The first full day was spent getting to know the town, and
stretch muscles in legs, after the long flight. Cairns is a walking town, and absolutely
beautiful. The boardwalk along the shore, the harbor, the vegetation, all were
splendid. I absolutely loved Cairns.
An art gallery introduced me to Australian artist Lloyd
Rees. I saw his work once again in Sydney, at the Art Gallery NSW-beautiful
museum, but I digress, we’re still in Cairns.
I visited a casino, I don’t gamble but for some reason the
stilted movements of the croupiers fascinate me, and it’s interesting to watch
people so absorbed in what they’re doing that nothing seems to penetrate the
intensity of their actions. The building was interesting too, the black dome caught
my eye. The surrounding garden was beautiful, along a central walking path, small monuments dedicated to
the Australian military branches, gave one pause.
Stopped for coffee, weather was perfect, even in winter, Cairns is in the tropics, so temperatures during the
day were in the mid 80’s. It actually felt good to sit for a moment. Saw a man
wearing a Cubs hat and asked him if he was from Chicago. He replied in that
wonderful Aussie accent-I could listen to it forever-that his daughter lived in
Downers Grove, and he was familiar with the area. We chatted for quite a while.
That was the first thing that caught my attention, the
people are so incredibly friendly, polite, and helpful. Even with a map, I’m
directionally challenged-to be honest a map doesn’t help me much at all-but I’m
not afraid to ask for directions, and people went out of their way to help.
The walk along the Esplanade was a delight; a central
shopping, gazing, grazing and anything you want to do route. Along the shore there
is a swimming pool, long and large it’s open year long, and looked positively
enticing. A spectacular view of the shore from the pool, well designed for
optimum pleasure.
Cairns is the perfect central location to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, fishing, surrounding islands, Kuranda, and many other places.
To make it absolutely perfect, there was an open air art
fair in progress, and many galleries filled with Aboriginal art work. I assume
no one comes home without a returning boomerang. Yes I have one, along with
instructions on how to throw it.
More next week.
Cheers,Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
Hearts & Daggers
Hot Crimes Cool Chicks
coming soon Blood Art
www.mjustes.com
2 comments:
There's no way I could just visit a casino. I love slots, and can hardly wait to go back to Lake of the Torches for another round on my next vacation!
Beautiful pics again, Margot! You do a great job!
Morgan Mandel
http://www.morganmandel.com
Thanks Margot for bringing us along on your trip! Your pictures are beautiful...
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