Federation Square, Melbourne Australia

Triangles at Federation Square

Triangles at Federation Square

Melbourne is a city designed without a central public square. Various attempts to build one have been in process since the 60’s.  In 2001 Federation Square was completed.  It is almost eight acres of open area pavement and modern designed buildings for the arts and public events.  Similar to Millennium Park in Chicago, Federation Square is built on a foundation created above unsightly train tracks. Continue reading

Venice, Italy

Morning Gondolas

The thought of Venice likely conjures up romantic notions of riding in a gondola while being serenaded to familiar Italian songs such as Volare.  The truth of the matter is a bit less romantic, but I would likely come across as a real scrooge by talking it down.  So yes, we did hear many, many a gondolier sing a variety of wonderful songs.  Our balcony overlooked a canal and we watched boat captains skillfully maneuver their beautiful wood power boats, gondolas, delivery boats and the occasional ambulance through the congestion.  All the boat drivers pitch in and pass signals to other boat drivers regarding traffic around blind corners.  We frequently heard the loud call of “Ooui!” which apparently means, “I’m coming around the corner so you had better get out of my way.”

Continue reading