a few machines going but it is interesting to see the chocolate – vats of it – being made into cute little bundles.  We do not get close to anything moving and for safety reasons I can understand that – but we are not children and don’t have to be told every minute to stay on the painted path.   At the end of the tour we can visit the Cadbury Store where there are some good prices to be had so of course we buy a few bags before we all collapse from a chocolate coma. This is a ‘once’ tour.  If you go to Hobart you have to go – but once is enough.  The smell of the place is wonderful when you first go in but after a while it gets a bit on the sickly side.  Not enough to make you detour from the shop – but enough so that you do not pig out on what you have bought!  Not for a day or two anyway!

We then have a little drive around Hobart. It is a pretty place.  But now it is up to the summit of Mt Wellington.  Why I kept on calling it Mt Pitt was beyond me.  Maybe I was dreaming of warmer days on Norfolk Island and wishing I was there instead of here amongst the ice shivering off my extremities.  There is ice laying on the ground so we have to be careful driving.  On the way to the top we pass a wonderful little waterfall cascading over the rocks on the side of the road – so of course we have to stop and of course we have to taste.  Off come the gloves and the water is freezing – fool – why did I think it would not be – but the taste of the water is beautifully sweet even though icy enough to make your teeth and throat ache.  We finally get to the summit and there is a wonderful glass building where you can go and admire the view without getting your butt frozen.   But being the pioneer that I am I grab the cameras and brave the cold.  The views from here are spectacular.  You can see right down to the River Derwent – and even the Cadbury Factory.  The others have taken refuge but I soldier on until breathing the cold air starts to freeze my body from the inside out but I keep on moving and breathing through my scarf which by this stage is wrapped around my throat.  The skies are so blue and every now and again the occasional wisp of cloud drifts right in front of me.  It is a brilliant place – and maybe, just maybe I am glad that there is no snow today as we may not have been able to get up here.  It is impossible to operate my cameras so off come the gloves!  Yikes – that is an experience I wish I never had - now my fingers are frozen on the camera. The others decide to venture out of their glass cage and we have a little walk around the back of the lookout.  The views are great but not as overpowering as those over the Derwent.  It is not long before they head for the warmth of the car – cowards. 

I bid farewell to the wonderful mountain and her glorious views and thank her for letting me be a part of it – even for such a short time.  By the time I get into the car my bones are frozen – even through all the layers of clothing I can feel them shaking.  Where is a good pub when you need it?  Not on the top of Mt Wellington that’s for sure!

 

 

 

 

On our way down the mountain we stop at one of the rest areas for a pit stop.  Well, there is no way that I am dropping my draws in this cold that’s for sure.  We arrive back in the ‘warmth’ of Hobart and decide to have something to eat at Mure’s where we sit in the sun on the deck (they also have heated rest rooms)  – and then it’s a walk around the dock area where we are lucky to see the bridge being raised for one lone sail boat.  This has stopped all the traffic – what a hoot!  Because we knew we wouldn’t be back in time, we checked out of our hotel this morning and stored our bags in their safe area.  We drive back to the hotel, say farewell to Brenda who now has to journey back up to the north of the island.

We are flying out at 8.15pm tonight, a long haul home because we have to change planes in Melbourne, so we get our gear together, load up the car and then decide to have a bit of a drive around before heading on out to the airport.  We are getting weary so it’s off to the airport to return the car and find some seats while we wait to board.

When we finally get back into Sydney we were supposed to be collected by our Airport Shuttle Service but he is nowhere to be seen.  Even after many phone calls and messages we are still here waiting and it is getting late – so we have to cab it – which is a pain – but what can you do?  We had a great weekend – and now it finishes on this downer.  Nevermind.

Hobart is such a lovely place – so quaint and old world – but I am sure she rages every now and again.

2006 Hobart in June – Day 3

Richmond & Meadowbank Estate – a birthday celebration

Happy birthday to me – happy birthday to me, in case you haven’t gathered today is my birthday and of course Hobart has given me a beautiful day!  Blue skies – cool, crisp weather and wonderful sunshine.  This is the view from our balcony -  

 

 

 

It’s great just to stand out here and look around.  Today we are journeying to Richmond, a village on, what is known as the convict trail.  We will also be going to Meadowbank Estate for a birthday lunch!  But first up Richmond.  Only 20 minutes from Hobart we can step into the living past, Richmond is the best-preserved Georgian village in Australia.  We arrive nice and early and just in time to head on down to the river and see Richmond Bridge built by convict labour between 1823 and 1825. HISTORY LESSON : Originally named Bigge’s Bridge, it is still in use today.  Built by convicts from sandstone quarried at Butchers Hill, the sandstone was hauled by hand carts to the bridge site.  The cutwaters (the wedges around the piers to protect the bridge from the waters) were added in 1884.  It is said to be haunted by several ghosts most notably Grover – a cruel flogger. As we stand around near the river we discover that there are many, many ducks and they all want feeding.  Apparently this is a Richmond pastime as several cars pull up and out hop the people with bags of bread.  The ducks come from everywhere even their hiding places down on the river quacking and carrying on a real treat.  It is at this time that I realise discretion is the better part of valour and retreat. 

Our next stop is St John the Evangelist Catholic Church.  Perched high on the hill this church dates from 1836.  It is the oldest Catholic Church still in use.  It has had three spires, the present one being raised in 1972.  Why is it that every time I try to take a photo either a car or people walk in front of me without any disregard for what I am trying to do!  So I patiently wait until the view is clear and then snap away. Walking right around the building we even get a chance to have a look inside.  Such a lovely old building, but we must be moving along.

Into Richmond town and we decide to have a walk along Bridge Street.  There are lots of old world shops with their antique wares or not so antique wares – there is even an old-fashioned lolly shop.  Of course this needs investigating – so after acquiring a few bags of Sweets & Treats its back on the road to discovery. 

Of course by this time we all want coffee – but where to linger?  It’s such a decision but we finally decide to walk through the doors of Ma Foosies Cafe.  You just gotta love the name – I think that is why why choose it.  Formerly a colonial shop c. 1830, this building has had many uses including bakery, butcher and doctor’s surgery!  Well that’s a colourful history for sure.  We are seated in a nice sunny, cosy corner and enjoy our morning stop.  This is such a relaxing weekend and we get to discover some history as well.  Not wanting to eat too much (as we have lunch coming up) we just have coffee and return to Bridge Street. 

So many different little houses it is a dream of a place so we walk from one end of town to the other.  Along the way we see these buildings -

 

 

 

 

 

They are typical of the many buildings in this town and they have a history all of their own.  It’s getting on lunch as we finish our self-guided walking tour of Richmond.  Ann’s friend, Brenda is driving down from the Northern part of Tassie to join us for lunch and to spend the night.  We have to meet her  at the restaurant and as we have to work out how to get there we better hit the road.

It is still a lovely day and when we arrive at Meadowbank Estate and Brenda is there to meet us.  What a wonderful place to celebrate my birthday!  Before going inside for lunch we have a little wander around outside to look at the vineyards.  ‘The brochure says “Surrounded by a sea of vines and overlooking the spectacular Coal River Valley you will find your immersed in Tasmania’s wine country and all the sensory treats it has to offer!’.  Just right up our alley if you ask me.

 

 

 

 

 

Inside the restaurant all the seating is all behind huge glass windows so that no matter where you sit you can get a look out over all of this.  We order our lunch and the wine of course and then we just sit and talk and laugh.  It is a great time. 

This photo is taken out the front of the Restaurant after we have all had our fine of food and wine etc.  It certainly is deceiving – looks just like a big shed, but when you go inside – it is huge. Later in the afternoon we head on back home – Brenda is coming back with us to Hobart to stay overnight and spend tomorrow with us before heading back home to the North of Tassie tomorrow.  After we sit around in our room for a while the others decide they will go and have an Indian dinner – I am still full from lunch. 

Highlight of the day: Celebrating my birthday with excellent company, an excellent meal and excellent wine! Happy birthday to me!!

2006 Hobart in June – Day 2

Salamanca and Port Arthur - bargains and convicts

After yesterday and our day of flying and eating – we awake refreshed and ready to take on some more action.  The day is typical of Winter in Hobart – clear and cold.  After a lovely hot shower we walk out of the hotel at about 9am and as food is never far from our minds we decide to walk on down to the city and see what we can find.  Today we are also planning to visit Salamanca Markets and visit Port Arthur as we have booked a Ghost Tour. oooooooo!  On our way through the city there are lots of places open for breakfast and / or brunch of the usual fare – bacon, eggs etc but none of them seem to take our fancy so we keep on walking.   Do we want a full brekkie or do we just want toast or croissants and tea?  So hard to choose and by the time we come to the end of the road we still haven’t decided – so we take a walk around Parliament Square.  Hobart has lots of public parks – and the public parks have lots of fountains.  Even though it is about 9.30am is is still very quiet at this time of morning.  Here’s Jan, Rhondda and Ann (left to right) enjoying a rest on the cold cement around one of the fountains.  As you can see all the jackets are on and even a scarf!  We are prepared.

We keep on walking until we are back down near the dock area – and look what we found.  This little nook is called the Harbour Lights Cafe.  It just looks too cute all snuggled in between those two buildings and when we walk inside we know it is the place for us to have our late brekkie.  Everything is decked out in an old marine theme with glass buoys and nets etc.  Plenty of charm and the service is great.  No sooner are we seated then the lass is giving us the menu and preparing our coffees.  Not being so hungry I decide on bacon, sausage, tomato and mushrooms with a side order of sourdough toast and it is delicious.  The breakfast of the other three must have been good as well as nothing is left on the plate! 

As it is Saturday the Salamanca Markets are happening.  These take place in Salamanca Place and the Square and go from 8.30am to 3pm.  There is everything for sale from local produce to leatherwork and clothing.  Whilst not really being a shopper for shopping’s sake I amble around – Jan does the same in another direction and Ann and Rhondda head off together to see what interesting things they can discover.  There is a lovely hand crafted teddy bear stall that I look at but decide I have enough back home so I don’t buy anything. Walking up to the top of Salamanca Place I discover another one of Hobart’s treasures - St David’s Park.  There is also an old cemetery up there with lots of really interesting carved headstones.  There are also memorials and this one is for Sir John Eardley-Eardley-Wilmot of Berkswell Hall, in the County of Warwick Baronet; Late Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony of Van Diemen’s Land and for many years Member of Parliament for North Warwickshire and Chairman of the Quarter Sessions of the County of Warwick.  Born 21st February 1783 Died 3rd February 1847.

There is also a memorial to the First Fleeters and Norfolk Islanders who came to Van Diemen’s Land during 1807 – 1813.  Standing up in the park I can hear some South American Indian type pipe music.  Somehow it seems to fit right in – don’t ask me how.  After walking around down here for quite some time I investigate markets and buy some black humbugs.  I also go back to the teddy bear stall and adopt the bear that I saw before.  I now have a new friend – Eliza.  Enough spending I wait on the outskirts of the markets for the other three.  Jan turns up with just a small bag of goodies and then the other two arrive with larger bags of goodies.  We decide to walk around to Battery Point – it is not that far and the area does have some old world houses.  Battery Point is named after the battery of guns which were established on the point in 1818 as part of the Hobart coastal defences. The battery no longer exists.  The area is generally known as one of the city's more prestigious suburbs, with many large and extravagant homes and apartment blocks. It adjoins the waterfront Salamanca area as well as the nearby prestigious suburb of Sandy Bay.  There are a large number of historic houses dating from the first European settlement of 'Hobart Town'.

It is also a very hilly area so we take our time as we have a good look around.  Out of all the houses we see this is my favourite.  I would love to live here.  My imagination does not need that much encouragement to get me going. In Spring and Summer the roses in the front garden would be in bloom and in the dead of Winter the fires inside would be keeping me warm.  I am rudely awakened out of my daydreams by the others and we move on to Princes Park – another lovely rest area in Hobart. 

This park is right on the water and is wonderful for picnics and the like.  Every now and again I see a burst of colour through the trees.

The first construction near this strategic site was the 1818 Mulgrave Battery, built on the site of today's Castray Esplanade, and renamed Prince of Wales Battery in 1855.  In 1841 the Prince Albert Battery was constructed higher up the hill - guided walks now visit its well-preserved tunnels.  The semaphore station and signal mast still standing on the edge of Princes Park once signalled ships entering the harbour, and relayed messages via a chain of stations to Port Arthur.

After we sit here for a while to recharge our souls it is time to head back to the hotel as we are going to Port Arthur this afternoon.  On the way back I go in search of a lambs wool shop so that I can buy a particular pair of ugh-boots. Yes, I know – very unfashionable but I saw some many years ago when I visited Hobart and have always regretted not getting them when I had the chance.  Finally we find the shop which was not where it used to be and I find my boots and anyway they will keep my tootsies warm tonight at Port Arthur.  About three quarters off the way back we discover a really quaint Irish pub – the Shamrock Hotel – so of course we pop in for a drink as the day has started to get a bit on the warm side.  We also need to give our tired legs a rest.  Nearly an hour later we amble back to our room where we continue our good times by singing a medley of Sound of Music songs.  Why?  It’s another one of life’s mysteries. 

After some more rest – we decide it’s time to head off for Port Arthur.  After consulting the lady on the desk for directions we find our way out of the city – go over the Westgate Bridge – and get lost.  Somehow we have taken a wrong turn and end up at Bellerive.  Ann says that she has taken us on the scenic tour just so we can have a look around and I can take more photos.  We turn around and go back across the bridge – now I have film going over the bridge and coming back over the bridge – all within a 30 minute time span.  Consulting our map – we have to go back over the bridge and fortunately this time we find the right turn off – we are on our way.  We get into Port Arthur in the late afternoon and it is such a desolate place. 

 

 

 

 

When we check in we discover that we had been booked in for the Walking Tour at 9.30am this morning and the River Cruise at 11am.  Words will be said when we get back to Sydney as we did not know anything about it.  What a bummer that is! The lady gives us a ticket to do these tomorrow but we tell her that we already have other plans as we only have a limited amount of time but she gives us the ticket anyway in case we change our minds. 

Anyway we have a little walk around the main building and while the other three go for coffee I head on out – cameras in hand.  Because the light is failing fast I take off not wanting to miss a minute.  This is the Penitentiary.  It had 136 separate cells on the bottom two floors for those whom one Commandant called ‘the lions’ – prisoners of bad character under heavy sentence.  They had to be separated from each other and also from the better-behaved.  They ate and slept here but worked around the site.  Unfortunately this building along with some of the others were guttered by fires in 1897. The Penitentiary was a symbol of reform at work.  It contained all the machinery of self-improvement but it also contained cells of punishment.  On the floor above the cells was a dining hall which doubled as a school room and a library.  On the top floor was a dormitory for about 480 of the ‘better-behaved’ men.  

The sun is starting to set really fast so I better get a move on.  It would have been great to be here earlier in the day so that we could walk around at leisure and take in all the history.  Maybe that’s something to do another day.  This is the Guard Tower.  It contained of course a guard room and a watch tower and also stored guns and ammunition.  There were also three cells for soldiers, civilian offenders and female convict servants who were locked up for minor crimes like drunkenness.  The cells were also used for those being transported to Hobart for trial.  It is now getting too dark to really look around anymore so I decide to head on back to the main building before I do any damage to my person.  It is mainly guess work on the paths as there are no lights but I make it back safely much to the relief of my travelling companions as now it is pitch dark outside.  That is good because we are now in the mood for our Historic Ghost Tour.  This is a lantern-lit walking tour by a qualified guide so that we can to experience the Port Arthur Historic Site by night.  Meeting up with our guide Shannon – who is donned in black cloak and holding a lamp. She tells us that Port Arthur can seem a very different place after sunset, full of mystery and intrigue. Unlike many other ghost tours around the world, we will have exclusive access to the World Heritage listed site, so the atmosphere won't be shattered by crowds or traffic.  She asks us if we think that there are such things as ghosts? Yes or No? Either way, the silence and soft glow of the lantern light can sometimes make those long gone seem very close at hand.  The hair on the back of my neck is standing on end – so off we go. She is a great guide and really gets us going at every stop.

It is very quiet – all we can hear are our own footsteps crunching on the gravel and the lapping of the bay against the little walls.  Our first stop is the Church which was built in 1837.  Much of the decorative stone work and interior joinery was the work of the boys from Point Puer Prison.  This was the first boys prison built in the British Empire and held ‘little depraved felons’ for the period 1834-1849.  It was designed to save these boys from the evil influence of older men – but I digress.  The large windows were of plain glass and the highly ornate pulpit was carved by a convict craftsman.  The wooden spire blew down in 1876 and the building was guttered by fire in 1884 however sections have been rebuilt and stabilised.  Unfortunately it was too dark and I did not have a tripod so I do not have photos of the church.  You will just have to go on-line and research. 

Next stop is the Separate Prison (1849). Its isolation and high walls were designed to threaten anyone contemplating disobedience.  For any misdemeanour a man was locked in total darkness and silence for between several hours and 30 days. During this time he was given only bread and water.  After 3 days he was taken out for an hours exercise each day.  Each new arrival spent between 4 to 12 months in here before being assigned to work outside in the settlement.  He was allocated a number and his name was no longer spoken.  He was to communicate only with the staff.  Outside his cell he was masked to prevent him from making contact with other inmates.  The building was almost destroyed by bushfires in 1895 but sections were rebuilt in the mid 1900’s.  This is a very creepy place.  I give up taking photos as I would rather listen to the stories of the different buildings. Maybe I might even spot a ghost or two!

After we have finished our tour and arrive safely back at the main building we are given a Certificate to say that ‘we did with bravery and courage complete a Port Arthur Historic Ghost Tour’ and it is signed by our guide Shannon.  We thank her for a fabulous tour and there is just time to have a quick look around the shop to buy the obligatory fridge magnets etc and then it’ time to head off for home.   It is very dark along these roads but we do not get lost and this time I get film of us going over the bridge at night – the lights are so pretty along the river.

We are glad to get home to our comfy beds – it has been a big day and tomorrow we are off again to discover more of the Apple Isle! 

Eliza has been waiting for me and I know that she is glad we have all arrived back safely.

Highlight of the day : Port Arthur Ghost Tour

2006 Hobart in June – Day 1

A Winter Getaway – dining on the dock

Once again the Three Amigos plan some time away together.  And once again it was planned and plotted over a few drinks and a good meal at our regular monthly meeting place – JP’s.   However, since our Norfolk Dayz we have an addition to our group in the form of Jan, so that now makes Four Amigos. Jan came by way of being a school chum of me and a working acquaintance of Ann.  In planning our little lost weekend in Hobart we have been able to acquire a good package deal from our trusty travel agent so it’s all systems go.  Winter in Hobart – what more could anyone ask? Let’s just hope there are some good roaring fires to warm our outsides and medicinal sustenance to warm our insides!  We have also arranged for an airport shuttle to take us to and pick us up from the airport.  Taking us was not a problem but picking us up was another story – more about that later.

We board Virgin Blue Flight DJ 620 at 8.15am and find our seats.  As we are travelling peasant class where we have to either bring or buy our own refreshments, I have stashed away some cheese and crackers and some chips – not to mention some little fruit juices – it is not a byo flight – so that will keep us going.  Our boarding passes – also el cheapo class are printed on something resembling a supermarket docket.  Oh well, the things we have to endure.

Anyway it is a fine crisp day with clear blue skies and we are away.  Down the runway, up in the air and out over the bay with the suburbs falling away underneath us.  You can never have too many shots of ‘out the window’.  Take off is smooth and it is not long before we are flying over the ocean and up through the clouds.  It is about a 2 hour flight to Hobart so we settle down get out our refreshments and talk about our plans.  Every time I fly over the ocean I look out the window to see if I can spot any whales or sharks or something.  Once again I am disappointed but that doesn’t ever stop me from looking.  One of these days I will spot something!

It is not long before we spot the Tasmanian coastline and the ground beneath us. Arriving in Hobart – and what a quaint little airport let me tell you, we collect our luggage and then go to collect our hire car.  Both are done without too much fuss and then we head off to find out hotel – Mercure Hotel in Bathurst Street.  It’s always fun driving around a place when you don’t know where you are going.  We have elected Ann our designated driver and we are most impressed with our car a Nissan X-trail 4 door auto.  So we are going to have plenty of room for our luggage and whatever else we may collect along the way.  The weather outside the terminal is rather cool – only to be expected – so in we all hop and off we go. Budget Rentals have given us a brief idea of how to get to the hotel – and of course it looks really easy.  After going around the block a few times and up the wrong streets and in general laughing ourselves stupid - we finally arrive. The car park is an area next to the hotel and is not under cover. Checking in we have a 2 bedroom Family Room with Ensuite.  On arrival in our room we discover a small balcony area that has a nice view towards downtown Hobart.  Mmmmm – not bad so far.

We work out who is going to have what room – as there are three beds in one room and a double in the other and using a bit of blackmail along the lines of ‘after all I booked the holiday and organised the money - I should get the room with the double’ together with throwing my bags on the bed as soon as we got inside did wonders.  I win out and get a room to myself – so Ann, Rhondda and Jan have to share. I know – I don’t play well with others!

After we pack our belongings away we decide to go into the city which is not very far away and have a look around – maybe even get a bit of lunch as we are hearing tummies rumbling.  Into the car, consulting the map and away we go.  We head on down towards the dock area.  What a picturesque harbour.  Lots of quaint old buildings and lots of yummy seafood places to eat.  We decide on a place by the name of Mures and it is right on the water.  We can either dine upstairs on the ‘Upper Deck’ where there is an a la carte restaurant or we can dine downstairs on the ‘Lower Deck’ with the self-service bistro.  Both areas are licensed so it makes no never mind – we choose the bistro. But what to have – it all looks so good.  We decide on a Fisherman’s Basket which has a bit of everything.  Fish, prawns, crab, scallops and calamari.  This is served with a basket of chips, tartare sauce, lemon and a lovely fresh salad.    It’s making me hungry just thinking of it.  And of course we get some nice white wine to wash it down.  Even though the area was crowded – just goes to show how good this place is – we had a nice table and enjoyed lots of merriment and mirth.  As you can see in the baskets the helpings were not small and by the time we finished the food along with 2 or 3 carafes of wine we are enjoying our time to say the least.  The glasses they serve with the carafes have the Mures logo on them, so as a momento of our wonderful lunch we each get one.

Leaving our table and walking outside into the fresh air, across from the cafe is Victoria Dock.  We decide that we will have a nice leisurely stroll and walk down the lunch we have just eaten.  Of course, with the food being so good we didn’t leave anything.  It is also a nice area to explore.  There is not a lot of traffic – but every now and again a car rambles past so we have to keep our wits about us as it is easy to get caught up in the place and therefore get run over!  The old buildings have been given a new lease on life and are refurbished with all sorts of arts and crafts and cafes and I am sure it has done wonders for the area. 

Further down on the dock area there are statues of seals and penguins on the rocks and there is also a set of statues that commemorate the Antarctic photographer – Frank Hurley.  HISTORY LESSON : James Francis "Frank" Hurley, OBE (15 October 1885 – 16 January 1962) was an Australian photographer and adventurer. He participated in a number of expeditions to Antarctica and served as an official photographer with Australian forces during both world wars.  At the age of 23, in 1908, Hurley learned that Australian explorer Douglas Mawson was planning an expedition to Antarctica and he became the official photographer to Mawson's Australasian Antarctic Expedition. The Expedition departed in 1911, returning in 1914.  Hurley was also the official photographer on Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition which set out in 1914 and was marooned until August 1916.

When you think of it, Tasmania is really not that far from Antarctica. 

This is Victoria Dock.  I love the stitch element on my camera!  I know there are different Photoshop programmes you can get so that it doesn’t ‘fish eye’ but I like the look of it as it is.

 

 

 

 

After wandering around here for a while we decide to visit the other side of the harbour and go over to Salamanca Square.  The sun is starting to go down and we feel the coolness of the air creeping up.  Most of the trees in the square have lost their Summer finery and they stand like sentinels against the Winter weather.  This is a lovely quiet spot that is, again, surrounded by old heritage buildings which contain everything from fine furnishings to clothes to tourist items.  We also discover these cauldrons.  Sitting in the middle of the square and against the winter trees it gives the place a very eerie feeling – as if some witches are going to come out in the dead of night and mix up a potion or two. 

It is starting to get late so we decide to go back to the hotel while we can still find it.  We do not want anything else to eat – and as we had an early start this morning we all decide that an early night is exactly what we need.  We still have two more days here with lots of activities planned before flying back home on Monday.

Highlight of the day : lunch with good friends, good food and good wine!