So we are improving the shining hour by getting out and about while we can. Last week we went on yet another outing. Another treat.
Canberra, my city, is widely regarded as making ditchwater seem positively scintillating by comparison. Arguable, but never mind. So when a festival started last week to illuminate the capital we had to go - despite it being after dark (and after dark is my bed-time).
Some of the Enlighten Canberra events were ticketed and not cheap. We took the freeby option and had a wonderful evening.
The facades of buildings in the Parliamentary Triangle were illuminated. I expected to see them bathed in colour and they were but it went a lot further than that. The displays on the building changed every few minutes, and some of them were animated as well. Music, food stalls and very happy crowds. And pleasant crowds too. Which was a win because I often don't like crowds at all.
Please come with me - and settle in for a looooong ride with a lot of photos. As always photos will embiggen when clicked upon.
We started at the National Library, arriving just before the lights were turned on...
And then the fun started.
Then on to Questacon, our interactive Science museum.
The National Portrait Gallery was our next stop.
And here is a snippet from one of their animated sequences.
From the Portrait Gallery we moved to the High Court - and its fire garden. They apparently featured fire to remind us that it can be beautiful and fun. Given the destruction that fires have caused my city and my country it was a timely nudge.
Nearly finished now. Just two more buildings.
Firstly, the National Gallery, where some of you will remember the Gold and the Incas exhibition is currently showing.
The hanging ball isn't part of the Enlighten program, it is a permanent fixture but I love it. It hangs over the road outside the entrance to the gallery and is a replacement for one I also loved which was smashed in a storm a few years ago.
Final stop now. Old Parliament House.
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| I found this one a bit on the creepy side. |
If you have had the stamina to get this far you will have seen an explosion of light and colour. Enlighten - and Enliven.
We loved it - and will be heading back this coming Friday when there are a couple of new installations being added.
That is amazing! What a display of lights. And using the sides of buildings - clever. Glad you got out to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: It was amazing. And fun - and we were glad we went.
DeleteOh my gosh, how beautiful and playful. The baby one was creepy. How do they do that, with the scenes on the buildings and the animations? You make me wish I lived there, so you did your city proud showing this festival off to the world. Wow!
ReplyDeleteStrayer: The images were projected onto the buildings. Probably on a computerised program. It was incredible though.
DeleteThese buildings are so pretty the way they are decorated or enlightened....love looking at the pics, glad you took them!
ReplyDeleteKim @ Stuff: It was such a treat and I am glad that you enjoyed it. Needless to say there are many, many more photos too.
DeleteWow, I love that, the work that went in, is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Such a lot of work, for ten days display. It was fantastic. It is fantastic - and apparently they are going to do it each year.
DeleteHow gorgeous and unique! I wish I could have been there too - but your pictures and video were a welcome substitute. I'm glad you and SP are getting out and about while you are free to do so - a smart use of waiting-time. I hope you get that surgery date soon.
ReplyDeletejenny_o: The waiting is doing my head in, so these outings have been a more than welcome distraction. And this was just fun. Which I firmly believe there should be more of in life.
DeleteHey, no fair. I've never seen an Inca exhibition, and I live in America. I'm almost surprised that the Spaniards left much to exhibit. Thanks for the photos.
ReplyDeleteSnowbrush: The Spaniards didn't leave a great deal - but an amazing selection of things from pre-Inca cultures has been found in tombs in Peru. The textiles and the ceramics were incredible - and fascinated me a lot more than the gold.
DeleteThis is incredible. I just remarked someplace else on the speed of learning the new world. I'm glad some young whipper snappers devised such a beautiful show, out of light, no less.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: I am grateful that the whipper snippers were allowed to work their magic too.
DeleteI have never seen anything like that. I wish they'd do that here.
ReplyDeleteLisa: Isn't it fun?
DeleteI think I'd quite like Canberra - especially lit up like that. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a date soon for the skinny one's surgery. It must be a nail-biting time for you all. Take care.
Wendy: I do like our city anyway - but the lights added a whole new dimension. I will be going back again to the see more of Enlighten on Friday - and will certainly try and see it next year too.
DeleteWaiting for the surgery is incredibly frustrating. He will ring the hospital again today and give them a nudge.
Canberra is not dull it's confusing I 'm always lost there but you do get some great shows there that we don't always get in Sydney.
ReplyDeleteThe light shows were very good and you are right the last one was creepy.
Merle.........
Merlesworld: I am glad that someone else thought it was creepy. The skinny one looked at me as if I was going bat-shit crazy when I mentioned it.
DeleteAt least in Canberra there are very few interesections where it matters whether you turn left or right - you can correct errors very quickly.
When Melbourne has such projections, it is usually on to old buildings. It works very well on your newer buildings, them being perhaps more like a blank canvas. But some good stuff was done on Old Parliament House.
ReplyDeleteI loved the hanging ball when I saw it last year, but I didn't realise it had lighting.
Andrew: I am not certain whether the hanging ball is lit usually or whether it was reflected light from the displays on the gallery walls. It looked good though didn't it?
DeleteLooks like a fun time in the night with vivid (gigantic) color displays. I've never been to your city but the architecture is lovely.
ReplyDeleteBarb: It was a heap of fun. Canberra is a new city, and some of its architecture has charm - but I think I prefer older styles on the whole.
DeleteI would say that you got your dollars worth! Free is always good but this looks great!
ReplyDeleteBirdie: Free parking too! Though quite some distance away. It was a heap of fun, and I am really glad that I forced my anti-social self to go.
DeleteStunning! Thank you so much.I'm going to send your link to friends abroad.
ReplyDeletedinahmow: Thank you. Let me know if you want some more photos of the magic.
DeleteWhat a fun time, those lights must have been spectacular! Hope you get a date soon.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: The lights were stunning - and I am looking forward to the additions which are going up this weekend.
DeleteThose are so neat! LOVE the pictures. Your city has to be at least mildly interesting, with all of those museums.
ReplyDeleteRiot Kitty: I find plenty here to see and do - but others don't. And we do (sadly) have rather a lot of politicians. But Enlighten Canberra was a heap of fun.
DeleteOh what a treat, quite enough to see without paying for it! I love the map one particularly. Well done for keeping busy but definitely boo, hiss and spit.
ReplyDeleteGillie: One of the paid events did/does tempt me. An evening walk through the Botanic Gardens - also illuminated. It is VERY expensive though - nearly $50 for what looks to be a half hour guided walk. So not a happening thing.
Deletei like to believe that every city can find some charm now and again! this is a wonderful idea! and i agree that the baby doll one was a bit odd! good to see that you're getting out and about!
ReplyDeletedaisyfae: I think our city has quite a lot of charm - mostly understated, but very real.
DeleteAnd the baby doll on top of Old Parliament House? The juxtaposition weirded me out.
Looks like you found some lovely things to see. I liked number 13 the very best!
ReplyDeleteBookie: It was a treat. So many lovely things on display.
DeleteSpectacular! I have never seen anything like that.
ReplyDeletePractical Parsimony: Wasn't it amazing? And it is apparently to become an annual event.
DeleteI enjoyed your photo series. Wishing your family all the best
ReplyDeletewith ALOHA from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
=^..^= <3
Cloudia: I am happy that you enjoyed the evening with me.
DeleteI love the animation clip and the National Gallery with the turquoise and gold and that hanging ball is great. I'd like one of those, but in miniature, to hang beside my solar ball.
ReplyDeleteWe have similar lighting up happenings along our North Terrace, but I don't know when and I've never been to see the lit buildings. I'll try to find out when we do ours.
River: I really liked the National Gallery too. And Questacon. I hope you can get over to North Terrace to see your illuminations.
DeleteWow! Stunning, EC.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you went along, and took us along too. So lovely.
And, I really like the beautiful ball sculpture too.
Melbourne held the second White Night Festival recently, where the city's building were lit up spectacularly.
But, with over 500,000 people crammed in (reportedly) sometimes dangerous bottlenecks to get the best viewing, I'd much rather enjoy beautiful images like yours safely from my chair.
Thanks for the kaleidoscope :)
Vicki: I heard about Melbourne's White Night Festival - but half a million people? No way, no how. I would have given that a miss without a second thought.
DeleteOurs was much more peaceful than that (though I have no idea about numbers) and it was beautiful - and fun.
Yep, over half a million people jostling each other and vying for the best spots. Crazy! Melbourne is getting waaaay too busy. We're thinking of moving in a few years.
DeleteYour photos (and the audio on the mini video) show a peaceful and deliciously surreal night.
That's what I'd prefer. Then, I'd gladly go along.
When is Canberra's balloon festival this year BTW?
Vicki: The balloon festival starts this weekend and runs for a fortnight. Rain, or at least showers are predicted for this weekend, so we will try and look in next week or the week after. Woo Hoo.
DeleteI am sure I heard somewhere the other day that Canberra is the best city to live in and they are certainly living up to that reputation if what you have shown is an example of its excellence. It was wonderful for you both to be able to get out and find such enjoyment. I'm with River about the hanging ball...it is truly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI can feel your anger re the delay in surgery date....the uncertainty must be dreadful for you both. Let' hope it happens sooner than later.
I constantly hear about governments wasting tax payer's dollars and wonder have there been complaints locally about this lighting project. Some folk are never satisfied but I can see that this surely would only promote tourism which would bring in much needed dollars.
Mimsie: I like Canberra - but lots don't. And the Enlighten event was heaps of fun. The hanging ball is there always - and isn't it a charmer?
DeleteWe had some bad news on the surgery front this afternoon. It will 'almost certainly' be done by December. And we were given a further number to call - and of course they weren't available and haven't got back to us. Sigh.
For a change, I haven't seen any complaints about the cost of the Enlighten festival. No doubt they will come.
There are some who would be critical of Paradise; there is beauty to be found in everything and every where, if one is just prepared to take time to see.
ReplyDeleteAnd you do, EC...and I thank you for sharing it with us.
I hope you get word re The Skinny One's next operation. The waiting must be excruciating for you both. But hang in there...keep going on those trips and taking us along with you. :)
Lee: My special talent is as an appreciator - and there is a LOT around for me to do so.
DeleteSurgery appears to have been delayed until the end of the year. Hiss and spit.
Wow that's gorgeous! What an amazing night, and what a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI like Canberra, though I've only been there once, I thought it was lovely.
Jackie K: It was amazing. And I am looking forward to the update on (probably) Friday night.
DeleteIt seems the entire world should be decorated in such a way.
ReplyDeleteGranny Annie: It wouldn't hurt would it?
DeleteSorry to hear about yet another delay in surgery. :( I hope you get some positive news on that score soon.
ReplyDeleteHowever, you've presented us with some stunning images. It has completely transformed the buildings into real works of art and beauty. The old parliament house has never looked so good (even though I can see old Robert "I did but see her passing by, and yet I love her till I die" Menzies turning in his grave at the "frivolity"). And all of this free... that's the icing on the cake.
I've seen lighting projected on to snow here, but never on buildings, even though lord knows we have enough darkness to accommodate it in the winter. It would certainly brighten up the place.
Marie: You have given me another reason to appreciate the display. Giving pig iron bob some post death exercise makes me smile.
DeleteIt was/is a lovely initiative - and all the people there seemed to appreciate it a much as I did.
It does look like it was a fabulous time. Well worth staying up past your bed time (my bed time is 'after dark' too). :)
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: How nice to find someone else who isn't a night owl. But you are right - it was worth staying up for.
Deletewhat a beautiful exhibition! it must've been sooo magical. i adore any sort of lights-in-the-night thing, though here it's mainly christmas lights during the holidays for me :D thanks so much for sharing, the photos are delightful
ReplyDeleteRaquel Somatra: I am a sucker for light displays and this was a beauty. And don't get me started on fairy lights...
DeleteMy goodness you have a lot of comments! I started reading them but finally gave up. It was a beautiful tour you enjoyed; thanks for all the pictures so I could join you, too. Hoping the surgery will be scheduled soon so it can be behind you at last. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: I loved it. And I love the comments I am lucky enough to get too.
DeleteSurgery delays. Sigh.
Marvellous! I love this kind of thing, we have had similar here and in Liverpool also. Such a great atmosphere on the streets too. And the colours....superb. The creepy one made me laugh. Fair point.
ReplyDelete'Almost certainly before December'....I'm crossing everything that it is well before then. x
All Consuming: Rather a lot before December would be nice. The sooner the better in fact.
DeleteBut the lights were a welcome distraction. And soon there is a balloon festival...
Hi I am glad you stayed up to see all this activity.Looks like great fun. sorry to hear your surgery is delayed to December
ReplyDeleteMargaret Adamson: The display was well worth staying up for. And with luck the surgery will be done well before the end of the year. We hope.
DeleteThis must have been amazing to see in person! I go to bed early, too, but it would be worth it to stay up for this.
ReplyDeleteLynn: It was well worth it - and we will go back tomorrow.
DeleteBetter than fireworks which are over in a flash.
ReplyDeleteFriko: It might even have been cheaper to put on than fireworks - and was amazing.
DeleteWhat impressive photos! Love them all.
ReplyDeleteRenee Johnson: Welcome - and thank you. With luck there will be more photos in a few days.
DeleteThat all looks like a bit of magic, EC.
ReplyDeleteI often note how in an article about Canberra it seems obligatory to say that it is boring.
When I'm feeling sour I wonder whether Sydneysiders miss the drive by shootings, the road rage, the overcrowded roads and public transport that make Sydney such an exciting place to live.
Frances: I am a bit defensive about Canberra. I do like it, and often think that boredom is a reflection on the bored individual. It was magic. And we had free parking and walked happily all round the area.
DeleteHi Sue,
ReplyDeleteThat was an enlightening journey. I got even more enlightened by embigging the photos. Hope that situation get sorted with the skinny one's surgery.
Yes, I'd leave a longer comment but this is all you Canberra :)
klahanie: I am so very glad that with a bit of embiggening you were enlightened. And entertained?
DeleteI do hope we hear more positive news about the surgery soon.
Wow!!! Those are some extremely cool pictures. I can only imagine how would be to be there for real but to think you're on the opposite side of the world. That would make one looooong flight for this dragon. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll pray for the skinny one.
Al Diaz: It was soooo much fun - but yes, half a world away from you. Some year perhaps. And thank you for your wishes for the smaller portion.
DeleteWish I could have seen that in person! Most impressive.
ReplyDeleteJeff Hargett: I wish you could have seen it too. Some year perhaps.
DeleteSo sorry about the surgery delay! Before December is so far away. Brave heart, EC! Your photos are wonderful, of course; I'd love to have seen it. Maybe next year...
ReplyDeleteCarol: If you do come to Canberra - for this or anything else perhaps we could have a cuppa?
DeleteHi EC, the the beauty you share is delightful.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are well and happy :)
Pam:): I am very glad to share the fun - and your painted buntings were very, very beautiful too.
DeleteThat was great. I loved your tour. It was all so creative and visually striking. Australia, my next destination? Mind you, I've been to Malaysia already and it's roughly the same distance from there to Australia as it is from London to KL! :-)
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
A Cuban in London: It is a loooong trip isn't it? Which gives me more respect for those who undertook the same trip by sea. Respect, and pity for those who had no choice.
DeleteEnlighten was fun though - and I am happy to share it.
How beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMinneapolis needs to do something like this...
Pearl
Pearl: I think that everywhere needs to do something like it. World-wide fun.
DeleteWhat lovely lights! Great shots.
ReplyDeleteladyfi: They excelled themselves didn't they. And the atmosphere was equally lovely.
DeleteThose are some impressive light displays on those buildings!
ReplyDeleteSherry Ellis: Welcome - and thank you. It gave me a whole new perspective on some of the buildings.
DeleteTo say it is amazing does not do it justice. What a place(s)!
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: Such a treat. And we will be heading in again (weather permitting) tonight to see the updates.
DeleteLovely to have a reminder of our beaut visit to some of those grand buildings. You did well to brave the crowds! Some friends went to Melbourne's White Night recently and the squish sounded so bad I think they could have taken their feet off the ground and still moved along. I'd much rather look at the images, so heaps of thanks for sharing yours.
ReplyDeleteKim: Fortunately our crowds were a pale shadow of Melbourne's. That I couldn't have coped with.
DeleteI loved the light changes on the building! it was fascinating
ReplyDeleteTammy Theriault: It was entrancing. And fun. And clever. Can you tell I really enjoyed it?
DeleteFabulous, EC, wish I had been there. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteHope to be in Canberra soon, perhaps we could squeeze in a coffee?
I hope you get a date for the surgery soon.
persiflage: That would be lovely. Contact me when you have dates.
DeleteAnd Enlighten IS good. I am going back in shortly.
And just read the news about the deferred surgery. So hard for you both. When will there be good news?
ReplyDeletepersiflage: I am so over this. We were originally (in December) told a couple of months. We discounted January and assumed Feb/March. Today we were told (again) hopefully by the end of the year. Sigh.
DeleteWow... they put a lot of effort into those displays... modern technology can be so awesome (If it was me, it would have been a flashlight and shadow finger puppets on a spare white bed sheet :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck (and prayers) that you receive some good news soon :)
Mark Koopmans: Me too, and my finger puppets were never good.
DeleteThank you for your good wishes and prayers.
How de-LIGHT-ful! Those colored lights and images turned your city into a magical-looking place. I'm glad you were able to attend. (And kinda took us along with you.)
ReplyDeleteI agree about that one being kinda creepy. Something about that doll picture gives me the willies.
Happy weekend!
Susan: And a doll picture on old Parliament House just added to the creepiness (though the occupants certainly have behaved in childish ways from time to time). Happy weekend to you too.
DeleteThis must have been so much fun. Glad you and your skinny one take the time to enjoy such fascinating events. Thank you for sharing your fun. It looks beautiful and creative. Even the creepy one.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: It was fun. We went back last night and there will be more pictures tomorrow. Bloggers paradise?
DeleteEC ~ I saw your post come through my feed during the week and left it to the weekend so I could really enjoy it. I think Canberra is a wonderful city and I could imagine taking advantage of all its free activities. As a community it is encouraging to see these public places work together for the public.
ReplyDeleteThe Inca lightshow is very colourful. I love the ball too. And I think old Parliament House looks great in shades of Pink.
P.S. looking forward to reading tomorrow's Sunday Selection.
Carol in Cairns: There is a lot of fun to be had here - if you are happy to entertain yourself. Which suits me fine. And the decoration of the buildings in the Parlimentary Triangle was inspired.
DeleteI hope you like tomorrow's Sunday Selections. A bit of fun...
Thank you for sharing such beautiful photos! I wish I could see all of this in person.
ReplyDeleteSo, I solved the problem of not knowing when you post. I signed up for your posts by email.
Did I get the notification? check
Did I drool over the photos? check
Did I remember to click on the link and TELL you this? fail
*sigh*
Well, I'm here now...fashionably late... ;)
River Fairchild: I wish that you, and rather a lot of other bloggers, could have been with me. The oohs, the aahs, and the irreverent laughter would have rocked the area. And, you are welcome whenever you arrive.
DeleteWoww, it looks like it was a great evening on the town and the colours and the atmosphere were nicely captured Soosie. Thank you :-)
ReplyDeletefarawayinthesunshine: It was a wonderful night. So much colour, so much beauty, so much fun.
DeleteLovely photos and sometimes the best things in life are free!
ReplyDeleteMildred Ratched: The happy crowds at Enlighten would agree with you.
Deletebeautiful and I cant' even imagine how that is done, must have been quite a spectacle. I don't like crowds either or night events but that one was well worth it.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: It was an amazing spectacle - and we were very lucky with the crowds. A happy crowd, and not a big one. A win.
DeleteLoved the pictures! Very cool (although I chuckled at your comment on the pink lit building and giant baby lo...uh, yeah...). I had to scroll through the photos in the posts I've missed bc they're just so gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteRula Sinara: Thank you. It was a joy and a delight - finished for this year now - but I will go back. Definitely I will go back.
Deletehow delightful, inspiring and fun! and what a treat with pleasant crowds, i'm all with you on not enjoying crowds generally.
ReplyDeletePia K: Thank you - it was fun. Lots of it.
Delete