To Graz,to Graz

Footprints in the sand

Yesterday was wet wet wet. Today the sun shines between showers and this gentleman was carfefully brushing away every last pine needle.I was sorry to have to leave footprints in his perfect sand as I walked by.

Tomorrow I set off for Slovenia. First stop Graz: twelve train hours away.

Nespresso

Wonderful what you can do if you have a quid. Launch a 'luxury'coffee brand complete with special coffee machines that 'extract' the coffee from little dinky aluminium one-cup containers. Nespresso coffee from Nestles. The machines (there are lots of options) are sold through upmarket specialty shops which have tables at the back where you can have a tasting (ie a free cup of coffee). No milk though or the shop would have to register as a cafe. Instant espresso coffee!

(Ahhhh... Modaks. How far away you are.)

Klövensteenweg, Hobökentwiete

Klövensteenweg, Hobökentwiete …. yes I am back in my second Heimat. The names are remnants of the German once spoken in the flatlands to the north and east.The houses here are aesthetically pleasing and I am reminded of Paul Keating and his view that architecture is important. Beautiful surroundings do affect the psyche. How unfortunate that Keating's is a minority view in Australia.

The big old brick houses here often house several apartments. Between them are newer Scandinavian wooden houses ....

.... and some with glass fronts which keep out the winter cold but let in the light. Tall oaks and chestnut trees line the streets.

The Train From Frankfurt Airport

A Frankfurt landing

"... hat sich beschwert!"
"Echt? (Really?)"
These were the first words I heard in Germany, an overheard conversation between two women walking along the corridor from the Frankfurt airport to the railway station beneath it.
Sich beschweren has several meanings, among them to attach blame or to complain about something.

How very German, I thought to myself. But it was thought with a smile as I love being in Germany. It had taken me only 20 minutes to get through all the airport formalities despite long queues.

Yes .... Singapore

This can only be in one place in the world ... Yes, correct, Singapore Airport. Orchids, carp in ponds and carpet that blots out the noise.

I have been through Singapore Airport so many times, but have only just discovered you can take a shower there. I have a 9 hour stopover this trip so I booked into a day room at Terminal 2. It is a comfy wee room, the only difference to a proper hotel room being the lack of external windows. When you turn off the light it is pitch black. The shower is pure bliss.

Flu season

Little bugs can derail the best laid plans ... but I am on the mend in time to leave.

Little bub in Sydney

The little Sydney bubby who was one year old on 9th August. She was supervising my packing.

A moving stone ....

My bags are packed (again) for a flight to Frankfurt on Sunday. Under Frankfurt Airport is a main line train station and it usually seems to take only 15 minutes to get through customs and onto the platform. Sydney could learn a thing or two about speedy processing.

Cupcakes

Cup cakes for bub's first birthday celebrations. Can she be one already? Have I been here in Sydney nearly a year?

Leopard violin

I have put my series of 12 violin wall plaques online at artsmitten.com

Orchestra

The conductor ...
The bass player...
The cellist ....

and the rest of the orchestra.

Glazed figures waiting to be fired.

Pretty bug

On a recent visit to Port Kembla I saw the prettiest bug. Does anyone know what it is?

Dad and Grandpa

... probably taken about 1938 I would guess. I wonder why they look so gloomy? Are three beautiful trout not enough?