This past week I spent at a medical conference in Hobart, Tasmania. Needless to say, we didn't get much time to play but what little I was able to take in of Hobart, I loved! It is a seaside town, which are always my favorite. There is also a river running through it, a big one. The story of Hobart is an interesting one and I was lucky enough to visit the local museum and a few antique shops in town. Unluckily, I didn't make it to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) which is said to be spectacular. Next time... next time. I do hope to return to see more of this oversized island. Hobart itself is charming, full of art, amazing fresh food-including great coffee, music, and local characters. I must say that a local Hobart accent is almost as tough to decipher as a Northern Queenslander and I'm quite fluent now in Australian, even Kiwi.
I was able to spend a couple of hours wandering through the Salamanca Saturday Market. I only wished I was heading home so I could purchase more gifts and fresh honey. Instead I'm on my way to Singapore so only limited shopping was in the cards. The food, people watching, and chance to listen to local buskers made it well worthwhile.
One night we went to dinner at Maldini's in Salamanca. Yum! If you are in Hobart and hankering for some good Italian, give it a go. In fact, that evening as we were headed to eat, we ran into a free concert being played. The setting was the back wall of Salamanca Courtyard, actually the stone of the cliff behind the square and spirits were high! It was the end of a sunny summer day and everyone was enjoying the evening. See the pictures below. Click on images to see them in full detail.
I was able to spend a couple of hours wandering through the Salamanca Saturday Market. I only wished I was heading home so I could purchase more gifts and fresh honey. Instead I'm on my way to Singapore so only limited shopping was in the cards. The food, people watching, and chance to listen to local buskers made it well worthwhile.
One night we went to dinner at Maldini's in Salamanca. Yum! If you are in Hobart and hankering for some good Italian, give it a go. In fact, that evening as we were headed to eat, we ran into a free concert being played. The setting was the back wall of Salamanca Courtyard, actually the stone of the cliff behind the square and spirits were high! It was the end of a sunny summer day and everyone was enjoying the evening. See the pictures below. Click on images to see them in full detail.
Did you know that Hobart's ports are one of the main "jump off" points to Antartica? It is really, really far south. I have a strong feeling that I wouldn't like Hobart or Tasmania as much in the winter. However, the few days we were there, the sun was out and the smiles were big. People were lazing about in city parks and eating fish and chips along the docks. Since Tasmania is well within the "roaring 40's" the wind never stopped blowing. For the non-sailor types out there, the 40's refer to the latitude and the roaring refers to the wind. The Sydney to Hobart yacht race is legendary for good reason! The winds alone would make it quite exciting, not to mention the size of waves that are built by consistent strong winds.
The history of Tasmania is a seafaring one and it is evident every where. The air smells of the sea and the brisk wind makes one dream of the hardy souls that populated such places. While still in Portland, OR we were lucky enough to attend an amazing night at the Portland Storytellers Theatre. The reason I bring it up is that the story told that night by Howard himself was of Mawson and the ill fated Antarctic journey that he made. The expedition was ravaged by bad luck and Mawson was lucky to live through the ordeal. There is a monument to this man and the others brave enough to venture towards the land of penguins and ice.
The history of Tasmania is a seafaring one and it is evident every where. The air smells of the sea and the brisk wind makes one dream of the hardy souls that populated such places. While still in Portland, OR we were lucky enough to attend an amazing night at the Portland Storytellers Theatre. The reason I bring it up is that the story told that night by Howard himself was of Mawson and the ill fated Antarctic journey that he made. The expedition was ravaged by bad luck and Mawson was lucky to live through the ordeal. There is a monument to this man and the others brave enough to venture towards the land of penguins and ice.
On one of my short outings to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air I traveled up the "Kelly Stairs." The little neighborhood at the top was absolutely delightful! The pictures above are some of the sweet cottages and in particular their welcoming entries. I felt like I had stumbled back in time, possibly across to the UK somewhere...
My last dinner in Hobart was amazing! Fresh shucked oysters and mussels in white wine, garlic, and butter sauce. All topped off with a nice glass of local Sauvignon Blanc and a view of the docks. The seafood in Hobart was spectacular and the wines are excellent. The overall quality of food in Tasmania is stunning. In fact, I will miss the freshness and quality of Australian produce and meats when we head off to the next adventure.
Leaving Tasmania at dawn... off to Singapore for another medical conference! More adventure in store. Stay tuned!
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