The Alcazaba

Aunty Selma and I went to the old Moorish ruins.

Underneath these Moorish ruins was an old Roman theatre. Apparently Antonio Bandares used to perform there when it was used recently for plays. Selma was definitely excited.
The ruins were amazing...

But tiring to climb.

From halfway up, we could see the Plaza de Toros.


Cool and calming.

Death of a bull

I went to my first bullfight!

Selma and I were walking by the bullfighting arena when we noticed that a fight was about to begin.

We couldn't not go!

Inside, we were immediately treated to the pomp and ceremony of the event.

The band played and the matadors and their followers marched in.

After the bull had been softened up, the star matador took centre stage.

It was like a slow but precise dance.
As the climax approached, the band began to play again ... building the drama and the suspense.
But eventually, the it was time for the bull to die.The bullfight was definitely one of the most amazing things I have ever seen in my life.

The grace and poise of the matador, the thrill of the event and the death of the bull...

Was it a barbaric thing? Possibly...

But it was also a beautiful thing to watch.

Costa del Sol

I went to Malaga!

My Aunt Selma randomly messaged me telling me to go and visit her in Spain....

Why not I thought.

I jumped on a flight and I before I knew it I was out of the London cold and in the middle of the Andalucian heat.

It was still early in the morning so I caved to my inner tourist and went for churros and chocolate.
God it was tasty.

Tapas would follow later in the day with Aunt Selma.
But the first thing we did was go to church!!!!
Being a Sunday, we managed to walk into the main cathederal in Malaga as the service was beginning.
So I was able to attend Mass and take Holy Communion.... in Malaga....

Rule Britannia

I'm in London!!!!

I can completely understand why they call this city the capital of the world.

It's fast, it's hectic and it's full of energy.

I arrived after my long haul flight tired and jet-lagged. However, it was great to see Maya again.

I went to sleep early, but I was up and about immediately the next day!

And where else was I going to go!?!?!?
It's taken me years to get here!!

But finally, I was at the Tate Modern!!!!!!
Inside the main hall, was a new exhibit by the artist Doris Salcedo. 'The Crack'. A installation that ran the full length of the famed Turbine Hall.

Completely interactive and brilliantly thought out.

On a bleak and cold day, the Tate Modern looks out on the Thames ominously.
The Millenium Walk bridge.

Being inside the Tate Modern was a truly great experience.

It has the reputation for being one of the world's great galleries, and it is deserved.


The exhibits on display are amazing.

Piet Mondrian.
Jackson Pollock.
Andy Warhol.
Pierre Bonnard.
Roy Lichtenstein.

I love the Tate Modern.... which is why I went back again the next day.....

Benjamins!

Hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe.......

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hehehehehehehe.........
....... AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!

Novocastrian

Canberra is done with... it's a strange feeling. Having spent so much of my life there I am now almost completely free of the place.

It leaves me in the position of not really having a home..... again......

So, before I head overseas I thought it would be appropriate to visit my parents.

They happen to be in Newcastle.

Having never been there, I was a bit worried about what I would be faced with.

There wasn't too much to worry about.

The people seem friendly enough and my parents have bought a nice house on the top of the suburb "New Lambton Heights". Apparently the area is quite sought after.

Looking at the views of the surroundings, I can understand why it is so sought after.
Off in the distance is Sugarloaf Mountain.
Novocastrian....

I don't know why, but that adjective just doesn't seem to fit....

I love going to the game

God it's fun going out to watch a game!

Sam and I took the drive up to Sydney to get in a game between the Hawks and the Swans, hoping for a nice day out.

With a beer and a pie to go with a beautifully sunny day, what more could we want?

I'm a Hawk fan, ever since I was five years old. It was good to see Croady run out for this 200th game!!!!
Sam.... unfortunately he's a Swans fan...... still, he seems happy enough.
The game was going badly for the Hawks.... very badly....

I was pretty sure of this when I found that I was getting more entertainment from laughing at what must be the GREATEST MUSTACHE EVER!!!!!!
.... the Hawks were thumped.....
... it doesn't matter... it was still a nice day out.

Looking after pets

Isn't my little pet cute!?!?!?

Oh, the doggy is nice too!

Housesitting for Todd's parents.... Prabs thought she'd come down to visit from up North.

A vet who loves dogs... who would have thought it?

During the time, I got my hands on a hundred dollar bill!!!

First time I'd seen one in about three years......