Amigurumi Toyland

Last weekend we visited Burnett Lane as we had read it was taking part in the BrisAsia Festival in Brisbane.

Burnett Lane which is the oldest laneway in Brisbane has quite a history. Back in the 1840s, this site was the rear of Brisbane's Queen St convict barracks where convicts were housed and also the yard where punishment was handed out. That punishment was often floggings, but hangings have also occurred here. 

But on the weekend, nothing quite so sinister was happening as it was the site for Amigurumi Toyland. Apparently amigurumi is the Japanese term for crochet or knitted stuffed dolls, usually animals. So we walked down the laneway and here is what we saw.

                          

                          

                                                       

                             

We then spotted two little girls enjoying the toyland and having great fun!

                            

Epicurious Garden

There is so much to see and do for free at South Bank in Brisbane. Last year, a new attraction was added, the Epicurious Garden and everything grown here is edible, the herbs, fruits and vegetables. It's all seasonal produce and locals and visitors can benefit from this free garden. There is a little wagon where each day the volunteer gardeners leave bunches of herbs for the taking and I imagine in time, the fruit too when it has developed.

Apparently, 'epicurious' refers to someone who is in constant pursuit of great food, drink and adventure and South Bank is the place for that! 

                            

                            

                            

I have written about our fabulous inner city beach at South Bank in an earlier post but there is another free attraction and that is the Cityhopper ferry, it's always a nice way to get around to view the city and the river. I'm so lucky to have South Bank as my backyard!

                            

Brisbane Public Art

In my Brisbane Greeter role, I like to show our visitors some of our public art works and we have a lot! You just need to know where they are. Two of my favourites are in the courts complex in George Street. This one called 'Eyes are Singing Out' by Yayoi Kusama from Japan is outside the Brisbane Supreme and District Courts. She is in her 80s and has lived voluntarily in a mental hospital since the 1970s but still continues to work from her studio close by the hospital. It's 90 metres long with a coffee shop in the middle. I find it quite an appropriate piece of art for the courts, as the unblinking eyes are forever watching the process of justice.

                            

                            

Outside the Brisbane Magistrates Court is 'Confluence' by Daniel Templeman a Brisbane born artist. The artist states....that the work begins with a sense of calm, building up intensity towards the 'obstacle' before penetrating it and returning to a 'resolved' state. I like the lines of this sculpture, like a rolling wave!