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Share the journey with Alison Plummer.Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-65309592764381776052023-07-11T21:12:00.006+10:002023-07-13T17:12:49.876+10:00Stokesay Castle: Touch of Magic on the Welsh Marches<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nsoxB4xhCikvdkr--eYbWFv8v2lbcQy30vyLh_bE0cfDEz5Vr3KuWOwmWYe448wlpy7rRdAOmE1fnoavSIWM-lzGKVKxcLj7TGuP1eM-mKdwpNmqIUDCn6IdMgCJxhHipbIAPlZwE7F0cZZOAho-yj_hVy_xry3Qe001sLRSX65TMrXknJrTkQJj5zRG/s4032/IMG_1547.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nsoxB4xhCikvdkr--eYbWFv8v2lbcQy30vyLh_bE0cfDEz5Vr3KuWOwmWYe448wlpy7rRdAOmE1fnoavSIWM-lzGKVKxcLj7TGuP1eM-mKdwpNmqIUDCn6IdMgCJxhHipbIAPlZwE7F0cZZOAho-yj_hVy_xry3Qe001sLRSX65TMrXknJrTkQJj5zRG/w300-h400/IMG_1547.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stokesay Castle, Shropshire. Photo ©Alison Plummer.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I fell for Stokesay Castle, Shropshire, many moons ago and love it to pieces. The whole aura of it – the building, the setting, who knows what exactly, but it's like a magnet for me. The exterior blends castle walls with a medieval beamed manor house, and the gatehouse is a fairytale in itself. Inside is bare today, but still interesting. Climb the tower for views over the lush Teme Valley countryside.<p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidj41aQdBKqrLS5_8VqKOaK4ZzfGmWJpt7b-OqM9dH-i-3U9rFcIZuoSq7KvFNwQfOm_muvtC7FhOB1O8DPxDePqj59NZE2N5m2531kHKSaz6pLpOXMPQlyIrh8EUSwfgkROpfA_GQoaMpeaeQrUpsg58QA13siGQEndaLX6Kk2MM4UrzcL7008tS5wzWx/s4000/Stokesay%20Castle.jpg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="4000" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidj41aQdBKqrLS5_8VqKOaK4ZzfGmWJpt7b-OqM9dH-i-3U9rFcIZuoSq7KvFNwQfOm_muvtC7FhOB1O8DPxDePqj59NZE2N5m2531kHKSaz6pLpOXMPQlyIrh8EUSwfgkROpfA_GQoaMpeaeQrUpsg58QA13siGQEndaLX6Kk2MM4UrzcL7008tS5wzWx/w400-h265/Stokesay%20Castle.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stokesay Castle Gatehouse. Photo by English Heritage.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Stokesay is close to Ludlow, a hill town with a very different castle, mighty and formidable, despite its ruined walls. Explore Ludlow's streets leading up to the castle and the adjacent market square. Markets are held four days a week and foodie Ludlow delivers local produce in many cafes, delis and restaurants. Explore this border country and its tiny towns and castles, hike the hills, feel the magic.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eWkfDdyeLPmmmOgaWmHIZYxwXTM8KaiDox3m-ShbdAtyoXgCOVuSwpFh8V0vvi7IkeY0hiruVNpWrdtf403sxaNarrTMGv_01GxQs3joeHHrhw6XwxOhbdMTPnUYSRirIFfwW3SX0RZbMlJe2xFmS7fsd-C9QU4vpM25ggM42oL4hadGbviRlg5AUH8i/s4032/IMG_1415.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eWkfDdyeLPmmmOgaWmHIZYxwXTM8KaiDox3m-ShbdAtyoXgCOVuSwpFh8V0vvi7IkeY0hiruVNpWrdtf403sxaNarrTMGv_01GxQs3joeHHrhw6XwxOhbdMTPnUYSRirIFfwW3SX0RZbMlJe2xFmS7fsd-C9QU4vpM25ggM42oL4hadGbviRlg5AUH8i/w300-h400/IMG_1415.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Alison Plummer©</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwQvmXOVymCYkDsS-JYqyVDLDnAf9mOhoydYW3acAXr3CszU_BjgFbxWXiuoGhouhgtlf1dovvw1pHQ7tDhCO9SQXx_cOuNMAouMHGhTvRQze9YIkgY_aqINzjYkGYuk0xOc6u1YsUHfuX0e-Lkfe_zxOlW-CZlpqd_ofam1bpirgwY3W4pu8YR3pDRQH/s2000/The%20Clive%20Arms-001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwQvmXOVymCYkDsS-JYqyVDLDnAf9mOhoydYW3acAXr3CszU_BjgFbxWXiuoGhouhgtlf1dovvw1pHQ7tDhCO9SQXx_cOuNMAouMHGhTvRQze9YIkgY_aqINzjYkGYuk0xOc6u1YsUHfuX0e-Lkfe_zxOlW-CZlpqd_ofam1bpirgwY3W4pu8YR3pDRQH/s320/The%20Clive%20Arms-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by The Clive Arms</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xjSTdUgNemR1O2QPjaQ2iDGEBJ9Y_csdPKIHko2EKKHR8hYkpUML2KRssg1IxC4_ek7THWrNUttNjHjV0hXsooUGJO5hqt2Jvk7sjsVM3OdC-y4nLh5axNL96Crt5iJl6J31ByqE7_BLeHOzRgxr9U9j1EpjwZpqaZMdZxQfAzGNUQ4oHFSOTjTnxg6c/s3023/The%20Clive%20Arms_3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="3023" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xjSTdUgNemR1O2QPjaQ2iDGEBJ9Y_csdPKIHko2EKKHR8hYkpUML2KRssg1IxC4_ek7THWrNUttNjHjV0hXsooUGJO5hqt2Jvk7sjsVM3OdC-y4nLh5axNL96Crt5iJl6J31ByqE7_BLeHOzRgxr9U9j1EpjwZpqaZMdZxQfAzGNUQ4oHFSOTjTnxg6c/s320/The%20Clive%20Arms_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by The Clive Arms</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stokesay-castle/">Stokesay Castle</a><p></p><p><a href="https://ludlowfarmshop.co.uk">Ludlow Farmshop</a></p><p><a href="https://www.theclive.co.uk">The Clive Arms</a></p>Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-39345431392721665292023-07-10T06:30:00.000+10:002023-07-11T21:18:42.736+10:00Discovering Arts & Crafts Movement Treasures in England's West Midlands<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0-cF7hgy7-XebRMty50xMaRmMrS6ysg46Vbn3y4D8SAF5PcEGedVYJMU7uTrSTdl1sy668h0Mhm0vO8StVMxVZoH6I6agDfSCkOLKnyxmwGZOSeC7mhY0-YANQOH55P2rKh_21XLQjrxcSdKnwPVcVpbcUbLtKKzDNvezU35RUF1oheiEuFT2P68VA/s4288/BroadwayTower_WMorris.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4288" data-original-width="2848" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0-cF7hgy7-XebRMty50xMaRmMrS6ysg46Vbn3y4D8SAF5PcEGedVYJMU7uTrSTdl1sy668h0Mhm0vO8StVMxVZoH6I6agDfSCkOLKnyxmwGZOSeC7mhY0-YANQOH55P2rKh_21XLQjrxcSdKnwPVcVpbcUbLtKKzDNvezU35RUF1oheiEuFT2P68VA/w265-h400/BroadwayTower_WMorris.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trellis, by William Morris.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Winning a gold medal at the 2022 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London, the Morris & Co garden by Ruth Wilmott highlighted the continuing fascination and renewed interest in William Morris designs. <p></p><p>Victorian era wallpaper and textile designer William Morris was the champion of the Arts & Crafts Movement, an anti-industrial art movement (1860 – 1910) devoted to returning to traditional methods of craftsmanship. </p><p>Inspired by a love of nature, his designs feature flowers, trees and birds. Two of his iconic patterns were the basis of the award-winning garden – Trellis (1862) and Willow Boughs (1887). Shades of green blue, reds and earthy tones predominate in the designs. Morris patterns also starred in fashion designs – Next produced a summer range – as well as the evergreen iconic home furnishings.</p><div><p>I'd been visiting some of the Arts & Crafts treasures in the West Midlands and the Cotswolds and I was already hooked. The movement focused on central England, particularly the Birmingham School of Art. Also, the Guild and School of Handicraft, based on the structure of the medieval craft guilds, was relocated from London’s East End to Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, by architect and designer C.R. Ashbee, famous for his silverware.</p><p>There are just so many aspects, from the floral fabulousness of a Morris Design fabric or wallpaper to Burne-Jones tapestries and stained glass. There's beautiful silver and wood carving, Arts & Crafts gardens, houses and churches. And what better way to view them than on a drive through the glorious countryside, especially at the height of summer?</p></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDlrj2ypjf934DpqnEe9fQ-J4Cown6vD7H8cAQeW685CD6_q-Fa3VR1RXU73EvLiMiNhcF1f89cMo1PdGMPM4F2GgCoJFRljlHpDFuL7V96Bz7cmmydHphVjb3ecsHEKYTca43QYKwOkUgZdLDELbXZF5CGyw9DNBwmCEjXtJHYw2IoWguxbMzqm7jg/s2016/IMG_2536.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDlrj2ypjf934DpqnEe9fQ-J4Cown6vD7H8cAQeW685CD6_q-Fa3VR1RXU73EvLiMiNhcF1f89cMo1PdGMPM4F2GgCoJFRljlHpDFuL7V96Bz7cmmydHphVjb3ecsHEKYTca43QYKwOkUgZdLDELbXZF5CGyw9DNBwmCEjXtJHYw2IoWguxbMzqm7jg/w400-h300/IMG_2536.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Saints Church, Brockhampton, Herefordshire. ©AP</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I made just such a journey to Herefordshire, in search of <a href="http://www.allsaintsbrockhampton.org">All Saints Church,</a> Brockhampton (above). I'd read that it is recognised as one of the most important Arts & Crafts buildings of the early 20th century, so I had to see it. Driving via Little Malvern (the gorgeous Little Malvern Court and garden is open just now), British Camp on the stunning Malvern Hills and Ledbury, I headed to Much Marcle and headed past the Westons Cider Factory down narrow lanes to Brockhampton. I was rewarded with this and a churchyard filled with wildflowers.</p><div><b>Broadway Tower, Broadway, Worcestershire</b></div><p>I particularly like the idea that Broadway Tower, a landmark folly high on the Cotswold hills above the village of Broadway, was once a holiday retreat for Arts and Crafts Movement artists including pre-Raphaelites William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTn618nTtDELYSxfXiSFDKdR45A2upR6xiq3tJg4i-kk796b0xhCUn81OSSfmmPi-UUb9qud4miOKUbtUX40bc5bjPijuG-1PlC5SKTGMKih9hQbnJnl_I5q2dHKsk-v8IYeBiOB9ir_jSvEMOnUkpsPtdq0mwSL_ky2pgTrRsO-O2e-PdVHJAiPCsg/s4288/Broadway%20Tower_Hero.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4288" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTn618nTtDELYSxfXiSFDKdR45A2upR6xiq3tJg4i-kk796b0xhCUn81OSSfmmPi-UUb9qud4miOKUbtUX40bc5bjPijuG-1PlC5SKTGMKih9hQbnJnl_I5q2dHKsk-v8IYeBiOB9ir_jSvEMOnUkpsPtdq0mwSL_ky2pgTrRsO-O2e-PdVHJAiPCsg/w400-h265/Broadway%20Tower_Hero.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broadway Tower. ©AP</td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="https://broadwaytower.co.uk">Broadway Tower</a></p><p><b>Gordon Russell Museum, Broadway, Worcestershire:</b></p><p>Furniture designer Russell was influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement in his early career. </p><p><b>Snowshill Manor Garden, Snowshill, near Broadway, Worcestershire:</b></p><p>This Tudor manor house is packed with memorabilia collected by eccentric Charles Wade – so much so that he lived in a house in the garden. The Arts & Crafts garden was created by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott, an Arts & Crafts architect. </p><p><b>The West Window, St Peter’s Church, Binton, near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire: </b></p><p>A memorial to Robert Falcon Scott of the Antarctic, installed in 1908 by the vicar of Binton who was Scott’s father-in-law. Four scenes by Charles Eamer Kempe are amongst Gothic works and include a scene of Captain Oates’ farewell. (Kempe worked with Arts & Crafts Movement projects but didn’t buy into their socialist ideas.) </p><p><b>Winterbourne House, Birmingham:</b></p><p>Housing and town planning reform pioneer John Nettlefold and his wife Margaret built their villa in Birmingham in 1903. They chose the Edwardian Arts & Crafts style and John used elements of the home in designs for housing in poorer areas of Birmingham. The Grade ll listed garden was designed by Margaret, inspired by Gertrude Jekyll. The garden is now the University of Birmingham’s Botanic Garden. Inside the house are exhibition rooms with William Morris wallpaper, Edwardian furnishings and family memorabilia.</p><p><b>Rodmarton Manor, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire:</b></p><p>The house and furniture were built/made by local craftspeople according to Arts and Crafts ideals, in the old traditional style. Everything was created by hand using local stone and timber and the gardens are beautiful. </p><p><b>Bourton House Garden, Gloucestershire:</b></p><p>Award-winning garden with a Renaissance structure, Arts & Crafts-style planting.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGj8amcZk8QJQSLtyoROHIxm2scPibKqlzNFIFMV0FinwBu67P89w2RtPgmZbBKEMzxaiJDJkLMaVdo1-ooImh5_CL-QJ000x7a34JK9cfryFUYHl28AuRSibArl1nHf5KMbkNfm5u2lGiJKTKypDXvnxSefOeQLkWehM42yBfvEe3YCJaTBOywRJ_w/s2144/Summer_Bourton_2891.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="2144" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGj8amcZk8QJQSLtyoROHIxm2scPibKqlzNFIFMV0FinwBu67P89w2RtPgmZbBKEMzxaiJDJkLMaVdo1-ooImh5_CL-QJ000x7a34JK9cfryFUYHl28AuRSibArl1nHf5KMbkNfm5u2lGiJKTKypDXvnxSefOeQLkWehM42yBfvEe3YCJaTBOywRJ_w/w400-h265/Summer_Bourton_2891.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bourton House Garden. ©AP</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Owlpen Manor, Dursley Gloucestershire: </b></p><p>Arts & Crafts repairs were made to an ancient manor house. Includes Sidney Barnsley A&C furniture, setting and gardens to die for. Said to be one of England’s most haunted houses! (Group tours only.)</p><p>Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire:</p><p><a href="ttps://hartsilversmiths.co.uk">Hart Silversmiths </a>workshop and The Guild of Handicraft Gallery</p><p>Court Barn Museum dedicated to Arts & Crafts; Silversmithing/industrial design in the Old Silk Mill </p><p>Robert Welch, Sheep Street, silversmithing/design and flatware/cutlery sold worldwide.</p><p>Hidcote Gardens, Gloucestershire, near Chipping Campden</p><p>Kelmscott Manor, Gloucestershire, Morris’s famous family home</p><p>Kiftsgate Gardens, Gloucestershire, near Chipping Campden</p><p>Pugin’s St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham</p><p>Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton, near Birmingham</p><p><br /></p><p>For Arts & Crafts aficionados, Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum’s Wilson Gallery has an impressive collection with a dedicated Arts & Crafts Archive. </p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-53940701055250279212022-10-13T01:52:00.032+11:002022-10-14T02:43:48.279+11:00Amalfi Coast Count Down – Farewell Angelina<div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">A timely message </span>about<span style="font-size: small;"> the end of summer on the Amalfi Coast popped into my inbox with the reminder of the seasonal closure of Casa Angelina in Praiano on 31 October. The description of thinning crowds, glorious sunsets and skippered boat trips to Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento and Capri tugged at my heartstrings. Who can fail to fall desperately in love with this curvaceous coastline and its mesmerising light? </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesiOdwT6dq7NKcqGCgAHxz9xdJ2qDw-Z-gI4K0K9nzCjOVphlUmiEDkFUEPkAs-U74ob9uPN3QkcumjDAGM3aZEEtwqqNvHfIDx5ry5_tEMChDi1l8bOsLioa6-gbtN3-2zgXBD7o9OpeEw-A1gRGwfgCAPMwar5gA0uKnU7MdR4kBEnskchgCLnvvA/s5120/GIO01940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3413" data-original-width="5120" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesiOdwT6dq7NKcqGCgAHxz9xdJ2qDw-Z-gI4K0K9nzCjOVphlUmiEDkFUEPkAs-U74ob9uPN3QkcumjDAGM3aZEEtwqqNvHfIDx5ry5_tEMChDi1l8bOsLioa6-gbtN3-2zgXBD7o9OpeEw-A1gRGwfgCAPMwar5gA0uKnU7MdR4kBEnskchgCLnvvA/w400-h262/GIO01940.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image: Casa Angelina, Praiano, Amalfi Coast.©</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">The prompt made me smile as we would have done well to have heeded such advice on our first visit to Italy's Amalfi Coast. We were winging it, indie travellers somewhat carelessly piecing together our own itinerary, </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">researching features for print and shooting images for an agency campaign to an exacting brief requiring shots of Positano.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">Arriving in Rome, we lingered a little too long in a tiny, romantic hotel in Campo de Fiore. (Sigh!) We travelled by train to Naples and then to Sorrento for a delicious sojourn in a beautiful villa surrounded by lemon groves. </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">We taxied to Positano, sure of finding accommodation – but this was 30 October and shutters were being closed and nailed fast in many restaurants and hotels around the tiny bay. Even the legendary Le Sirenuse hotel was shutting up shop.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Dismayed, we enquired and were directed to a pensione where the main rooms were already closed for winter. We were shown to a side room not facing the sea but it still didn't click that the end of the season was for a reason!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We scoped the beach for the exact location for the advertising shoot and then went to dinner. The narrow passage and stairways of Positano were lined with large pots of geraniums and we looked forward to a romantic stroll back through them towards the sea. But while we dined the wind came up – and what a wind. It howled through the passageways taking plant pots with it. "Hang on to me Dorothy," he exclaimed, invoking lines from <i>The Wizard of Oz</i>, and we literally clung to each other as we battled the elements.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The storms raged and it poured with rain all day every day for the next six days. We went to our chosen spot on the beach for the ad photos in case the clouds parted, but no luck. Sheltering, we dined on delicious meats, cheeses and tomatoes from the local deli, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">complaining about being 'stuck' and then laughing as we realised how privileged we were to be there, even in the rain. Finally the sun did shine, the Hasselblad shutter locked the photos in place and we were done, free again to explore at will, heading south to Praiano, Ravello, then Capri and points north back to Rome.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Last of Casa Angelina's summer season</b></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">So hurry if you will to Casa Angelina and its glorious sunsets at Praiano. Hop aboard a boat inspired by the</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> traditional Sorrentine Gozzo fishing vessels with half and day cruises</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> around Capri, the Blue Grotto and the Faraglioni Rocks. Sail south to small coastal towns such as Maiori, Minori and Cetara; or to Leranto Bay – a place of awe-inspiring beauty, where the mythical Homerian Sirens were said to have sung their enchanting songs to passing sailors. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLQDozfAV1Cgmiug2_pkUWs2zipd9uKKH-svzBqvWITzCJb9yIzxwmFZaNd5ZTkGISxg6aVtTgqoeJlU0OWHmFYN-EVIbciBWhevboLFOFXsEg7I5OvyBWiqir4ccm2KRKsiWO45MWh36uaBp2KaWlysJvOX_pjaiq2_OgB5F9_uobGLdADDu8iEdUQ/s6000/GIA01248.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLQDozfAV1Cgmiug2_pkUWs2zipd9uKKH-svzBqvWITzCJb9yIzxwmFZaNd5ZTkGISxg6aVtTgqoeJlU0OWHmFYN-EVIbciBWhevboLFOFXsEg7I5OvyBWiqir4ccm2KRKsiWO45MWh36uaBp2KaWlysJvOX_pjaiq2_OgB5F9_uobGLdADDu8iEdUQ/w400-h265/GIA01248.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image: Casa Angelina, Executive Chef Lepoldo Elefante.©</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">You will not go hungry as Casa Angelina Executive Chef Leopoldo Elefante offers boat-goers </span><span style="font-family: arial;">h</span><span style="font-family: arial;">is favourite plates: Rice with White Sea Truffles, Sfusato Amalfitano & Zucchini flowers, Oyster & Raspberry, Shrimp Avocado & Dill, Prawn & Kaluga Amur Caviar, Squid Celery & Peach, Octopus Yellow Dapper & Mint, Mozzarella & Sorrento Tomatoes – conjuring for me the very tastes and colours of the Amalfi Coast.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">If you can't make it before 31 October then it's farewell Casa Angelina until next year. Book ahead now for 2023 while you think of it! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><b>Information and bookings:</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Casa Angelina is a 42-room hotel offering barefoot luxury in modern minimalist surroundings. The season runs from early March to late October.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>In Australia and New Zealand contact <a href="http://uniquetourism.com/clients/casa-angelina-2/">Unique Tourism</a></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.casangelina.com">Casa Angelina</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Source: Press release and big thanks to Unique Tourism for the reminder!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div><br /></div>Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-23257586113639625642022-04-21T12:26:00.004+10:002022-05-02T15:45:54.293+10:00Birmingham & West Midlands' Travel App<p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8Rg-gRl_aGG5h9LtRyB4zIK36DtyVCJYjTRIXmYN0DkZd7zOODhOe8NIcGmlXUUKrd5i3rasuNfEmUbNFWbN267G1uxhzkUygId-GwEqTq2sfjCoEFstdkjxX9ABEy8l4Wr_-hKzatfRzM1If-rK-spu7c14z4_-JpQVXd0ZWkxe4eSetI6j51JgY3A=s2593" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1374" data-original-width="2593" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8Rg-gRl_aGG5h9LtRyB4zIK36DtyVCJYjTRIXmYN0DkZd7zOODhOe8NIcGmlXUUKrd5i3rasuNfEmUbNFWbN267G1uxhzkUygId-GwEqTq2sfjCoEFstdkjxX9ABEy8l4Wr_-hKzatfRzM1If-rK-spu7c14z4_-JpQVXd0ZWkxe4eSetI6j51JgY3A=w400-h213" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broadway Tower, Broadway, Worcestershire. ©AP</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I love Britain's West Midlands in the heart of England, especially patchwork fields, walking trails, history, castles, villages, gardens, all things Shakespeare and the glorious countryside. My heart skips a beat whenever I see the sinuous outline of the Malvern Hills (the Sleeping Dragon) and to walk on them is magical. </p><p>But in researching and developing my travel App, <b><a href="https://www.touchscreentravels.com/apps/birmingham-west-midlands/">Birmingham & West Midlands</a></b>, I've also channelled some family roots that are firmly planted in the heart of the industrial Midlands.</p><p>These include Quarry Bank, Brierley Hill and Dudley in the industrial Black Country where you'll find the fascinating Black Country Living Museum – think Peaky Blinders and much more. Also Coventry, a recent City of Culture. </p><p>Food? Yes, I'm a fan of the countryside's fresh produce, farm shops, great pubs, lively cafes plus the brilliant multicultural cuisine of Birmingham. Artisan distilleries, craft breweries and vineyards are outstanding in this region. I love Morgan cars, too! </p><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkazN9TFDpM/YbUkHN4VFbI/AAAAAAAACOQ/HcwiGr3tW1oaOpzOAMNyZdBxlTi1YoNrgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Classic%2BCars%2BMorgan%2B_0024.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2048" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkazN9TFDpM/YbUkHN4VFbI/AAAAAAAACOQ/HcwiGr3tW1oaOpzOAMNyZdBxlTi1YoNrgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h265/Classic%2BCars%2BMorgan%2B_0024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morgan Roadster, Morgan Motor Company, Malvern. ©AP</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Foodie Ludlow in Shropshire is a great place to visit, especially on market days, while the entire Welsh border country is dreamy and atmospheric – perfect for country drives and exploring. </p><p>My App dives into industrial heritage, leads you to vintage transport collections so symbolic of the Midlands, as well as many specialist museums, energised with interactive displays and dynamic exhibitions. Some such as the Almonry (below) are significant buildings and treasure troves in themselves, recording fascinating local history including the destruction of Evesham's great abbey.</p><p>In England I am based close to Evesham, the North Cotswold village of Broadway and just a stone's throw from Stratford-upon-Avon. I love the black and white architecture and thatched cottages of the Midlands as well as the honey-coloured stone houses of the Cotswolds. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgyXFfDaCMID7L0zfCJQxfBkMIx48QTIIgYXFavyHVtDVv8YsqGnxzFW5BEC5qtbK1ZAKME4lOuYEqrXONWvR8E9JqkTGgU5pkcsJpja9w_Y_gKos9jT5UMJcCi8v9eXXVsQs6hAaJB-24QZ1poOvSfZbZWfZNdWgcc4_Fn-ejQHTi3IW35tqy6n-cRg=s1280" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgyXFfDaCMID7L0zfCJQxfBkMIx48QTIIgYXFavyHVtDVv8YsqGnxzFW5BEC5qtbK1ZAKME4lOuYEqrXONWvR8E9JqkTGgU5pkcsJpja9w_Y_gKos9jT5UMJcCi8v9eXXVsQs6hAaJB-24QZ1poOvSfZbZWfZNdWgcc4_Fn-ejQHTi3IW35tqy6n-cRg=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Almonry, Evesham.©AP</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I'm also a short drive from Coventry, now emphasising its heritage with landmarks including the Telegraph newspaper building repurposed as hotels and accommodation, as well as heritage walks, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and the Coventry Music Museum. Coventry Cathedral has a very special place in my heart – my father was born in Coventry and loved the old cathedral, so sadly destroyed. </p><p>Meanwhile, Birmingham has been busy regenerating its city centre with impressive buildings such as The Cube, home to Hotel Indigo Birmingham and Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse, Bar & Grill (think modern comfort food and champagne). Dishoom Birmingham promises Irani/Bombay fusion, all welcome. Bakeries and cafes reflect the mix of influences and there's fine dining, too. Vegans and vegetarians, so often neglected in the past, can travel and eat well.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OizI3q3C5FU/YbUwsuQL8kI/AAAAAAAACOY/om7kkaYeMmcXAxpif_ku1e49tmYaaOyBwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BCube_Hotel%2BIndigo_Exterior.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OizI3q3C5FU/YbUwsuQL8kI/AAAAAAAACOY/om7kkaYeMmcXAxpif_ku1e49tmYaaOyBwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BCube_Hotel%2BIndigo_Exterior.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cube, home of Hotel Indigo Birmingham.©IHG Hotels<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">The Library of Birmingham, affectionately called the 'Wedding Cake' opened in 2013 and is one of centre's signature buildings, while the Bullring & Grand Central shopping centres combine to create the largest city centre shopping complex in the UK. The Jewellery Quarter is historic but it's also the home of 100 or so diamond dealers and jewellers, also cafes, bars and restaurants – multicultural Birmingham really loves its food!</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tOOeES50P0U/YbUxBTDAXPI/AAAAAAAACOg/TVDDbI76n14XuqCT50-Y-GS_NZm15CUqwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/VE23011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tOOeES50P0U/YbUxBTDAXPI/AAAAAAAACOg/TVDDbI76n14XuqCT50-Y-GS_NZm15CUqwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h268/VE23011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Library of Birmingham.©Visit Birmingham</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_se41wtzY0/YbU0RtZZzbI/AAAAAAAACOo/P3L56JcZo9gCNNcHSKhqna2Ph5pLlhOLACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Garrick_FrontViewStratford_01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1360" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_se41wtzY0/YbU0RtZZzbI/AAAAAAAACOo/P3L56JcZo9gCNNcHSKhqna2Ph5pLlhOLACNcBGAsYHQ/w210-h320/Garrick_FrontViewStratford_01.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Garrick pub, Stratford-upon-Avon.©AP</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I might be the only one to think this, but I'm quite taken with the echoes I see in the Library of Birmingham's decorative exterior patterns and those of The Garrick pub in Stratford-upon-Avon, thought to be the oldest in town. Shakespeare himself may well have imbibed at the Garrick as it is very close to th recently re-vamped New Place where he lived in his later years until he died. Of course Stratford-upon-Avon is a key Midlands' attraction, with much ado about Shakespeare and the beautiful houses associated with him and his family including Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Shakespeare's Birthplace. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAVc4cbwVuQ/YbU4ngSsCEI/AAAAAAAACOw/vt3yX40NL18-ZICCDwDeaGDiO3qvD5EsQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Anne%2BHathaway%2527s%2BCottage%2BStratford_UK_Alison%2BPlummer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2048" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAVc4cbwVuQ/YbU4ngSsCEI/AAAAAAAACOw/vt3yX40NL18-ZICCDwDeaGDiO3qvD5EsQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h265/Anne%2BHathaway%2527s%2BCottage%2BStratford_UK_Alison%2BPlummer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon.©AP</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Major Rivers in the Midlands include the Trent, Tame, Avon, Severn and Wye (forming the English/ Welsh border for much of its length) and the area is linked by a network of canals built to carry freight at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Canal boat holidays are a rewarding way to travel through the countryside and right into the heart of towns and cities including Birmingham, Stourport-on-Severn, Stoke-on-Trent, Stratford-upon-Avon, Upton-upon-Severn. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Av_sas7JtWE/YbU7FTUr_ZI/AAAAAAAACO4/wbvs1Uia8icDuMg5XL5tKJxFE-yEE0hAACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/cms.agorite.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2048" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Av_sas7JtWE/YbU7FTUr_ZI/AAAAAAAACO4/wbvs1Uia8icDuMg5XL5tKJxFE-yEE0hAACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h265/cms.agorite.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hatton Flight of locks, Warwickshire.©AP</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adHrBGaWqkk/YbU7hCDTx_I/AAAAAAAACPA/R5gawh-ByUAf2_GAjQyLq5kHmtDNEaO8wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/CanalBoats.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adHrBGaWqkk/YbU7hCDTx_I/AAAAAAAACPA/R5gawh-ByUAf2_GAjQyLq5kHmtDNEaO8wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/CanalBoats.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canal boat on the River Avon.©AP<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>And those castles, gardens, villages and stunning views? I've a real feeling that many people are craving a comforting sense of place and history right now and the West Midlands delivers. Visiting English country gardens in their many seasons is one of life's pleasures ...</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHZQ_z7r0gQ/YbVAQg7MPeI/AAAAAAAACPI/JcU9tiSOJR8aZvttZWk2P4dFhhCn6UX5QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Summer_Bourton_2891.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2048" height="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHZQ_z7r0gQ/YbVAQg7MPeI/AAAAAAAACPI/JcU9tiSOJR8aZvttZWk2P4dFhhCn6UX5QCNcBGAsYHQ/w320-h211/Summer_Bourton_2891.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bourton House Garden. ©AP</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>... as is standing on vantage points such as the Malvern, Shropshire and Cotswold Hills to admire the patchwork fields and views across middle England. Broadway Tower is just one of my favourites.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Please download my Travel App to enjoy much more of the West Midlands, plan a trip, see the sights.</div><div><br /></div><div>Link: </div><div><a href="https://www.touchscreentravels.com/apps/birmingham-west-midlands/">Birmingham & West Midlands</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Published by TouchScreen Travels.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><i>My thanks to all who have helped me including the West Midlands Growth Company, <a href="https://www.visitbritain.com/au/en/england/central-england/west-midlands">Visit Britain</a>, local businesses and attractions, PR and marketing companies, friends, family and associates and, especially, TouchScreen Travels.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-77201006124580272472021-08-06T17:02:00.320+10:002022-05-02T11:21:37.717+10:00Slingology – the new art of Raffles' Singapore Sling cocktail, now refreshed with craft ingredients and sustainability<div style="text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify;">Recently enjoying an extensive restoration, Raffles Hotel Singapore has gone to great lengths to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify;">retain the ambience and service so loved by its devoted clientele while appealing to those who are yet to experience its charms. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify;">Cosy social spaces and courtyards, new restaurants and bars are all part of the recipe along with treasured venues including the Long Bar, the mention of which triggered a fond memory.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eotJu4S0ubk/YQzG-GCqD_I/AAAAAAAACMk/x34WsQRPU2AYjCHJ-l3m4S5stAA86qd7gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1500/2021%2BSingapore%2BSling%2BHero.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eotJu4S0ubk/YQzG-GCqD_I/AAAAAAAACMk/x34WsQRPU2AYjCHJ-l3m4S5stAA86qd7gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/2021%2BSingapore%2BSling%2BHero.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sling at the Long Bar. © Raffles Hotel Singapore</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify;">My last visit to the hotel a few years ago was to attend an intimate, luxurious wedding reception in a private dining room. Between copious intriguing courses I was whisked away on a tour of some timber walkways framed by arches. My guide (a fellow wedding guest) hurried me along and I lost a heel from one of my slingback shoes on the way – I planned to return in daylight to look for it but that didn't happen. Despite my not being well-heeled, we all had a last drink in the Long Bar after the reception dinner. Inevitably, the group decision was that a Singapore Sling would make up for my loss!</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Star of the Long Bar </span></h4><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify;">It's too late to retrace those exact steps now, but happily</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify;"> the Long Bar remains, complete with the iconic Singapore Sling now revitalised after its own makeover. Using c</span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">raft ingredients, the cocktail's taste has been refreshed to suit modern palates while the use of ecoSPIRITS makes it more sustainable and environmentally-friendly.</span></span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rx9sonD2IWA/YQzGv63OEpI/AAAAAAAACMg/LMTxC_lTFocmd4wtLQPx739BtfaZ2saIQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1500/Singapore%2BSling%2Bwith%2BWidges%2BGin%2BecoTOTE.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rx9sonD2IWA/YQzGv63OEpI/AAAAAAAACMg/LMTxC_lTFocmd4wtLQPx739BtfaZ2saIQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h268/Singapore%2BSling%2Bwith%2BWidges%2BGin%2BecoTOTE.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New delivery for the Singapore Sling. ©Raffles Hotel Singapore.</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify;">Adding to its accolades, the Singapore Sling has become the forerunner for Raffles Hotel Singapore in its move to reduce single-use waste and the carbon footprint. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify;">Working with Proof & Company and patent-pending ecoSPIRITS </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify;">technology, key ingredients Widges Gin, Luxardo Cherry Sanque Morlacco and Ferrand Dry Curaçao are delivered to Long Bar in patent-pending ecoTOTETM format, saving tens of thousands of glass bottles each year. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify;">Single-use plastic straws have been replaced with biodegradable versions made with potato starch. Also furthering the sustainability profile, the Luxardo Maraschino Cherries and</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify;"> Long Bar exclusive Scrappy’s Spiced Plantation Bitters are shipped in low-waste formats, eliminating several thousand kilograms of packaging waste. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify;">Estimates using the ecoSPIRITS Carbon Calculator, developed by consulting firm Deloitte, the Singapore Sling saves the equivalent of 200g of CO2 emission per serving.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify;"><div>Under the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program, Raffles Hotel Singapore is planting one native tree in the Kalimantan or Sumatran rainforest for every 25 Singapore Slings ordered, leaving a permanent legacy of carbon reduction and reforestation of endangered wild areas. Discover Raffles Hotel Singapore’s contribution through the <a href="https://app.greenstepsgroup.com/venue/c21ad92d-dcc3-474f-8909-7cfecc73c907">live digital forest</a>.</div><div><br /></div></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WiNDtBkeis/YQzHkOAsWKI/AAAAAAAACMw/C0YAIjVOwJw_lbdck-xhoYzfvpfn0r_IwCNcBGAsYHQ/s500/image001.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="500" height="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WiNDtBkeis/YQzHkOAsWKI/AAAAAAAACMw/C0YAIjVOwJw_lbdck-xhoYzfvpfn0r_IwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h280/image001.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ecoSPIRITS©</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><h4 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h4></span><div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Cocktail in Disguise</span></h4><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Originally created in 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon, a Hainanese bartender at Raffles Hotel Singapore, the Singapore Sling cleverly </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">disguised a cocktail as fruit juice. Why? E</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">tiquette required that ladies shouldn't consume alcohol in public, so their choice of beverage was limited to tea and fruit juices. Ngiam Tong Boon saw an opportunity, creating a cocktail that looked like a fruit juice but was actually infused with gin and other liqueurs. It was a hit!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">He used pineapple and lime juices for a tropical flavour and cleverly masked it in pink with grenadine syrup to give it a feminine flair, leading people to think it was a socially acceptable drink for women. Today the Sling continues to delight and inspire with its rich heritage and now a fresh taste. It's also the subject of a new Slingology </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">cocktail bar collaboration in Singapore.</span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt 27.25pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.266666412353516px;"> </span></p><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.266666412353516px;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">More about Raffles Hotel Singapore: </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://raffles.com/Singapore" style="text-align: left;">raffles.com/Singapore</a></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="Long Bar ">Long Bar</a></p><p><i>Source: Press Release </i></p></div>Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-84834520859419562672021-06-08T12:57:00.010+10:002022-02-18T10:14:10.841+11:00The Forelle Ensemble plays its way through NSW/ACT in Austrian "Schubertiaden" style.<p>How lovely is this? Celebrating 200 years of an Austrian musical tradition, the Forelle Ensemble is currently travelling through NSW/ACT in the spirit of Franz Schubert whose Lieder (songs) were played to small groups of friends in intimate musical soirees that became known as "Schubertiaden”. The Forelle Ensemble will perform 10 concerts, taking listeners on a musical journey to Austria in Bowral, Canberra, Albury, Young and the gorgeous setting of the Hunter Valley's Winmark Wines.</p><p>Forelle is the brain-child of James Armstrong, winner of the ‘Austria Scholarship’ granted by Sydney Youth Orchestras and Austrian National Tourist Office. Visiting Vienna and Salzburg in early 2020, James fell in love with Austrian chamber music, especially the music of Franz Schubert. </p><div> </div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiHR316yIVQ/YL7Y47uhm2I/AAAAAAAACKY/8FiFexuNIqkw3hBZ6ILQVXeqa8cL703QwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Forelle%2BEnsemble%2B%2528c%2529%2BForelle%2BEnsemble%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiHR316yIVQ/YL7Y47uhm2I/AAAAAAAACKY/8FiFexuNIqkw3hBZ6ILQVXeqa8cL703QwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Forelle%2BEnsemble%2B%2528c%2529%2BForelle%2BEnsemble%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Forelle Ensemble.©</td></tr></tbody></table><br />To honour Schubert and as a reference to one of the composer’s most famous chamber music pieces ‘Forellenquintett’ (Trout Quintet), James Armstrong formed the Forelle Ensemble with four fellow students of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Members include Lilly Bennett (double bass), James Armstrong (violin), Angela Shin (cello), Estelle Shircore Barker (piano) and Aisha Goodman (viola).<p></p><p>The first documented Schubertiade took place 200 years ago in 1821 and the term still refers to intimate concerts and festivals around the world, in all kinds of settings. Most famous is the Schubertiade Festival in Austria's Alpine province Vorarlberg with around 80 events and 35,000 visitors annually, making it the biggest Schubert Festival in the world. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr3gUYf4Xv8/YLRxTYqHxYI/AAAAAAAACJ4/DirMGWp9_5MCoU59fmGSEsP0jQBbGDYFgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Musicians%2BSchubertiade%252C%2BBregenzerwald%252C%2BVorarlberg%2B%2528c%2529%2BBregenzerwald%2BTourismus_Christoph%2BLingg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr3gUYf4Xv8/YLRxTYqHxYI/AAAAAAAACJ4/DirMGWp9_5MCoU59fmGSEsP0jQBbGDYFgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/Musicians%2BSchubertiade%252C%2BBregenzerwald%252C%2BVorarlberg%2B%2528c%2529%2BBregenzerwald%2BTourismus_Christoph%2BLingg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musicians Schubertiade, Bregenzerwald, Vorarlberg. (<i>Bregenzerwald Tourism, Christopher Lingg.</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to be able to play this beautiful repertoire of Schubert’s music. We can reimagine it in the sense that we are performing music which was composed in the Austrian countryside and we are bringing it to the countryside here in NSW and ACT.”, says James Armstrong. “The works on the program are very colourful, each in their own way, to the extent that I imagine each piece as a postcard of Austria. The music intimately reflects the landscape and lifestyle - from the elegant and lavish decor of Viennese salons to the striking snow-capped Alps and lush green fields of the countryside. Schubert’s music illustrates these settings so sublimely.”</p><p>“James Armstrong stole the hearts of the Viennese with both his incredible talent as a young violinist but also with his curiosity and interest in Austrian classical music and culture during his time in Vienna early last year,” says Astrid Gruchmann-Licht, Director of the Austrian National Tourist Office in Sydney. “This year we were delighted to find out that James wanted to share his passion for Schubert - and for Austria - with Australian audiences in regional NSW and ACT and we partnered with the Forelle Ensemble to bring this project to life. I view it as a true collaboration and love the idea of an Australian Schubertiade”. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cGv2rX4w7M/YLgJVeAMLNI/AAAAAAAACKQ/ZN-xISQtRucYwlkuGMS0j_XSgbNzYBblwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/James%2BArmstrong%2Bperforming%2BChamber%2BMusic%2Bat%2BHotel%2BSacher%2Bin%2BVienna%2B%2528c%2529%2BAustrian%2BNational%2BTourist%2BOffice_Marion%2BCarniel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="2048" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cGv2rX4w7M/YLgJVeAMLNI/AAAAAAAACKQ/ZN-xISQtRucYwlkuGMS0j_XSgbNzYBblwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h216/James%2BArmstrong%2Bperforming%2BChamber%2BMusic%2Bat%2BHotel%2BSacher%2Bin%2BVienna%2B%2528c%2529%2BAustrian%2BNational%2BTourist%2BOffice_Marion%2BCarniel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James Armstrong performing Chamber Music at Hotel Sacher, Vienna, above, and enjoying beautiful Vienna, below. (<i>ANTO, Marion Carniel.)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><p> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14ya9O9L6tM/YLRx0cDBFTI/AAAAAAAACKA/RzIipp9m1eUazWDqSeq1s5ivKDwdCBT0wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/James%2BArmstrong%2Bin%2BVienna%2B%2528c%2529%2BAustrian%2BNational%2BTourist%2BOffice_Marion%2BCarniel%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14ya9O9L6tM/YLRx0cDBFTI/AAAAAAAACKA/RzIipp9m1eUazWDqSeq1s5ivKDwdCBT0wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/James%2BArmstrong%2Bin%2BVienna%2B%2528c%2529%2BAustrian%2BNational%2BTourist%2BOffice_Marion%2BCarniel%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tour Dates </p><p style="text-align: left;">Friday 11th June, 6.30pm: Schubertiade Opening Concert, Sydney </p><p style="text-align: left;">Sunday 20th June, 2.30pm*E: St Jude’s Church, Bowral </p><p style="text-align: left;">Wednesday 23rd June: Residence of the Austrian Ambassador, Canberra </p><p style="text-align: left;">Thursday 24th June: Hausmusik event at private residence, Albury </p><p style="text-align: left;">Friday 25th June, 7.00pm*E: St Matthew’s Church, Albury </p><p style="text-align: left;">Saturday 26th June: Hausmusik event at private residence, Young </p><p style="text-align: left;">Sunday 27th June, 12.00pm*: Ballinaclash Orchard and Cellardoor, Young </p><p style="text-align: left;">Tuesday 29th June, 6.00pm*E: Young Regional School of Music, Young </p><p style="text-align: left;">Friday 2nd July, 6.00pm*E: Winmark Wines, Hunter Valley </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ps0HcTrPXdg/YLRyIDjTasI/AAAAAAAACKI/aSSzQqq_A0QC9_2PLfhrmvwuNq4VMxLsgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/James%2BArmstrong%2Band%2BAstrid%2BGruchmann-Licht%2Bin%2Ba%2BViennese%2BKaffeehaus%2B%2528c%2529%2BAustrian%2BNational%2BTourist%2BOffice_Marion%2BCarniel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="2048" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ps0HcTrPXdg/YLRyIDjTasI/AAAAAAAACKI/aSSzQqq_A0QC9_2PLfhrmvwuNq4VMxLsgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h270/James%2BArmstrong%2Band%2BAstrid%2BGruchmann-Licht%2Bin%2Ba%2BViennese%2BKaffeehaus%2B%2528c%2529%2BAustrian%2BNational%2BTourist%2BOffice_Marion%2BCarniel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James Armstrong with <span style="text-align: left;">Astrid Gruchmann-Licht, Director of the Austrian National Tourist Office in Sydney, at a Viennese Kaffehaus. (ANTO, Marion Carniel.)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>* Public events: tickets and more information are available on Eventbrite (E) or via the venue website</p><p><a href="https://www.winmarkwines.com.au">Winmark Wines</a></p><p><a href="https://www.austria.info/en">Austria information</a></p><p><i>Source: Austria National Tourism news release</i></p>Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-39552912259436108692021-04-02T13:55:00.018+11:002021-08-31T15:54:06.138+10:00Amara dining opens to non-residents at Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Blue Mountains, NSW<p>Here's exciting news for those in search of exclusive dining experiences – Restaurant Amara at Spicers Sangoma Retreat in the Blue Mountains is now taking a small number of outside bookings. So now you don't <i>have </i>to be an in-house guest to experience the highly creative degustation menus by head chef Will Houia, but you'll wish you were!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa-y7csUbc8/YGashjzNtdI/AAAAAAAACG4/0a_hD6mb2AQAuAQk7aT8T3ZUG5NppTqHACNcBGAsYHQ/s1024/AMARA%2B-%2BRestuarant%2BSangoma%2B%2BBM-13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa-y7csUbc8/YGashjzNtdI/AAAAAAAACG4/0a_hD6mb2AQAuAQk7aT8T3ZUG5NppTqHACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/AMARA%2B-%2BRestuarant%2BSangoma%2B%2BBM-13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Restaurant Amara</i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqxsIRYmP9A/YGapRB14SyI/AAAAAAAACGI/o3mX0Ew3BrcbkkuhihKEbxSnMy5QbvgwwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1024/AMARA%2B-%2BEggplant%2Btaco%2Bshell%252C%2Bsmoked%2Bmushroom%2Band%2Bpea%2Bflowers.%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqxsIRYmP9A/YGapRB14SyI/AAAAAAAACGI/o3mX0Ew3BrcbkkuhihKEbxSnMy5QbvgwwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/AMARA%2B-%2BEggplant%2Btaco%2Bshell%252C%2Bsmoked%2Bmushroom%2Band%2Bpea%2Bflowers.%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amara - Eggplant taco shell, smoked mushroom and pea flowers</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">Amara is the Zulu word for grace and the restaurant's philosophy is to provide a </span>graceful dining experience, drawing on an ecosystem of local producers and sustainable on-site practices reflecting the natural bushland surrounds. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_K_SgJVMNu4/YGaqQ96IrcI/AAAAAAAACGg/LyzuVEdATTQAJHEGm4SpHqQoW_OcqAS1QCNcBGAsYHQ/s768/AMARA%2B-%2BKing%2BEdward%2Bpotato%252C%2Bmarigold%252C%2Bsage%2Band%2Bbasil.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="512" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_K_SgJVMNu4/YGaqQ96IrcI/AAAAAAAACGg/LyzuVEdATTQAJHEGm4SpHqQoW_OcqAS1QCNcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/AMARA%2B-%2BKing%2BEdward%2Bpotato%252C%2Bmarigold%252C%2Bsage%2Band%2Bbasil.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amara - King Edward potato, marigold, sage and basil</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEonQ-vPbYc/YGarRDlg9vI/AAAAAAAACGo/m3saYRLaxJg_0CVRA1CyxdiTI_LaHuSmQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1024/AMARA%2B-%2BSquid%2Bconfit%2Bstuffed%2Bwith%2Bchicken%2Band%2Btarragon%2Bmousse%252C%2Bfennel%252C%2Bchicken%2Bbroth%2B%252813%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEonQ-vPbYc/YGarRDlg9vI/AAAAAAAACGo/m3saYRLaxJg_0CVRA1CyxdiTI_LaHuSmQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/AMARA%2B-%2BSquid%2Bconfit%2Bstuffed%2Bwith%2Bchicken%2Band%2Btarragon%2Bmousse%252C%2Bfennel%252C%2Bchicken%2Bbroth%2B%252813%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amara - Squid confit stuffed with chicken and tarragon mousse, fennel, chicken broth</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">The daily seven course dinner degustation menu and five course lunches on Friday to Sunday are all based on the freshest organic and seasonal produce available within 100km of Sangoma, including the Hawkesbury region. Amara's ‘Harvest Menu’ shared lunch concept, offered on Monday to Thursday, focuses on one succulent protein and four of the freshest organic vegetables, mostly sourced from local friends at Harvest Farms, followed by dessert.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iW4DhQBjDPM/YGaEHD6ak_I/AAAAAAAACFc/xuHlkOm97O0jxcjZWvOSHoTaWv3yPAgIwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1024/AMARA%2B-%2BMilk%2Bskins%252C%2Bhazelnut%2Bpraline%252C%2Bsmoked%2Bice%2Bcream%252C%2Braspberries%252C%2Bdulche%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iW4DhQBjDPM/YGaEHD6ak_I/AAAAAAAACFc/xuHlkOm97O0jxcjZWvOSHoTaWv3yPAgIwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/AMARA%2B-%2BMilk%2Bskins%252C%2Bhazelnut%2Bpraline%252C%2Bsmoked%2Bice%2Bcream%252C%2Braspberries%252C%2Bdulche%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amara - Milk skins, hazelnut praline, smoked ice cream, raspberries, dulche</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Chef Will Houia prefers traditional cooking techniques with charcoal and fire and the use of controlled dehydration to prepare fruit and veggies, as well as indigenous ingredients to add subtle layers of flavour. Why not stay for a week and have Will cook for you every day?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9IbgxeQ5b8/YGasIwbbLxI/AAAAAAAACGw/GQ8Sr14kZzoHJ1Qp738w6Jtg-_Fvqjr4wCNcBGAsYHQ/s768/AMARA%2B-%2BWill%2BHouia%2B-%2BSpicers%2B14%2BDec%2B20_734.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="511" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9IbgxeQ5b8/YGasIwbbLxI/AAAAAAAACGw/GQ8Sr14kZzoHJ1Qp738w6Jtg-_Fvqjr4wCNcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/AMARA%2B-%2BWill%2BHouia%2B-%2BSpicers%2B14%2BDec%2B20_734.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amara - Head Chef Will Houia</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><p></p><p><b>Restaurant Amara, Spicers Sangoma Retreat</b></p><p>70 Grandview Lane, Bowen Mountain NSW 2753</p><p>Amara dining only guests - an intimate fine-dining experience by appointment</p><p>Dinner - 7 course degustation. 7 days 6pm-9pm $125pp</p><p>Lunch - 5 course degustation. Friday to Sunday 12.30pm-2.00pm $105pp</p><p>Lunch – Harvest Menu. Monday to Thursday 12.30pm-2.00pm $85pp</p><p>Please advise any dietaries at the time of booking</p><p>In-house guests dine 7 days</p><p>Breakfast, Harvest Menu Lunch Mon-Thurs & 5 Course Lunch Fri-Sun, 7 Course Dinner</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="mailto:reception.sangoma@spicersretreats.com">RESERVATIONS </a> | Ph 1300 352 190</li><li><a href="https://spicersretreats.com/restaurants/sangoma-retreat/">AMARA </a></li><li><a href="https://spicersretreats.com/retreats/spicers-sangoma-retreat/">SANGOMA </a></li><li><a href="https://spicersretreats.com/retreats/spicers-sangoma-retreat/experiences">EXPERIENCES </a></li></ul><p></p><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wUvkEYPmZY/YGatLEdlcjI/AAAAAAAACHA/Ks-WiNwSEakL2ZgYILsaMyqBioi5YFXswCNcBGAsYHQ/s1024/Sangoma%2B-%2BAccom%2B078.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wUvkEYPmZY/YGatLEdlcjI/AAAAAAAACHA/Ks-WiNwSEakL2ZgYILsaMyqBioi5YFXswCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/Sangoma%2B-%2BAccom%2B078.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Blue Mountains, NSW</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;">Photos courtesy of Restaurant Amara, Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Blue Mountains.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-57826833502171187742021-03-15T15:46:00.012+11:002021-03-16T08:14:59.979+11:00Midnight Oil, Makaratta Project at Hope Estate, Hunter Valley, NSW<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lh4bMMgqyc/YE7dirdcm5I/AAAAAAAACDs/7OIErvxUxb0HZXNfqBkfnmR5btq21sJ4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0160.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lh4bMMgqyc/YE7dirdcm5I/AAAAAAAACDs/7OIErvxUxb0HZXNfqBkfnmR5btq21sJ4gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_0160.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Garrett and Midnight Oil, Hope Estate. Image © AP<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>What a thrill to be at Hope Estate, Hunter Valley, NSW, for Midnight Oil's Makaratta Project. <span></span>The moving and engaging welcome to Wonnarua Country was followed by powerful performances from Alice Skye, Troy Cassar-Daley and the mighty force of Peter Garrett/Midnight Oil and guests. What a show, what a message for reconciliation. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw5jKYVW_Xb96s85n7TzuDzea2CHSZelMQRE6QntaHt9N_rQNZ85FJt4M9yYk87-3fy-pDmY0wvVRtd7Ys89Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>The Welcome to Wonnarua Country. Video © AP</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7_zIA41Beg/YE7gkWGhzUI/AAAAAAAACEU/coMnxJGxElAa1yTxR42Z09TyknxJPUBnwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0161.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7_zIA41Beg/YE7gkWGhzUI/AAAAAAAACEU/coMnxJGxElAa1yTxR42Z09TyknxJPUBnwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_0161.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midnight Oil onstage, Hope Estate. Image © AP</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtPBxOkql-Y/YE7fy-UaeQI/AAAAAAAACEM/nWJcxCxmKVo78mrlvrgY5iuG03ZiXfYQQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0149.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtPBxOkql-Y/YE7fy-UaeQI/AAAAAAAACEM/nWJcxCxmKVo78mrlvrgY5iuG03ZiXfYQQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0149.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Troy Cassar-Daley and the crowd we were part of at Hope Estate. Image ©AP</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Alice Skye's quiet, awesome ownership of a stage set up for a phenomenal rock band still sends shivers down my spine. Playing piano and accompanied by twins on guitar and drums, Alice, a </span>Wergaia/Wemba Wemba person from Horsham, Victoria, played her heartfelt songs including her own <span><i style="caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I Feel Better, but I Don't Feel Good, </i><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-size: 14px;">also</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #4d5156;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-size: 14px;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXjTFGktzIw" style="caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic;">Terror Australia</a><i style="caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> , </i><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-size: 14px;">written by Peter Garrett</span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #4d5156;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-size: 14px;"> and Bones Hillman (Wayne Stevens) who sadly died in November 2020.</span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MTI39L-A40M/YE7fRlO8PqI/AAAAAAAACEE/RREoJMMS2n4ko6ANBlir5yLLzj1p8hSKgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0134.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MTI39L-A40M/YE7fRlO8PqI/AAAAAAAACEE/RREoJMMS2n4ko6ANBlir5yLLzj1p8hSKgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0134.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice Skye at Hope Estate, Image © AP<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;">Hopefully heading out of Covid are we going back to a better, more thoughtful world? </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.midnightoil.com">https://www.midnightoil.com</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-49617133624195963312021-03-15T14:53:00.000+11:002021-03-15T14:53:34.741+11:00Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp: Virtual field trips for children in lockdown<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">How good is this? School children in lockdown around the world can hook up with a live personal call to see elephants in their natural jungle habitat in Northern Thailand at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BqeJMaNj11w/YEbDFw0AHRI/AAAAAAAACDk/j1M07bAB6wQjx9InKijIPRIQKN0kHNnowCNcBGAsYHQ/s756/anantara-golden-triangle-zoom-call-teaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="756" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BqeJMaNj11w/YEbDFw0AHRI/AAAAAAAACDk/j1M07bAB6wQjx9InKijIPRIQKN0kHNnowCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/anantara-golden-triangle-zoom-call-teaser.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virtual field trips at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp © Anantara</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">T</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">he complimentary service offers </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">virtual participation in a jungle field trip including the resort’s Walking With Giants experience to get to know the elephants and develop a connection with them. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">The community initiative follows the success of </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://helpingelephants.org/" style="color: magenta;"><span class="Hyperlink0" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation</span></a></span><span class="Link" style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri; text-align: justify; text-decoration: underline;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">’s</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;"> (GTAEF) live streams </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">of r</span><span style="font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">escued elephants walking in the jungle and taking a mud bath in the Ruak River. </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">In Northern Thailand in the 'Golden Triangle' where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"> the luxury Anantara resort is famous for its elephant camp, set up </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">with the GTAEF </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">in 2003 to help street begging elephants and others in need of help. Over 60 elephants have been rescued and 23 now live in the resort's jungle environment along with their mahout (carer) families.</span></p><p class="Body" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">During the livestream, children are introduced to elephants and join them on their daily walks accompanied by the mahouts and either a veterinarian or biologist to offer insights into how these intelligent creatures think and behave. Each virtual field trip is customised to meet the needs and curriculum of the students.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation can coordinate complimentary virtual field trips with elephants for online school classes that take place during Thailand daylight hours. For more information or to reserve a live virtual fieldtrip spot, contact Mr John Roberts, Anantara’s Group Director of Sustainability & Conservation, on email </span><span lang="EN-US"><a><span class="Hyperlink0" style="font-family: Arial; text-decoration: underline;">jroberts@anantara.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"> or telephone +66 53 784 084.</span></p><p class="Body" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p><p class="Body" style="border: none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Anantara portfolio specialises in authentic destination luxury, with over 40 properties located in Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zambia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Portugal, with future properties planned across Asia, the Indian Ocean, Middle East, Africa and South America.</span></p><p class="Body" style="border: none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.anantara.com/en">https://www.anantara.com/en</a></p><p class="Body" style="border: none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span><i>Source: Press release</i></span></span></p>Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-2627177991978995572021-01-18T14:55:00.058+11:002021-09-01T16:40:41.524+10:00Oh, Barmah! Tales from the riverbanks of the mighty Murray River (Dhungala) in Yorta Yorta country<p style="text-align: left;">We're in Victoria's Sun Country region at Barmah, looking at maps showing off-road tracks, significant wetlands and camping spots along Dhungala, the Murray River, Australia's longest and the third longest navigable river in the world. With or without the impressive statistics, this particular area is quite simply stunning, too good not to share. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GP_6DsrN3QY/YBCwJYuXy0I/AAAAAAAACCE/7OoqzGS5ta0XsffYmv2EvbxQGtyPi0mngCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Murray%2BRiver_DSC01474.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GP_6DsrN3QY/YBCwJYuXy0I/AAAAAAAACCE/7OoqzGS5ta0XsffYmv2EvbxQGtyPi0mngCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/Murray%2BRiver_DSC01474.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dhungala, the mighty Murray River. (Image ©AP)</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><span>This is an assignment that's brought us to the wider region without a fixed prior plan and it's a luxury to go as we please, choosing accommodation to suit. Barmah, the only Victorian town north of the Murray (I still haven't worked that out!) is on our radar as it is beside the river with a connecting bridge to NSW. The Barmah Bridge Caravan Park has cabins and the kind owners give us the spotless Cockatoo cabin a short walk from both the riverside and the Barmah Hotel – we're just in time for dinner at 6pm. The hotel bar/dining room has historic photos around the walls and it seems that bushranger Ned Kelly played cards here. We're masked up because of Covid – maybe cause for a philosophical discussion with Ned here?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;">There's hardly anyone about as the VIC/NSW border only opened the day before we arrived so we're beating the crowds, lucky to find this place to stay ahead of what is shaping up to be a huge weekend for camp grounds and accommodation along the river. Nine hours' drive from Sydney via Wagga Wagga and along back roads through plains of golden wheat fields – it's been long day reaching the heartland of Yorta Yorta country, but there's still time to wander by the river at dusk, to the tune of a cacophony of corellas!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzdoGh7ZBGyKswXxp13xvCcQBllS2bZhXXu1tszF4TahW8-FRIYyFLNF1l_JFclw4cG_Y_CX6pOK6C8Rp2HSQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p style="text-align: left;">Pre-dawn we're heading in to the Barmah National Park where the Barmah-Millewa river red gum (Eucalyptus <i>camaldulensis</i>)<span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-size: 14px;"> </span>forests meet the Moira and Barmah Lakes systems. There's movement in the trees and a group of brumbies appears, ghostly shapes blending effortlessly into the setting, as do the kangaroos and emus we see along the way. The brumbies have had a reprieve from the planned muster the following weekend, cancelled due to Covid. The heritage listed Muster Yards stand empty. </p><p>Tracks to the left lead to flooded areas but we hope to drive the loop road without incident. No such luck, the road ahead is closed, even to our rugged 4x4 with an intrepid driver! Backtracking we follow loops and turns to the river, where camp sites beckon and the idea of settling in to camp for a few nights is extremely tempting. There are huge trees and everywhere a sense of calm, as if every part of this place is sacred and protected, which it obviously is. There are canoe and shield trees, scarred trees, markers, cooking mounds and ceremonial and burial grounds. Signs for an interpretive walking track from the Dharnya Aboriginal Centre (closed) help visitors focus on details it would be easy to overlook, such as how the burls on the huge river red gums are formed.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TlcMgdQKmQk/YBC4tPcgE9I/AAAAAAAACCQ/q8MdgxRkCMM9jBR6qx2Elx5s88331vgjgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Barmah%2Bhorse%2Bsign.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TlcMgdQKmQk/YBC4tPcgE9I/AAAAAAAACCQ/q8MdgxRkCMM9jBR6qx2Elx5s88331vgjgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/Barmah%2Bhorse%2Bsign.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brumbies and burls. (Image ©AP)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7JjotDNYgA/YATmX3ulUfI/AAAAAAAACA0/UQLeOKW5TD8lrxCwQp6I-vDt_CvWzVYaACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Barmah%2BNational%2BPark.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7JjotDNYgA/YATmX3ulUfI/AAAAAAAACA0/UQLeOKW5TD8lrxCwQp6I-vDt_CvWzVYaACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/Barmah%2BNational%2BPark.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self-guided trails. (Image ©AP)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxrFxomVdns/YAPctD_yhMI/AAAAAAAACAc/O2mgb1spH60yCyZRfJU8x-0GyXWOEEncACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9261.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxrFxomVdns/YAPctD_yhMI/AAAAAAAACAc/O2mgb1spH60yCyZRfJU8x-0GyXWOEEncACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9261.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><p>Still looking for the lake system we try several tracks, finding car parks on the edge of the river but still no lake. Parts of the forest are flooded, the dark waters reflecting the trees in a mesmerising fashion, like a mystical/magical film setting. Backtracking again we follow another side road and find a large group of fishermen poised to launch their boats. This is Barmah Lake and it's sensational, the river widening, lined with beaches and reed beds, reflecting the clouds from its calm surface. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7nYbw6yzRE/YATrjraxj1I/AAAAAAAACBA/HBkREgXksfgos7S-yStBIOMCyXFOn29_gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Barmah%2BLake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7nYbw6yzRE/YATrjraxj1I/AAAAAAAACBA/HBkREgXksfgos7S-yStBIOMCyXFOn29_gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/Barmah%2BLake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning Barmah Lake. (Image ©AP)</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Following tracks back beside the river we pass named points that are obviously favourite camping spots, a few occupied with campers looking decidedly happy and relaxed. No doubt they'll have the luxury of time to experience the fascinating features of these </span>significant freshwater wetlands, recognised under the international Ramsar convention and home to around 550 plant species, more than 200 species of birds including Superb Parrots, mammals, frogs, native fish, turtles and much more. </p><div><span>Reluctantly we leave the park for our next location at Moama in NSW opposite the historic VIC river port of Echuca. Our choice for the next two nights is a yurt at the eco-friendly Talo Retreat, the glamping section of the large Moama on Murray Resort offering, the Talo Retreat video says, an experience you will never forget. Biking and canoeing are options or just lazing, swinging in a hammock, looking out for parrots and kangaroos. But there's no relaxing for us today as we must be elsewhere and leave as the place fills up with a film crew and two media groups. L</span>uxury glamping facilities are among the future plans for the resort, we're told.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ6J971JaMw/YAUAxGIeniI/AAAAAAAACBY/aNKTgEbfZ1kJRr5MUJnRy4HB1Hdr_D55gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9295.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ6J971JaMw/YAUAxGIeniI/AAAAAAAACBY/aNKTgEbfZ1kJRr5MUJnRy4HB1Hdr_D55gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_9295.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yurt at Talo Retreat. (Image ©AP)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N78QT2SI7fA/YAUL6cW0gqI/AAAAAAAACBw/m4cP6nglDNkQFT658fJtFYccwpswKXDXwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9413.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N78QT2SI7fA/YAUL6cW0gqI/AAAAAAAACBw/m4cP6nglDNkQFT658fJtFYccwpswKXDXwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_9413.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barmah Hotel. (Image ©AP)</td></tr></tbody></table>After a busy couple of days we're due to head north again, but somehow we're drawn back to the Barmah National Park and happily there's a vacancy for one more night at Cockatoo cabin! I'm not sure why I feel so elated but we'll have another opportunity to enjoy the great bacon and egg rolls at the Barmah Post Office/store and it's like going home for a meal again at the Barmah Hotel, experiencing that timeless sense of reality that country Australia has to offer if you can slow down a bit and tune in to the surroundings. It's all so uncomplicated, very simple and very real. <div><br /></div><div>Back on the tracks, driving through the river red gum forest beside the Murray, we again experience the sense of peace and presence and an atmosphere of wellbeing that will definitely not be forgotten.<div><p><i>All words, photos and video © Alison Plummer. </i></p><p>The annual World Wetlands Day on 2 February celebrates extraordinary places like this. <a href="(https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2245">https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2245</a></p><p>Up close: <a href="http://www.kingfishercruises.com.au">http://www.kingfishercruises.com.au</a></p></div></div>Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-36300631259934736932021-01-13T11:07:00.024+11:002021-01-17T14:20:25.826+11:00Hairy clairy and Christmas bush put on a spectacular show in Wollombi NSW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjs-RpZnCuc/X_4zry2ZVUI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/BiAN9kOnjhwi0SWC59TswcxWzgJdRblEwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9552.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Christmas bush. © Alison Plummer" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjs-RpZnCuc/X_4zry2ZVUI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/BiAN9kOnjhwi0SWC59TswcxWzgJdRblEwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_9552.JPG" title="Christmas bush. © Alison Plummer" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angophora and Christmas bush. ©AP</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Spring has been beautiful at our place in Wollombi NSW and we've spent time documenting plants here and in the neighbourhood, continuing our ongoing study begun in the year 2000. In all that time we haven't seen flannel flowers as prolific as they have been this year or Christmas bush (<i>Ceratopetalum gummiferum</i>) which has been extraordinary with red trees dotting the landscape around the ridges and cliffs. We have <i>clerodendrum tomentosum, </i> too, covered in creamy white blossom followed by green berries surrounded by red – the berries turn black in yet another photogenic colour combination. The leaves are hairy underneath and the common name is hairy clairy or hairy lollybush!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5xUNB8i4nM/X_41C4xgTvI/AAAAAAAAB9g/ASyRd74UM4AHqomNdltrEwtkneb6mqy7ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Clerodendrum2_9013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Clerodendrum and scarlet honeyeater. © Alison Plummer" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5xUNB8i4nM/X_41C4xgTvI/AAAAAAAAB9g/ASyRd74UM4AHqomNdltrEwtkneb6mqy7ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Clerodendrum2_9013.jpg" title="Clerodendrum and scarlet honeyeater. © Alison Plummer" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Clerodendrum </i>and scarlet honeyeater, above. <br /><i>Clerodendrum </i>berries, below. ©AP/KPM</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekIIjspVv6g/X_427sigK1I/AAAAAAAAB9w/MnIV6N-zJI0hE99cIJTKgB-08wKCkVuzwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Clerodrendrum.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clerodendrum berries.©Ken Martin" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekIIjspVv6g/X_427sigK1I/AAAAAAAAB9w/MnIV6N-zJI0hE99cIJTKgB-08wKCkVuzwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Clerodrendrum.jpg" title="Creodendrum berries.© Ken Martin" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div>Things to do and places to stay in Wollombi/Laguna: <a href="http://visitwollombi.com.au">http://visitwollombi.com.au</a></div>Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-5978726142397668372020-10-05T09:35:00.000+11:002020-10-05T09:35:08.469+11:00Sandstone springwatch – flannel flowers.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jed6_B06z1w/X3pMryflQmI/AAAAAAAAB8g/RYAuXrUS5TcdUh7YcLTaj5gEF1o8_jXSgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/Flannel%2BFlowers%2B01.png" title="Flannel flowers ©AP" width="400" /></div></div><p> Flannel flowers on our hillside, NSW 2020. ©</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-51466767780649440402020-08-11T15:31:00.001+10:002020-08-30T21:02:16.237+10:00Sandstone springwatch 2020, Wollombi Valley<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Patersonia sericea</i><i>. </i>©AP</td></tr>
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People often ask about our place in the Australian bush in the Wollombi Valley. In contrast to my beloved English cottage garden, this wide treescape with its soaring sandstone ridges and deep valleys is a little harder to explain, especially when I talk about the plants.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandstone cliffs, our place. ©AP</td></tr>
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While the wider view is fabulous, hidden here in the woods are treasures that are often hard to spot. I've been cataloguing the native plants and wildlife here since we came in the 1990s, always particularly excited about orchids and the beautiful carpets of <i>Patersonia</i> (flag irises) that appear in spring. I have a ton of reference books, but some of the plants come in many varieties ... !<br />
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The irises like certain parts of the property and knowing if they are flowering takes a little guesswork – they like a warm sunny morning so it's not hard to harness the energy and take off for the 30-minute walk around the ridge to see if they are flowering. I thought the anomalies between one area and another were solely the shade or the soil, then I realised there were two varieties. The first to show is <i>Patersonia glabrata,</i> usually standing shoulder-to-shoulder on tufted stems, but razed to the ground by a very hot fire (aided and abetted by the dropping of incendiaries!) three years ago this spring. While the ground is still barren, the irises have re-appeared and I hope will thicken out to cover the hillside as before. This is the first of the 2020 season - a little early? They are on a very sheltered, north-facing sandy slope. I don't think it is <i>Patersonia fragilis</i> as that's rare.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Patersonia glabrata, </i>Leafy Purple Flag. ©AP</td></tr>
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The top block is flat and the irises bloom later there. On closer inspection in other years I found that they are a different type, <i>patersonia sericea. </i>These aren't out yet, but hopefully soon. Note the tufted stem:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Patersonia sericea. </i>Photo:<i> </i>October 2016.<i> </i>©AP</td></tr>
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Meanwhile I've seen tiny <i>Pterostylis – </i>greenhood orchids again for the first time since our fire. Over the years I've seen several different varieties and they are notoriously similar so difficult to pin down. As a friend said, they resemble little triffids and it's hard to think of them as orchids. These have little 'waists' and are green and white.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pterostylis,</i> Greenhoods, July 2020. ©AP</td></tr>
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Next to erupt throughout the bush has been the<i> Hardenbergia </i>vine, a vivid purple people pleaser, seen here blooming over a burnt area that's still struggling to recover even after three years.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hardenbergia. ©AP</td></tr>
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There are more plants in bud and the birds are gathering. So thrilled to have seen the white goshawk again today for the first time for years! Also spied this Wonga vine, <i>Pandorea pandorana</i>:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pandorea pandorana</i>, Wonga vine. August 2020. ©AP</td></tr>
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<br />Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-42919412312801049552020-08-06T13:48:00.001+10:002020-08-10T12:05:19.366+10:00Revving up for 'The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire' at QAGOMA. <b>Brisbane Gallery of Modern Art</b><br />
<b>28 November-26 April, 2021</b><br />
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Featuring over 100 motorcycles from treasures of the past to the electric bikes of the future, this summer exhibition is world exclusive curated by US-based design curator/physicist Professor Charles M. Falco and writer/filmmaker Ultan Guilfoyle in collaboration with Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Indian Scout Streamliner 1920. Courtesy Clyde Crouch Collection.<br />
Photograph: Robert Laprelle.</td></tr>
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The exhibition explores pioneering motorcycles including the steam-powered 1870 Perreaux Vélocipède à vapeur, on loan from Paris, classic commuters, off-road bikes, custom creations and futuristic designs such as the Savic C-Series Alpha 2020 release from Australian Dennis Savic.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Savic 2020. Courtesy Savic Motorcycles.<br />
Photograph: Jason Lau.</td></tr>
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QAGOMA Director Chris Saines says, ‘The Motorcycle’ offers multiple interactive experiences for visitors of all ages and it includes a green screen motorcycle riding experience, a motorcycle design studio where you can build and customise your own virtual bike and a mobile companion site to help you navigate 150 years of motorcycle design history and learn the stories behind each of the bikes on display.'<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harley-Davidson Chopper c. 1973 (engine 1941). Private collection, Mackay.<br />
Photograph: Andrew Beavis.</td></tr>
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Highlights will include:<br />
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A rare 1906 Spencer, one of the very earliest Australian motorcycles designed and manufactured in Auchenflower, Brisbane;<br />
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A 1920 Indian Scout “Munro Special” created by the legendary NZ rider Burt Munro;<br />
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A 1927 Harley-Davidson FHA 8-valve speedway racer with sidecar;<br />
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The 1951 Vincent Black Lightning that set an Australian land speed record in its day and more recently a world record for the highest price paid at auction for a motorcycle;<br />
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Impressive speed machines such as a 1916 Indian 8-valve board track racer, a 1974 Ducati 750SS and a 1994 Britten V1000, created by New Zealand design engineer, John Britten;<br />
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The 2016 Dakar winning KTM Rally 450 motorcycle ridden by celebrated Australian motorsport champion Toby Price;<br />
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Accompanying the exhibition is a major film program screening in the Gallery’s Australian Cinémathèque that includes classics such as The Great Escape 1963 starring Steve McQueen and contemporary interpretations of motorcycle culture captured in films such as Akira 1988, The Motorcycle Diaries 2004 and Finke: There and Back 2018.<br />
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‘The Motorcycle’ is accompanied by a hardcover 320 page book co-published with Phaidon. Celebrating the history and future of the motorcycle, the book includes images of the motorcycles featured in the exhibition and essays from the exhibition co-curators. Purchase at GOMA store or online at qagoma.store.<br />
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Tickets to 'The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire' are now on sale at<br />
<a href="http://qagoma.qld.gov.au/motorcycle">qagoma.qld.gov.au/motorcycle</a><br />
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'The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire' is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It's Live! in Queensland events calendar.<br />
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<i>Source: QAGOMA media news release.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vespa GS150 1960. Courtesy Vespa House and Frank Tonon. <br />
Photograph: Anne -Marie de Boni.</td></tr>
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<i><br /></i>Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-56984478037304417432020-07-26T20:33:00.003+10:002020-07-29T10:54:47.878+10:00Janet Luxton Online Exhibition, Paintings & Works on Paper, Australian Galleries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo 2019 by Janet Luxton ©<br />
Oil on Belgian linen, 120cm x 175cm</td></tr>
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One of my favourite artists is Janet Luxton and I'm excited to see her current online exhibition with Australian Galleries. I often look at Janet's art and love her animals, cockatoos and other birds, not to mention the detail of works such as these lobsters.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobsters 2004 by Janet Luxton©<br />
Etching and aquatint, 59.5cm x 85cm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fat-Tailed Dunnart – Under Siege 2020 by Janet Luxton ©<br />
Oil on Belgian linen, 150cm x 115cm</td></tr>
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Janet studied painting at the San Fransisco Art Institute with photorealist artist Richard McLean and studied etching and other printmaking techniques with Arik Kilemnick at the Jerusalem Print Workshop in Israel.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeni Cami, Istanbul, by Janet Luxton ©<br />
Etching and aquatint, 30cm x 30cm</td></tr>
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See the online exhibition here: </div>
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<a href="http://australiangalleries.com.au/exhibitions/paintings-works-on-paper/">http://australiangalleries.com.au/exhibitions/paintings-works-on-paper/</a><br />
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Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-25221052039373605752020-07-06T10:36:00.000+10:002020-07-06T16:09:15.796+10:00Million Stars Hotel - Forget Counting SheepHow uplifting! These inspiring images just came through on a release from Switzerland Tourism and I'm in love! Not a great fan of skiing, I get my mountain fixes in the summer and these places look like they tick the boxes. If only I could go now ...!<br />
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Summer in Switzerland and reopening borders mean some lucky souls can stay in 50 rooms around the country in amazing locations with uninterrupted sky views! Named the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Chttps://www.myswitzerland.com/en-au/accommodations/hotels/million-stars-hotel/%3E">Million Stars Hotel</a>, locations feature views of the mountains, lakes, rivers, the countryside or cities with accommodation in the likes of gondolas, bubble tents, pods, tree tents, huts, exposed beds, rooftops and more.<br />
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Chosen by Switzerland Tourism for their characteristics and exceptional locales, 33 of these “rooms” are situated along the 'Grand Tour of Switzerland'. “Forget about counting sheep,” says Martin Nydegger, CEO of Switzerland Tourism. “During the Swiss summers, people can now enjoy counting stars from the comfort of these cosy rooms instead. This is relaxation at its purest!”<br />
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Available from now until end October 2020, the Million Stars Hotel will be open for booking again in summer 2021. Price guide between CFH80 - CHF800 (AUD122-1233), see <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Chttps://www.myswitzerland.com/en-au/accommodations/hotels/million-stars-hotel/%3E%20.">Bookings</a>.<br />
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<i>Source: Press release.</i>Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-34491071204031984522020-06-08T09:16:00.001+10:002020-07-27T11:25:39.001+10:00But first into the blue, Pearl Beach NSW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just glorious. Sunset foreshore walk from Pearl Beach enjoying the fascinating rock pool formations as well as the views to Lion Island (left) and Palm Beach.<br />
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Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-17313006597600066182020-06-07T08:20:00.003+10:002020-07-27T12:12:36.128+10:00Into the green, Hunter Valley NSW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just the place to soothe the mind, feed the soul. Ready for the next chapter ... writing about our beautiful Wollombi Valley and beyond. So many stories ...<br />
<br />Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-60060796652724168522020-03-25T14:03:00.001+11:002020-03-25T14:32:15.184+11:00Virtual Indulgence: Nine places to visit in Austria without leaving home<table bgcolor="#efefef" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: #efefef; caret-color: rgb(50, 50, 50); color: #323232; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #323232;">View a streaming of a Vienna State Opera performance, visit</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">the Belvedere Galleries, famous for the works of Gustav Klimt</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">and dip into Lake Wörthersee. Or take an Austrian cooking </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">class, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">all thanks to Austrian National Tourism. Start </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">your journey </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">below and see more </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(50, 50, 50);"><span style="font-size: x-small;">through the</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">portal at</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.austria.info/en">www.austria.info/en</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Source: Austrian National Tourism ©</i></span></div>
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<tr><td align="left" class="font18" style="color: #323232; font-size: 20px; line-height: 30px;" valign="middle">9 Places You Can Visit Virtually...<br />
#1 Schönbrunn Palace</td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" style="color: #323232; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Take a virtual stroll through the imperial family </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">dining </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">room of Emperor Franz Joseph and his </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">wife, continue </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">to the breakfast chamber before </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">getting to the Yellow </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Salon – furnished in </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">neo-Rococo style – and on to t</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">he magnificent </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mirrors Room. </span></td></tr>
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Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-76105542330761448382020-03-20T08:24:00.000+11:002020-03-20T08:26:36.531+11:00National Photograhic Portrait Prize winner 2020 The mahi-mahi by Rob Palmer<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 16px;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The mahi-mahi 2019 </i>by Rob Palmer.©</td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Rob Palmer’s </span>portrait of Sydney whole-fish chef Josh Niland is the winner of the 2020 National Photographic Portrait Prize (the NPPP). </div>
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Titled <i>The mahi-mahi</i> 2019, the winning image captures the renowned restauranteur deftly handling a dolphinfish. Palmer, a professional lifestyle and food photographer based in Sydney, describes his subject as a trailblazer. “Josh is reinventing what can be done with fish and – most importantly – with every part of the fish, in a huge effort to drastically reduce wastage,” Palmer said. </div>
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Winner of the 2020 NPPP Highly Commended prize was awarded to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hugh Stewart</span> for his portrait of 105-year-old dancer Eileen Kramer. Judges noted, “<i>Eileen Kramer is a dancer</i> held on to us. The colours and her gesture made us feel the warmth of the sitter’s presence even though her eyes are closed.” </div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">NPG Director Karen Quinlan AM</span> describes the NPPP as, “one of our most popular exhibitions, offering equal billing for amateur and professional photographers. This year we see works of astounding quality and breadth from across the nation – many pushing the boundaries of photographic portraiture, and each reflecting quintessentially Australian stories.”</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Jason McLean, Director – Canon Imaging & Services, Canon Australia</span>: “The NPPP is an opportunity for every Australian to celebrate excellence in the purist elements of photography – the portrait and the print. I am thrilled to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Rob Palmer, Hugh Stewart, and the 46 finalists for their achievements, and hope this collection of portraits inspires Australians to pick up their camera to capture and print moments that matter to them.”</div>
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The announcement of the 2020 NPPP winners comes a week after the NPG announced Anthea da Silva’s portrait of Australian contemporary dance pioneer Dr Elizabeth Cameron Dalman OAM as the inaugural winner of the <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://email.wordfly.com/click?sid=NjgxXzQwODlfNDI0Nl82OTY3&l=17b84a58-f364-ea11-bf4f-e41f1345a486&utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NPPP2020winnermediarelease&utm_content=version_A&promo=862" style="color: #a30006; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Darling Portrait Prize</a></span>. Both exhibitions are currently on display at the NPG. </div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Tickets are on sale at </span><b><a href="http://email.wordfly.com/click?sid=NjgxXzQwODlfNDI0Nl82OTY3&l=93064b7b-cf64-ea11-bf4f-e41f1345a486&utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NPPP2020winnermediarelease&utm_content=version_A&promo=862" style="color: #a30006; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">portrait.gov.au</a></b><span style="font-weight: bold;"> and include entry to both exhibitions.</span></div>
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<i>Source: Press Release</i></div>
Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-25537865670065443582020-03-05T15:01:00.001+11:002020-03-10T18:06:46.190+11:00Best of Foodie Maitland NSW: Maitland Taste 14/15 March with Chef Adam Liaw, Slow Food Earth Markets, edible gardens, sustainable living.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8qc_a11XhaQ/XmB0q_Wf9tI/AAAAAAAABmg/v6NHiuK4EiA2-p5u1Dpf339iM5TQNM-zQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/TravMedia_Australia_1392687_Medium%2Bresolution-Maitland%2BTaste%2B2019-203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8qc_a11XhaQ/XmB0q_Wf9tI/AAAAAAAABmg/v6NHiuK4EiA2-p5u1Dpf339iM5TQNM-zQCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/TravMedia_Australia_1392687_Medium%2Bresolution-Maitland%2BTaste%2B2019-203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Maitland NSW is one of Australia's oldest heritage regional centres, built on the banks of the Hunter River and with a growing reputation for a food scene including fresh local produce, restaurants, working farms and bakers. Just the place for a foodie weekend.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Maitland Taste (March 14-15, 2020)</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Grow, Create and Taste is the catchphrase for Maitland's foodie weekend, <a href="http://www.maitlandtaste.com.au./">Maitland Taste </a>on March 14 and 15, 2020. </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(101, 101, 101); color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Headlined by celebrity chef Adam Liaw, the weekend includes cooking and gardening demonstrations, street food, local wines, live music and kids' entertainment. The gardening demonstrations are designed to provide insights on growing produce, permaculture, sustainable living and edible gardens. The “Farmers Table” will feature produce sourced from the region. Festival entry is free. </span></div>
<span style="color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(101, 101, 101);">For the full program, visit <a href="http://www.maitlandtaste.com.au./">www.maitlandtaste.com.au. </a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Where? The Levee, Central Maitland, NSW 10am – 4pm.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrity Chef Adam Liaw will headline Maitland Taste March 14-15.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maitland Slow Food Markets (first and third Thursdays of the month)</span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Maitland's </span><a href="https://www.slowfoodhuntervalley.com.au/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e71aa; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Slow Food Earth Market</a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"> is one of just 60 such markets worldwide with freshly picked produce and the chance to meet the people who grow our food and support local growers who work hard to keep our food system “good, clean and fair for all”. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The market operates on the first and third Thursday of each month from 8.30am.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">More in Maitland</span></b></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Get hands-on with a range of foodie experiences. Make sourdough with the iconic family of bakers at the </span><a href="https://historicarnottbakehouse.com.au/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e71aa; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Historic Arnott Bakehouse</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> in Morpeth. Learn about sustainable farming practices that can be applied to apartment balconies, backyards or working farms at </span><a href="https://www.purplepearfarm.com.au/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e71aa; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Purple Pear Farm</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(101, 101, 101); font-size: 15px;">Sample regional ingredients at café/ bar/deli, </span></span></span><a href="http://www.coquun.com.au/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e71aa; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Coquun</a>,<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> enjoy quality Italian with handmade pasta at </span><a href="https://www.fratelliroma.com.au/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e71aa; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Fratelli Roma</a> and visit <span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Melbourne-style wine bar, cocktail lounge and restaurant, </span><a href="https://www.therigby.com.au/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e71aa; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Rigby</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Maitland is home to the </span><a href="https://www.bitterandtwisted.com.au/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e71aa; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bitter & Twisted</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> Boutique Beer Festival in the historic setting of Maitland Gaol each November, but year-round craft beer pubs include </span><a href="https://www.thepourhouse.com.au/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e71aa; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Pourhouse</a><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">, </strong><a href="https://www.theoldvictoria.com.au/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e71aa; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Old Victoria</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> and</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.thewhistler.com.au/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e71aa; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Whistler</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">. Try a local brew by the Morpeth Brewery and Beer Co's at the Commercial Hotel.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Complete a foodie weekend with must-haves: brunch, coffee and sweet treats. </span><a href="http://www.ickystickypatisserie.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e71aa; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Icky Sticky Patisserie</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> offers beautifully handcrafted pastry and cakes; cleanse the soul and the palate at the </span><a href="https://www.organicfeast.com.au/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e71aa; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Organic Feast</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">; or enjoy your eggs with a side of culture at </span><a href="https://mrag.org.au/visit-us/cafe/seraphine-menu/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e71aa; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Seraphine</a> <span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">in the excellent <a href="https://mrag.org.au/">Maitland Regional Art Gallery</a> (MRAG).</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mymaitland.com.au/" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.mymaitland.com.au</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #656565; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span><br />
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<i>Source info: Press Release</i></div>
Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-60905543437833193552020-02-07T13:48:00.000+11:002020-02-08T09:44:40.267+11:00Loving Wollombi and Lake Macquarie NSW 2020I've recently been rendered speechless (in print!!) by politics in general and the bushfires in Australia, particularly those surrounding me in the beautiful, historic Wollombi Valley NSW. How to support our own backyard and businesses affected by the bushfires? Currently my comrades in the ASTW (Australian Society of Travel Writers) are busy reporting from areas including Stanthorpe in the Queensland Granite Belt, the beautiful NSW South Coast, the iconic Blue Mountains and more. I'm on the case in the Hunter Valley/Wollombi and have been further encouraged out of my bushfire-induced apathy by some great updates from nearby Lake Macquarie, the largest coastal salt-water lake in the southern hemisphere (who knew?) with over 30 kms of coastline!<br />
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Wollombi, Hunter Valley NSW</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twine Home Store and Myrtle House (on the left), Wollombi NSW.<br />
Photo: Ken Martin.</td></tr>
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It's raining just now (yay!!) and everything will be open for locals, weekenders and visitors including our cafes, cellar doors on the <a href="https://www.visitwollombi.com.au/hunter-valley-wine-tasting/">Wollombi Wine Trail</a>, the Wollombi Tavern, Laguna's GNTP, Panino Caffe Restaurant and Myrtle House cafe and bookshop. We have the Providore at GNTP, Laguna, for fresh produce, cheeses, oils and yummy things and the lovely Wollombi General Store and cafe for all kinds of things including delicious gelato!! There's divine shopping at Twine Home Store (above) and innovative upcycled jewellery next door at Kes Harper's Studio Gleaned.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B89CYlHImH8/XjzMJ341UuI/AAAAAAAABlc/Pv46rqA09C0SSXyKyscqc2HW3dK6-uzpwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Panino%2BExterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="900" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B89CYlHImH8/XjzMJ341UuI/AAAAAAAABlc/Pv46rqA09C0SSXyKyscqc2HW3dK6-uzpwCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Panino%2BExterior.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noyce Brothers cellar door and Panino Caffe Restaurant, Wollombi NSW. <br />
Photo: Ken Martin.</td></tr>
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Fossick for all manner of collectables and second hand things at The Forge, find art at the Little Yengo gallery (Aboriginal), the Fireshed and others. For a snapshot of fascinating local history duck into St Michael's Church and the Wollombi Endeavour Museum. 'Our' wildlife includes kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, glossy black cockatoos, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, gang-gangs, our celebrity <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-30/lyrebirds-band-together-to-avoid-approaching-bushfire/11910666?fbclid=IwAR01QYLuxmbAYg34pTn56u4IRuj3iAFZEJChOQq8AAndoOBZ8n8dZ3nLOQg">lyrebirds</a>, king parrots, eagles, tiny wrens, yellow robins, honeyeaters and heaps more. Wildlife angels are currently hard at work with feed and water stations in the burnt areas of Wollemi and Yengo national parks and in my neighbouring Corrabare Forest.<br />
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Book a Valentine weekend away in the Wollombi Valley in accommodation including 5-star indulgence and cosy cottages and cabins to explore this special place!<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.visitwollombi.com.au/">https://www.visitwollombi.com.au</a></b><br />
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The Hunter Valley region is famous for its vineyards and wine, but we have coastline, too. The City of Lake Macquarie is a government region within the Hunter and part of the Greater Newcastle area. So 'Lake Mac' is our neighbour for a taste of coast and country.<br />
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Lake Macquarie, NSW</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulbah Island. Photo courtesy of Lake Macquarie Tourism.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; text-align: center;">20 reasons to Love the Lake!</span></h3>
1. Lake Macquarie sand islands (swim, explore by boat)<br />
2. Caves Beach (extensive network of sea caves)<br />
3. Speers Point Park (think kids play space, flying fox etc)<br />
4. MACMuseum of Art and Culture (arts, culture, fresh ideas)<br />
5. Gap Creek Falls, Watagan Mountains (hidden in rainforest)<br />
6. Belmont Baths (lagre netted swimming area)<br />
7. Creative LAKE (sculpture trail)<br />
8. Redhead Beach (red, rocky headland, iconic shark tower, Cargo Espresso Bar)<br />
9. Float Your Boat (June, when the boats light up!)<br />
10. Warners Bay (9km Foreshore Shared Pathway)<br />
11. Catherine Hill Bay (historic mining town, wreck diving , surfing)<br />
12. JetBuzz (jet boating)<br />
13. Dora Creek (kayaking, picnics)<br />
14. Skydiving (Newcastle's beach skydive)<br />
15. Blacksmiths Beach(sheltered swimming beach)<br />
16. Glenrock State Forest (beach, bushwalking, skydiving)<br />
17. Fernleigh Track (<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">restored heritage railway corridor for walking cycling)</span><br />
.18. Matt Hall Racing (aerobatic joyflights)<br />
19. Pulbah Island (only accessible by boat, bushwalking tracks, picnics)<br />
20. Rathmines Aviation Heritage (Catalina seaplane heritage)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMajcFNiqd8/XjzBkag1StI/AAAAAAAABlE/xiLjy6EUfX0urKVPwuYs3YfJy8gvarmJgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Lake%2BMacquarie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMajcFNiqd8/XjzBkag1StI/AAAAAAAABlE/xiLjy6EUfX0urKVPwuYs3YfJy8gvarmJgCEwYBhgL/s400/Lake%2BMacquarie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above and beyond! Phtoto courtesy of Lake Macquarie Tourism.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.visitlakemac.com.au/">http://www.visitlakemac.com.au</a> </h4>
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<i style="font-weight: normal;">Lake Mac Source: Press updates.</i></h4>
Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-80077797464193440232019-10-15T19:44:00.002+11:002019-10-15T20:33:08.652+11:00Dora Marr Retrospective at the Tate Modern <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1b2733; font-family: "atlasgrotesk" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; white-space: nowrap;">Dora Marr. Untitled (Hand-Shell) 1934. <br />Photograph, gelatin silver print on paper 401x 289 mm</span><br />
<span style="color: #1b2733; font-family: "atlasgrotesk" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; white-space: nowrap;">Centre Pompidou, Musee national d'art moderne, Paris. Photo © Centre Pompidou, </span><br />
<span style="color: #1b2733; font-family: "atlasgrotesk" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; white-space: nowrap;">MNAM-CCI, Dist. <br />RMN-Grand Palais/image Centre Pompidou, <br />MNAM-CCI. © ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2019.</span></td></tr>
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So many exciting and enthralling exhibitions on for autumn and winter in the UK. DORA MARR runs from 20 November 2019 to 15 March 2020 at the <a href="http://tate.org.uk/">Tate Modern</a>, London. Dora Marr's works became 'celebrated icons of surrealism' and the 200 works on show will span six decades and include social documentary photographs, commissions and paintings. Growing up between Argentina and Paris, she studied art before switching to photography. <i>(Source: Tate Modern</i>.)<br />
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Other exhibitions include Tim Walker: Wonderful Things at the V&A, London, Gaugin portraits at the National Gallery, London, and Vivian Suter at the Tate Liverpool, Liverpool. October is Charles Renee Mackintosh month in Glasgow, celebrating the architecture, design and arts and crafts of the great man.<br />
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See <a href="https://www.visitbritain.com/gb/en">Visit Britain's</a> list of major exhibitions around the UK for autumn and winter, <a href="https://www.visitbritain.com/gb/en/new-exhibitions-see-autumn-and-winter">here</a>.<br />
<br />Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-84969187135002690762019-10-15T18:14:00.003+11:002019-10-15T18:22:17.134+11:00Autumn in London and Paris <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSd3SjiyEn8/XaVGr8NaHhI/AAAAAAAABjs/Kwpb_wJU1jUXaABu2fZQJoxQHSffCTF5QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSd3SjiyEn8/XaVGr8NaHhI/AAAAAAAABjs/Kwpb_wJU1jUXaABu2fZQJoxQHSffCTF5QCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_4864.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Oak tree in London's Richmond Park. Photo ©Alison Plummer</span></td></tr>
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Autumn in the UK is a beautiful time of year for travelling, especially if you have the chance to appreciate the woodlands, which you can even do in London. <a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park">Richmond Park</a> is the largest London park, created by King Charles I as a deer park. There are still plenty of deer about today and it's a special conservation area. The oak trees are really beautiful. According to the <a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/english-oak/">Woodland Trus</a>t, oak forests support more life than any other types of native forest – hosting insects, birds and bats and supplying acorns for deer, squirrels and badgers. In autumn the leaf mould is home to bells and fungi.<br />
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I also have a hankering for Paris at this time of year – today inspired by news from the five star luxury <a href="https://www.hotel-esprit-saint-germain.com/en">Hotel Esprit Saint Germain </a>on the Left Bank. Tempting offers include five-night packages to enjoy for autumn, the festive season and beyond!<br />
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<br />Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198096675993517186.post-74278705285527408562019-08-06T09:43:00.005+10:002022-11-27T10:58:46.046+11:00The Church that would not Die, St Michael the Archangel, Wollombi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book cover image photographed by Ken Martin.</td></tr>
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Launched in Sydney last Tuesday and in Wollombi, NSW on Saturday, <i>The Church that would not Die, St Michael the Archangel, Wollombi </i>is a book about a tiny church with a turbulent past. Flooded many times with the water going over the top of the church in 1893, the church was moved stone by stone by the people of the village and re-built on higher ground. It was damaged in the Newcastle earthquake and then put up for auction on the same day as St Patrick's, Nulkaba. The village went into full defence mode – and the outcome was that the church became the property of a group with Trustees and a committee to oversee day-to-day matters, the Friends of St Michaels.<br />
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The church was still a church but it required huge efforts with fundraising for upkeep and restoration ... at one point a dynamited wall led to the discovery of stencilling on the interior walls, which then required restoration. I'm still investigating the provenance of the intriguing stained glass window of St Michael – the likely makers have been narrowed down to a few. I'm on the case. The idea for the beautiful modern leadlight windows by glass artist Margaret Ella was the brainchild of St Michael's treasurer, Mrs Mary Fortey.<br />
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Like the church itself, the book is the sum of the involvement of many people. Drawing on a heritage architect paper by James Phillip of Weir Phillips Heritage Architects and research into the auction years by Gael Winnick, I tell stories of those involved with the addition of early chapters regarding the arrival in Sydney of the first Catholics and Bishop Polding who laid St Michael's first foundation stone in 1840. The 'mapping' of emerging Wollombi and the incredible engineering feat of the convict-built Great North Road are also included. Also proud to have handled production and publishing, including design with my company True Blue Cockatoo.<br />
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RRP $39.95 (+p&p), published by the ACU, Sydney, the book will be available to buy in Wollombi via St Michael's Church or contact me, info@bluecockatoo.com.au for sales enquiries (proceeds to St Michael's).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book launch, <a href="http://www.graysinnwollombi.com.au/">Grays Inn </a>Garden at <a href="https://www.noycebros.com.au/">Noyce Bothers Wine</a>, Wollombi.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grays Inna nd Noyce Brothers' cellar door, <a href="https://www.paninorestaurant.com.au/">Panino Caffe,</a> (Now Tabu!), Wollombi Village, NSW.</td></tr>
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<br />Blue Cockatoo Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07810122239408323166noreply@blogger.com0