Dreamliner

The viewing area of Brisbane airport was a hive of activity on Saturday morning when Boeing's new 787 'Dreamliner' touched down as part of a global publicity tour. The $195 million plane awed everyone who was there to watch it arrive. It will be introduced here on international routes next year by Jetstar, the low-cost airline of QANTAS. I have to admit, it looks very sleek and graceful. Time to book a trip I think.

What A Difference A Day Makes

After the sombre mood and tone of yesterdays posting, here is a total contrast. The wind whipped up and blew the clouds off on their merry way out to sea, followed by a cold but clear day. Just perfect for a bracing walk on the beach. Even though the surf lifesaving patrol have their flag out, no takers today. Hope your weekend is going well.

A Wet Cold

Heavy clouds crept in yesterday and took away our sun. The wind blew, the rain fell, and for a while it felt like winter.

“The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house. All that cold, cold, wet day.” 

                                                                               ~Dr Seuss, The Cat in the Hat

Il Tramonto

As I was dashing out to my night class the other evening, I had a quick look from my balcony and was amazed to see such a lovely sky. At the risk of being late I grabbed the camera and took a few shots. I'm more than pleased with the results of literally a 'point-and-click' photo. By the way, the title of the picture is Italian for sunset...I am learning Italian at my night class!

Abs of Steel

If you happen to pass by Kangaroo Point Cliffs you will come across these metal sculptures, a left-over from World Expo '88. All along this popular area you can find a walking/cycle track, great views of the city, and the cliffs are a perfect place for rock climbing and abseiling. Too much exercise for me this early in the day!

Into The Light

I've shown you the Story Bridge before, but when you travel along the river you get a different perspective, especially when you are standing outside at the bow of a City Cat, with the wind in your face! Catching the lowering evening sun made for a great silhouette of the bridge and part of the skyline.

New Cat

Launched in October last year, this is the 19th and the newest City Cat. Named 'Spirit of Brisbane', it is dedicated to Brisbane's community spirit during one of its toughest periods, namely the tragic and devastating floods of January 2011. The Cat is decorated in distinctive colours; blue for the sky and the river, green for new growth after the floods; maroon for the Queensland spirit and yellow in recognition of the way the sun shone through the clouds to help dry up the flood waters. Inside the 'Spirit of Brisbane' there is also a permanent display of photographs taken during the flood clean-up. 

The PURRfect Way To Travel

Monday morning, the start of another week, and for some this is the way to travel to work. These are the City Cats, a fleet of 19 sleek craft that ferry people up and down the river at regular intervals. They are an efficient and leisurely way to start (or end) the day, with free WiFi, comfy seats and air conditioning. They are also one of the best and cheapest 'tours' to see the city sights from the Brisbane River. How do you travel to work?


Have a good week, everyone, and try not to work too hard.

Perfect Sunday

This lady has the best idea; sitting in the sun, relaxing with a perfect view, and lost in her book. Hope your Sunday is relaxing and you find the perfect place to rest your mind.

You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend. ~Paul Sweeney

Coastal Clouds

I don't take part in the 'skywatch' or 'weekend reflections' posts, but I think that this one ticks all the boxes. We have been having some fabulous weather lately, with almost two weeks of near perfect blue skies and plenty of sunshine. As nice as it is, I do like to have some clouds in my pictures to add some interest when taking a scene like this. The other day was perfect when I took my parents on a short 15 min drive to Wynnum. What better than fish and chips, overlooking a view like this?

A Leap of Faith

Like a puppet, held up and worked by strings, this kite-surfer takes to the skies. 

"The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun"

~ Duke Kahanamoku ~

Holding On!

All you need to successfully kite-surf is a good strong wind, water and a lot of strength. The latter counts me out! This was taken in Moreton Bay.

Friends or Lovers?

What could be nicer than to dangle your feet in the warm sea whilst spending time with a friend or lover? It seems a wonderful way to idle away the time and it sure beats working! Hope your week is nice and relaxing.

No Fear!

Give these guys something to jump off, a sunny day and an audience and they will happily show off. It doesn't look that safe, but the water was warm and clear and not a rock in sight.

Oh! I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside!

A popular British music hall song recorded in 1909 "Oh! I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside" speaks of the singers love for the seaside, and their wish to return there for their summer holidays each year. It was composed at a time when the yearly visits of the British working-class to the seaside were booming. 


Fortunately, we don't have to wait for a trip to the seaside each year as we live right beside it. Yesterday it was Mother's Day, and as my mother (and father) is here visiting we took a leisurely drive to Redcliffe. As you can see, the weather was perfect, and perfect for a 'Stroll along the Prom'.

Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside
I do like to be beside the sea!
I do like to stroll upon the Prom, Prom, Prom!
Where the brass bands play:
"Tiddely-om-pom-pom!"
So just let me be beside the seaside
I'll be beside myself with glee.