Tuesday, April 4, 2017

The Shrine of Remembrance... and Madame Brussels....

We jumped on a coach to see some of the ‘further out’ areas.  Nice and comfy way to see the places and not have to trek all over the place with a map in your hand.  However, we knew this journey was to culminate at the Shrine of Remembrance which would be more somber.  It is the Australian equivalent to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which honors all those who went to war and never came home.
The Australians are very proud of their military and those who serve.  We had no idea how large and how involved the Australian army has been in many conflicts.  This ‘shrine’ was built to originally remember all those who left for World War I and who never returned.  Folks at home had no body or any info to help them in the grieving process.  The Shrine was dedicated in November 11, at 11 am.  The building is built such that when the sun shines at that time in, it shines through the top of the building onto the plaque below.  It was really moving to see it (they had to recreate it due to the best time to view the actual sun is that particular day… November 11 at 11am… Add daylight savings time or possible cloud cover, it’s obvious why they ‘recreate’ it.
After our visit there, we walked back through the city for a couple hours.  Visited Madame Brussels Cocktail Bar, which we had heard about during our walking tour yesterday.  It sounded like a funky place… and yes, indeed it was!  Fake grass, pink décor, iron tables… very throwback to the 50s…  It used to be a brothel run by Madame Brussels in the 1800’s, catering to upper class men (and happen to be located across from the Parliament area.  Hmmmm, must have been profitable!)  There is no sign advertising it… we were given instructions on how to get there…  ‘a lift on the left side of the Spaghetti Tree Restaurant and go to the 3rd floor'… Yup, that’s where it was. 
Anyway, enjoyed a beer and a snack then off we went.  I forgot to pack my nightgowns, so I was wanting to find a replacement.  Wearing the darn Qantas Pajama top was getting old… and warm!  Popped into Meyers (the equivalent to Macy’s) and found just what I needed!  I will sleep much better this evening.
Anyway, made it back home, with just a few diversions and relaxed a bit before heading out for dinner.  Tomorrow we take a private charter plane to Yulara and Ayers Rock.  We’ve been told they have flies there the size of birds ( ? ? ? ? ? ) there! They don’t bite, they just bug you.  We shall see!













 My dad's birthplace... Malta... A close relationship with both the Aussies and the US.  



Walking through the gardens... 

 Gosh check out the men's underwear ads... a bit weird/revealing!
 Someone wanted to cram in a skinny building, so they did...
 Madame Brussels

The Ladies Room... Lips for soap dispensers! 
 We would call these Jack in the Box and McDonalds!
 My new jammies!


1 comment:

  1. So you wear jammies---heehee! Glad you're more comfie now. What another great day
    judy

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