Bridge over the River Drava

This sketch of the bridge over the River Drava at Maribor was drawn from the Vinotek on the riverbank.

The bridge over the river Drava at Maribor

One thing about drawing is that you can select the bits that inspire and leave out those that don't, like the new but unmemorable building in pale blues and greens next to the bridge. A local woman who lives in a house on the river bank told me the people from Maribor are angry that old buildings are being destroyed and replaced with buildings like this one which was, she said, designed by a 'famous' architect.

The view - with new bluish building

New Art Gallery for Maribor

If you are interested in architecture, have a look at the website that shows the competition results and various options offered by architects for the new Art Gallery to be built in Maribor. Some are less inspiring!

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.