Queen Elizabeth 2 & Queen Mary 2 meet in Sydney ! February 15, 2007
Posted by theoxymoron in Australia, Travel.add a comment
There is an amazing event coming up on Feb. 20th.
The massive 151,400-ton Queen Mary 2 will smash the record as the biggest ship of any type ever to visit Australia when she arrives in Sydney at 6.30am on Tuesday February 20, 2007. She will be led by fireboats shooting fountains of seawater high into the air from their water cannons, and escorted by an entourage of smaller ships, yachts and boats of all types. Larger than 132 Manly ferries and too big to dock at Circular Quay, the A$1 billion Queen Mary 2 will tie dock at Woolloomooloo.
The two great Queens will greet each other for this historic first meeting with a “whistle salute” using their 2,000 pound, 7-foot long signaling horns that can be heard over 10 miles away. The dusk spectacle will be the first time two Cunard Queens have been seen together in Sydney since World War 2 when the original Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth visited the city as troop carriers in 1941.
On 20th February 2007, all eyes will be on Sydney Harbour, as we celebrate the ‘The Royal Rendezvous’ or meeting of the world’s most famous ocean liners - the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2. At 8.40pm, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the harbour, accompanied by the exciting sound of cannons firing from Fort Denison. This magical display will be seen from all around the Sydney Harbour Foreshore right through to the Sydney Heads. Plan ahead and use the Key Vantage points map to locate the best position to view the wonderful display. Take heed of any advice given by the relevant council regarding parking or public use.
I hope I will get some nice shots !
"Sex and Death: Orchids, Carnivorous Plants and Us" February 15, 2007
Posted by theoxymoron in Australia, Travel.2 comments
Photography (left to right): Phalaenopsis Salu Spot x Dou-dii Rose (Paramount Orchids); Caularthron bicornutum & Paphiopedilum liemianum (Eric Hunt); Dionaea muscipula (Barry Rice)
See more pictures in my webalbum!
This was the title of an exhibition I went in the Botanic Gardens. The following text is from the official website. It describes the exhibition pretty well:
Stunning displays of orchids and carnivorous plants with humorous interpretation tell the story of fundamental evolutionary processes. The seduction of insects by plants, their unwitting co-operation and the cruel deception leading to inevitable death are played out using rare and unusual orchids and sinister carnivorous plants.
Botanic gardens are renowned for their peace and tranquillity yet as Sam Llewellyn wrote in his thriller The Sea Garden: ‘… in gardens, beauty is a by-product. The main business is sex and death … ‘
Soon after he started work at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Executive Director Dr Tim Entwisle educated us about ‘the nightlife of plants: sex and other perversions’ and, thanks to a generous donation from the Friends of The Gardens, the Botanic Gardens Trust is exploring fundamental biological processes once more in this exciting new exhibition.
‘Sex and Death: starring orchids and carnivorous plants’ tells the story of plant sex by exploring the fascinating pollination mechanisms of orchids, one of the largest and most complex families of plants. The concept of death is a great excuse for us to display our extensive nursery collection of bizarre-looking carnivorous plants.
The relationship between orchids and their pollinators (which, surprisingly to some people, includes humans!) is interpreted in three themes: ‘Seduction’, ‘Cooperation’ and ‘Deception’. The existing greenery in the Arc of the Sydney Tropical Centre creates the backdrop when over 2000 orchids from our nursery take centre stage as each of them comes into bloom. They are supported by a cast of hands-on interactives, video footage and colourful informative signage. The fourth theme, ‘Death’, predominately features carnivorous plants surrounded by dark and shadowy imagery.
‘Sex and Death’ is not a typical orchid show with masses of orchid hybrids creating a riot of colour. Instead it’s an entertaining and educational experience showcasing, at any one time, approximately 100 orchids and carnivorous plants including the lesser known and more diminutive varieties. Australian orchids and the Trust’s orchid research also feature strongly. Visitors are encouraged to come again and again to see the different species on display as they come into flower throughout the year.
The exhibition is planned to last for three years, and there will be something for everyone.
There are more pictures in my webalbum !
