Pink Saturday Salutes Australia

The magnificent Sydney Opera House at sunset. It's not my usual way to begin a Pink Saturday post, but it's one of my favorite pictures from my trip to Australia in 2018. 

This Pink Saturday we're saluting Australia days, just a few days after Australia Day, which is observed on January 26. The entire trip was this photographer's fantasy and it was difficult to choose a few to share for this post. For everyone I chose there were at least a dozen others that I was tempted to include. So let's settle in on this snowy Saturday evening and enjoy a virtual visit to Australia. 

My first flat white coffee of my visit in Melbourne.  

One of my great pleasures in Australia was the coffee. As a coffee fan, I'd hit the jackpot and enjoyed great coffee in every stop of the visit. I learned to love the flat white, which is two shots of espresso, steamed milk and microfoam. It's similar to a latte, but, if I understand the subtleties correctly, has less milk.  

Watching the Australian Open in Federation Square, Melbourne

I had the pleasure of being in Australia during the Australian Open tennis matches and one of my pleasures was enjoying this outdoor public viewing area in the center of Melbourne. It was January in New York and the middle of winter, but in Australia it was the middle of summer. Generally the temperatures don't lend themselves to being outdoors in the afternoon, but I was beyond fortunate in the weather in Melbourne, a very balmy mid-eighties. Melbourne was a wonderful city to visit. It was easy to get around and filled with interesting sights. Another high point of my visit was an afternoon spent with the terrific Little Wandering Wren. What a pleasure to meet a blogger buddy half way around the world. 

Koala Cuddling is the best!

My cuddling with my new friend, Kiki the Koala, was brief -- maybe a minute -- and I'm not sure Kiki was as excited as I was, but it was a definite dream come true. I "met" Kiki in Kuranda, which is in the rainforest area outside of Cairns. I know I've shared this photograph before, but it's always on my top ten list of favorite photographs ever. 

We've got one last celebration coming up for January and that's Buttercup's thirteenth blogaversary. Could Buttercup be a teenager so soon! We'll be celebrating in the next day or two and there will be a giveaway as part of the fun. Please stop by. It won't be a party without you. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and keep warm and cozy.      

S Is for Sydney

Next stop in our A to Z Challenge tour around the world, Sydney, Australia

Please excuse yesterday's hiatus, but I've reached the point in the A to Z where I came to a block in my blogging. It's my norm for the A to Z and I'm pleased that I've been moving along and only came to my blogging block at "S." In an effort to get back on the travel road I've made a sudden itinerary change and flew 10,000 miles from Rome to beautiful Sydney, Australia. We'll return to Europe for "U." 

I loved visiting Sydney in 2018. I didn't think I could love a harbor as much as I do New York, but Sydney was easily as breath-taking. At the risk of being disloyal to New York City, Sydney may have perhaps the most beautiful harbor I've ever seen. The jewel of the Sydney harbor is the magnificent opera house. I've seen many pictures of the Sydney Opera House, but seeing it in person was breathtaking, whether during my tour of the Opera House or at a distance. 

  The Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge at sundown...

...And at night

Inside the Opera House

The Sydney Opera House was begun in 1959 and completed in 1973. The project was originally estimated for four years, but the complexity and the vision of the architecture posed many challenges during the construction. When Queen Elizabeth dedicated it on October 20, 1973 her remarks spoke to these challenges, and she observed, "The human spirit must sometimes take wings or sails, and create something that is not just utilitarian or commonplace."  

In the last while I've been watching a number of video performances and have found some interesting and enjoyable programs. I'm always on the lookout for new venues and was happy to see the programs listed on the Sydney Opera website.What shows have you found that you've especially enjoyed?

I've been closing posts with information about our next destination, but I've got two very different places in mind for tomorrow's "T." We may go 4600 miles to Thailand or we may fly 9800 miles to Turkey. Which would be your  choice?

We had a beautiful spring day in New York today and I enjoyed seeing tulips all over the neighborhood. So grateful for everyone who thoughts ahead last fall. Tomorrow I've got a Zoom get-together with  friends and then catch up with Pink Saturday and go blog visiting.  What are your plans for the day? 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. Much love and wash your hands!