Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 2 April 2023

Sunday Selections #622

 

 

 
Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files. 

Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image. 

The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.  Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle. 
 
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
 

As usual I am running with a theme. I am taking you back to Enlighten again this week.  Enlighten is an annual event in my city and most of it is free. This week we are in the Parliamentary Triangle where most of the buildings were illuminated.

As I so often say, come wander with me.

As always we started at the National Art Gallery. I adore the orb and photograph it every time we are there. Those flames were very realistic, I could almost hear the crackle and feel the heat.









Lots of the pathways and trees were also lit up.




As was this fountain.


Then to the National Portrait Gallery.








More inflatables - which made me think of sea critters.







Then to Old Parliament House - which is officially known as the Museum of Democracy - and very rarely called that by the person on the street.




Then to Questacon, our interactive Science and Technology Centre - which gave a strong nod to our First People which I appreciated. My city is on Ngunnawal land.







Finishing up at our National Library. Not only were there images, the people in them were sharing snippets of their story over loud speakers.
 



Parliament House was also illuminated this year, but it meant an additional couple of kilometres walking and I was tuckered out.  Next year I hope...

I hope your week is bright and beautiful.

117 comments:

  1. Wow, your illuminated city sure is doing things in a grandiose way. It's really calling people out after dark. It must be a surreal to see all this in person.
    Thanks for sharing.
    I hope Batty is still healing well.

    Hugs,
    Julia

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    1. Julia: It gets bigger each year, and the crowds of people are very happy. We went mid week when the numbers were down, but I think everyone enjoyed themselves.
      I think/hope Batty is continuing to heal. He has a check up appointment at the vet tomorrow - which he will not enjoy.

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  2. Jamie here--some great pictures.

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  3. The city really goes all out.
    The inflatables do indeed look like sea creatures.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: My reputedly very boring city does festivals well.

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  4. Everything is so colorful and interesting. I would love to wander with you.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Janie Junebug: It would be a slow wander, but I would be happy to have you with us.

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  5. It was truly wonderful to take this excursion with you. Sometimes I wonder what has happened to our country, when people like Dolly Parton singing a song with "rainbow" in the title are banned from performing! You are so lucky to have a government that provides such beauty for all to enjoy.

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    1. DJan: Dolly Parton can't sing about rainbows? Sigh. Big, big sigh.

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  6. Such a great light projections on your parliament house! Our state parliament here only has protestors that perform Nazi Salutes which appear on the international news.

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    1. roentare: I would have loved to have seen the illuminations on our current Parliament House that apparently featured native birds and animals. I do not want to see the Nazi Salute. Anywhere.

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  7. thecontemplativecat@blogspot.com

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  8. Dang. the comment disappeared. Your art displays are so amazing. I know of no other countries that have such illumination.

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    1. Susan Kane: Is Google still refusing to allow you to sign in? Sigh. I am sure we got the idea from somewhere and several of our State capitals have variations of this festival now.

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  9. I loved seeing the orb and love seeing it every time you show us. What a wonderful spectacle and such imaginative lighting wasn't imaginable a little more than a decade or so ago.

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    1. Andrew: The orb has won more hearts than mine hasn't it? And yes, this is a truly delightful festival.

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  10. What a fantastic selection of wonderful displays - I would really love to be able to see them all in person. Your "reputedly boring city" seems to be always full of interesting and colourful spectacle. I especially like the orb, (of course!), and the eight shots which follow it.

    I'm very glad to hear that Batty is still improving... and I hope you have a comfortable and enjoyable week.

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    1. Alexia: I am quite comfortable with my city's reputation - it keeps the numbers down. Batty goes back to the vet for another check up tomorrow and I am expecting they will be pleased. And thank you. Some years birds have nested in the orb - which pleased me immensely.

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  11. Hi EC...Canberra certainly puts on a good show...great displays.

    I hope your two furry babies are doing much better. Cuddles to them both.

    And I hope the week ahead treats you kindly, and that you have a relaxed, enjoyable Easter. Take good care. :)

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    1. Lee: Thank you. The furs are missing each other. Badly. Batty is half way through his confinement period now, and soon they can be together again.
      I hope you and Shama have a wonderful week.

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  12. River Fairchild - Can I just say I hate Google and Blogger for being so obnoxious and not signing me in?

    The displays and critters are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing all of the beauty. It’s spectacular.
    Hope that Batty is coming along and Odie is feeling well. Take care of yourself too!

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    1. River Fairchild: I am not fond of this quirk of Google/Blogger's either. I am glad you enjoyed the myriad of photos.
      The cats are doing ok considering, and yes, I will try and look after myself better.

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  13. Once again, I see the fascination but also - light pollution.
    Looking around the planet, Canberra seems to have anticipated the future place of democracy, though: In museums.
    The peace of the night, dear Sue, and may your next week be illuminated with joy and laughter.

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    1. Sean Jeating: You are right of course about the light pollution - but at least it is ephemeral. Sadly you are also right about democracy.
      And thank you for your comprehensive wishes.

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  14. This was a delight, thank you!

    My selections will be in the usual spot after midnight my time.

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    1. messymimi: Thank you. I look forward to seeing your selections - as I always do.

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  15. This festival always seems so original and exotic to me. I am a night owl and wish we had such things here to enjoy after dark. Thanks for bringing us along, my friend. I'm glad you got to go.

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    1. jenny_o: I am far from a night owl - and still enjoyed it. I am glad we went, though I paid for it. How I wish you had something similar.

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  16. What stunning and amazing light shows. It's wonderful that these museums and buildings are in such close proximity. Each is so different, too. Just wonderful, including the inflatables. I am so glad you took your camera and shared your photos with us. What a great mid-week activity, too.

    Hope all is well with the fur babies. I worry, as I worry about you, dear.

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    1. Bleubeard and Elizabeth: We try and avoid this festival at weekends to reduce the crowds. You are right - it is a wonderful mid week celebration. I love that these iconic buildings are relatively close to each other.
      The kittens are doing reasonably and I am ok(ish). Please don't worry.

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  17. Excellent displays, I like #37 the books on shelves, and Old Parliament House too. The fire one looks so realistic, almost like the building is burning. The Orb is always a favourite.

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    1. River: I was excessive wasn't I - and had plenty more photos too. I am so glad that others like the orb as much as I do. You will see photos of it each and every time I visit the National Art Gallery.

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  18. How fabulous that all these building are lite up so wonderfully. Love the Library and it was an extra bonus if there was some speech as well. Well the indeed thought these buildings look like they were on fire. it is marvellous what they can do nowadays with technology. Thanks for all the comments you leave. I feel I am meeting myself coming back I am SO busy with this house and trying to sell everything and people coming nearly everyday to see it. Most days I am exhausted and now can barely make a daily blog like alone comment much. I hope you have a great wee ahead and thanks for sharing these lovely images with us.

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    1. Margaret Birding For Pleasure: I can well understand just how busy (and tired) you are. Look after yourself. Please.

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  19. That looks like quite an event. We have something on a smaller scale in Cambridge UK. Some of the historic university buildings look especially grand with the coloured lights.

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    1. John "By Stargoose And Hanglands": I am sure that the old university buildings do look amazing. Do you have any photos - she says hinting hopefully.

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  20. These photos are just something to behold, things we don't get to see unless we go to Canberra..

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    1. Margaret D: Both Sydney and Melbourne (and I think Adelaide) have their own versions.

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  21. Things to make us feel better about the way things are.

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    1. Bill: We all need fun and beauty don't we? Now more than ever.

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  22. Hi EC - what an incredible collection of photos to show us - Canberra certainly does you proud. I love the light displays bringing each exhibition to life ... the National Portrait Gallery's images are fun. While those 'inflatable' sea creatures are a delight to see ... while that fire is very realistic.

    All the best tomorrow re Batty and his check up ... and good to see you back - take care and with gentle hugs from here - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you. On all counts. I do hope that Batty's check up goes well - though he will complain all the way there and back.

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  23. Dear EC
    What a vibrant and colourful event. I particularly liked the inflatables - one looked like a sea slug. It is a very immersive experience and thank you for sharing it.
    I hope Batty gets on OK at his check up and that you are coping and have a more restful week.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: In other years there has been more quirky fun other than the illuminations themselves. I really enjoyed the inflatables too. Fingers are crossed for Batty.

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  24. Beautiful! How are you feeling? I hope all goes well for Batty.

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    1. e: Thank you. I am feeling fairly ordinary today. The medication I have been taking knocks my immune system out and I am currently lurching from one infection to the next. Sigh. We hope all goes well for Batty too, and that his incarceration can be lifted sooner than expected. How are you and Lukas doing?

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  25. This is all very beautiful, Sue, and I say that with complete sincerity, but I wonder about all this use of electricity in an era when we are urged to conserve. Is this a bit of a double standard, and unless I am mistaken most of Australia's energy is still produced by coal.

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    1. David M. Gascoigne: You are right, much of Australia's energy is still derived from coal. The ACT prides itself that most of our energy is 'green energy'. And yes, on some levels it is a waste, but we all need a bit of fun. As you can see I am fence sitting here.

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  26. Nice photos - I never made it to Canberra when I travelled Down Under.

    :o)

    Cheers

    PM

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    1. Plastic Mancunian: I hope that if you come back to Australia you will take a trip to my city. I think it has a lot to offer.

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  27. The lights are mesmerizing. What a beautiful wander…

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    1. Marie Smith: Thank you. I am very happy to share my wobbly wander.

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  28. This is amazing! I love the idea of it all.

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    1. Jenn Jilks: It is fun isn't it? On the weekends the illuminated buildings stay open much longer too, so that we can wander inside and see the treasures within..

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  29. I know I'd love to see Enlighten in person. The colors, the shapes, well its all so beautiful!

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    1. Strayer: I am sure you would enjoy it. The price is right too. So little fun is cheap, let alone free.

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  30. Wow! What a spectacular wander you provided!

    Enlighten certainly seems like a great idea. More of our urban centers should be so "enlightened"!

    Gini and I are having fun today and hope you are too!

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    1. Wally Jones: I am sure that Gini's and your fun is not technologically driven. Enjoy it to the max - and share your beautiful photos.

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  31. Enlighten is such a beautiful concept. You people truly know how to bring so much joy to your lives. I just love this.

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    1. gigi-hawaii: March is festival month in my city - and they do us proud.

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  32. What a spectacular show! I particularly love your photo of the illuminated fountains - they really made my brain go, "Wait, what is that?" The photo almost looks like a fabric or texture photographed through a microscope. Very cool!

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    1. Diane Henders: Two minds... I always think of textiles when I see that fountain lit up. And love it.

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  33. The lights at night illuminating everything is so cool, I love it. Loved the pictures.

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    1. Mary Kirkland: I am so glad that you enjoyed wandering with us. I am not going to admit just how many photos I took.

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  34. Te agradezco el esfuerzo y tiempo que le has tenido que dedicar por galerías, parques y museos, para regalarnos esta visualmente bella y colorida entrada, que ya me gustaría a mi poder verla en persona algún día.
    Un abrazo.

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    1. Manuel: I like this area all year round, but it is lovely to see a bright new perspective during Enlighten. I hope you can visit some time.

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  35. Incredible use of lighting and great pictures.

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  36. Those photos are truly awesome!

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  37. I'm so happy to see your posts again, and especially seeing a comment from you, it always makes my day brighter. Speaking of bright and lovely what a grand display of lights and colors this post is. Thank you for bringing me right along, almost anyway. Your city offers such lovely displays, and I am thankful you share them with us too! Enjoy your week and if only we'd have a bright amount of sunshine perhaps this next snowstorm coming will vanish! Take care.

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    1. 21 Wits: I am a beauty addict, and am also addicted to colour. Enlighten is a win/win for me. And thank you. I hope you do get some sunshine. Lots of it.

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  38. You've made my day bright and beautiful by sharing such beauty and talent. Though I'm a bit concerned about the democracy museum! Let's hope democracy is not consigned to history

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    1. Kim: I really, really hope that democracy survives - but it is certainly under attack.

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  39. Looks so brights and colorful and fun!

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    1. Hena Tayeb: It was all of those things - which is lovely.

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  40. Buenas proyecciones, sobre la fachada del edificio. Todo es luz y color.

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    1. VENTANA DE FOTO: We all need light and colour don't we?

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  41. It all looks so beautiful and colorful, Great photos. I hope you're having a great new week and Batty is all right,

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    1. Rasma Sandra: Thank you. Batty is having a better week on the health front than I am. I hope that in less than three weeks now he can be let out of his confinement.

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  42. Well you've certainly got my evenings blog hop/visits off to a very colourful start. What a great event, I enjoyed seeing your photographs.

    We've had glorious Spring sunshine today, our cheeky garden squirrel enjoyed the nut feeder ... with the birds patiently waiting. I really must remember to take photographs.

    Have a lovely week.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. I would love to see photos of your cheeky squirrel - and am hoping for a beautiful autumnal day here. It is not yet seven but the sun is shining.

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  43. Unbelievably beautiful photos. Amazing. Thanks for sharing..

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    1. Juli: I am very pleased that you enjoyed them.

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  44. The inflatables look like sea creatures to me too, and the fireplace does look real!

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    1. mail4rosey: I am glad of another vote for sea creatures - and that fire looked very real to me.

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  45. Wow! I can't believe that magnificent museum is mostly FREE, and your pictures are amazing. However, if we were together and stopped at that library, I can't guarantee you would ever seen me again, EC! (lol) Just stopped by to let you know I'm thinking of you, and of course to check out your neat pics. Hugs, RO

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    1. RO: How nice to see you poke your head up above the blogging parapet again. You would love this area of my city. Except for special exhibitions they are all free to wander around. And even when the special exhibits are on there is plenty for those who are broke (or cheap) to enjoy.

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  46. What a great event, Sue! I love things like this. Thanks for sharing it. Hugs to you!

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    1. Fundy Blue: Thank you. We love this too - and go at least once every year.

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  47. An incredible series of illuminations! That would be really something to see. Thanks for sharing Sue!

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    1. DeniseinVA: Thank you. I am glad that I could capture some of the magic but yes, it was better in person.

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  48. I have never seen such sites.

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    1. Anonymous: They are an annual event here - and in a number of other other capital cities too.

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  49. What an immersion experience that was!

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    1. cleemckenzie: It was. Definitely immersive, and a heap of fun.

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  50. Your photos are always awesome. I'll be this was even better in person. I'm going to zip over to Teresa's blog now :)

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    1. Carol Kilgore: Thank you. And thank you for heading over to Teresa's space too. As a new host of W4W I am sure she appreciates the encouragement.

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  51. Wow - those are amazing!! What a happy ride through your blog. Hope you're doing well!

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    1. Jemi Fraser: I am glad to give you a happy ride. Sadly I am not doing well and hospital is a distinct possibility.

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  52. Impressive! And of course very companionable going about with you my friend.

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    1. Cloudia: Thank you. I am glad of your company.

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  53. Well my week is bright and beautiful now ... what an amazing array of pictures. Clearly a lot of effort went into this wonderful display ... you are in Melbourne, right. Do they do this every year? Glad you are getting around ... hope that means you are doing better. I am still planning a trip to visit Australia and I am still hoping to meet with you when I am there. Have they lifted the Covid restrictions yet? Our plan, as of this moment, is sometime in early January. It will be cold here, but I am thinking it will be warm where you are. Stay well, Sue ...

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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    1. Andrea @From the Sol: I am in Canberra rather than Melbourne. We do this each year and I believe Melbourne does something similar. Our Covid restrictions have mostly gone - but some areas may still ask for masks. It will be hot here in January, but I would love to meet with you if you are in the vicinity.

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  54. These are just spectacular! Such great energy. I'm all caught up now, but sorry and concerned at the health news. I hope you feel better soon.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: I am so glad we discovered this festival all those years ago, and it has been a must visit ever since. I hope to feel better too. Soon.

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  55. Breathtaking. Thanks for sharing. Hope everyone is well.

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    1. Sandra Cox: It is my pleasure to share the fun.

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  56. I would have enjoyed that outing as well.
    Thank you, EC.

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    1. Caterina: I am so glad that you enjoyed wandering with me.

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  57. Looks like another amazing time at this event. It looks like so much fun! Love all the pictures. Thanks for taking us along with you on this journey. :) ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: This event is a heap of fun and we are glad that we discovered it a few years ago.

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