Before the parade passes by

November 16, 2017 / Robert / 8 Comments

Yesterday was momentous. It was the day, at precisely 10:00 am that the head of the Australian Bureau of Statistics began sharing results of the recent marriage equality survey. I was fortunate to be able to share the moment, with work colleagues and friends. We were gathered around an iPhone, intently watching, as it was streamed live by the Australian Broadcasting Company.

A majority of Australians said yes to marriage equality. It’s now up to the politicians, to debate and determine if equality will truly be reflected in the legislation.

Later my husband and I joined friends to participate in the celebrations on the Middle Bar balcony of Kinselas Hotel. Our friend, Meryl anointed me with a glittering rainbow lightening strike. It brought back memories of our excitement of moving to Australia, almost 20 years ago. And of the vibrant and seemingly liberated LGBTIQ community.

In recent years we have increasingly enjoyed the familiarity of our home suburb. Occasionally tasting the declining nightlife, due Sydney’s lock out laws and online dating.

As I stood looking up at the rainbow flag, gently fluttering over the crowd in Taylor Square, a song from Hello Dolly popped into my head. I could not shake that song for the rest of the evening, it was still there this morning.

This rendition is outrageous. Resplendent with marching band, a heavenly chorus and Barbra Streisand belting out the lyrics. It reflects so many moments in my life.

Today is one of them.

When the parade passes by

Cricket and Jacarandas

November 5, 2017 / Robert / 9 Comments

White picket fence and cricketers. The perfect accent to verdant green grass and purple jacarandas.

Regulation and repetition

October 9, 2017 / Robert / 2 Comments

Artificial flowery, powdery and citrusy fragrances reach nostrils, setting sinuses a flutter. ‘Clean’ smells of soaps, deodorants and perfumes from those, en route.

Early morning sunshine dazzles the reluctant traveller, on their way to work. Hazy buildings line the route, neither in shadow or in light.

Fellow passengers gaze, blankly, silently, caught up in their thoughts and phones.

How strange, this world of written and unwritten regulation and repetition.
Photo: Electrical Engineering Building, UNSW

Creamy white

October 7, 2017 / Robert / 1 Comment

A large evergreen shrub greets us, when we open the back door, at home. During Spring, clusters of creamy white flowers burst forth.

As the blooms grow in number, so do the bees, as noted in Humming tree.

The Whitehouse, UNSW

September 30, 2017September 30, 2017 / Robert / 5 Comments

So peaceful, first thing in the morning. Taken around 7:30 am.

Ripening fruit

September 23, 2017 / Robert / 3 Comments

The fruit of a Monstera Deliciosa plant, ripening in the street around the corner from our home.

I find it fascinating that these jungle like plants are grown in pots as house plants in England. While in Sydney they happily climb outside.

A flower can be seen in a previous post.

Tyree Energy Technologies Building

September 16, 2017 / Robert / 1 Comment

Tyree Energy Technologies Building, UNSW

Alighting at a bus stop on Anzac Parade, the Tyree building, on lower campus is the first one I walk past each workday morning. This facade faces the main walkway. Trees and a canopy shield patrons of the Navitas cafe and passersby, on the ground floor.

According to the Engineering website the building has won many architectural awards and

It is home to the Australian Energy Research Institute (AERI), the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy and the School of Petroleum Engineering, providing a space where research, education and industry can collaborate in the development and implementation of sustainable energy technologies. A roof-top area is set up for the testing of photovoltaic arrays, a key component of the research of the facility.

The building was named after Sir William Tyree, a UNSW alumnus, successful innovator, businessman and major philanthropic supporter of Australian engineering and educational research. Sir William generously donated $1 million towards the new center and pledged a further bequest of $10 million.

Relative grandeur

August 20, 2017August 20, 2017 / Robert / 3 Comments

The landlord has let us know they will be increasing the weekly rent by $15. After viewing a daggy* house for rent yesterday, that is $130 cheaper than the current weekly sum, I have renewed appreciation for the relative grandeur of a current dwelling.

The above is tile from the backroom fireplace.

*Daggy – Australian origin.

adj. not stylish, out of fashion, not trendy, not cool, untidy, unclean, not neat.

Friday adventure

August 18, 2017August 19, 2017 / Robert / 1 Comment

After our second visit to the gym this week, I am buzzing, and ready for whatever life throws at me. Rather than checking the TripView app for the time until the next bus arrives, I throw caution to the wind, knowing they run every ten minutes. As I cross the road at the Norton Street pedestrian crossing I see the red bus. I run to catch it. Passengers who are slow to board, delay the departure of the bendy vehicle.

Phew, I end up on a seat with little leg room; at least I’m sitting. My mind gets caught up with work emails and planning for my meeting with the new Director, who starts next Monday.

I realise the bus is not following the regular route. After the driver passes the second turn that would have rectified his mistake I realise I’m on the wrong bus. We are heading north instead of east. I alight to look for a toilet under 201 Elizabeth Street, I’m sure I’ve used one here before! Aiming to make my way to the M10 bus stop on Oxford Street, I’m delighted to see signs to the subterranean Museum Station.

Knowing that a diversion through the station will take me under the busy road I head off on a voyage of discovery, into a network of tunnels, shopping areas and railway platforms.