Day 43 – Feb 17 – Hobart, Tasmania - Australia

Cloudy skies greeted us this morning as we came into Hobart, the first bad weather that we’ve seen since leaving the US.

Hobart is the state capital of Tasmania which is an Australian island, southeast off of the larger part of Australia.  The “Tassies” don’t like viewing themselves as “less than” the mainland of Australia,

 They have ways of changing that perspective.

 They are proud of their Tasmania Devil and the now extinct Tassie Tiger.

Hobart was originally founded as a penal colony in 1803.  It has a busy seaport which reflects all the history that has occurred there.

  Original Harbor Warehouses.

 

I’m surprised that my female forbearers didn’t answer this call.

It took us quite awhile to get off the ship today because we had to have “face-to-face” passport inspection.  They did this for all passengers regardless if they were going off the ship or not.

Once ashore I walked through the busy shopping and business port of the city to get to the post office.  I then walked back to Salamanca Place, which is a arty tourist spot of old waterfront warehouses turned into galleries, restaurants, cafes, etc.  I had a take-out lunch in a park across the street.  I shared my picnic table and my “Tim Tam” cookies with a young French female farm worker.  She told me what kind of fruit she picks but I couldn’t understand what one because of her accent. 

A charming walk through Battery Point revealed 1830’s historical artisans cottages & grand homes, delightful gardens, businesses on winding old streets and great harbor views:

Interesting construction site

Mail slot at a gate column

Australian Mail box

My feet were hurting me after this long walk so I decided to take a 90 minute Red Double Decker Tour, which gives you a good over view of the city.

After having a cup of coffee at a cafe on the Elizabeth Street Mall I spotted these teen-agers just hanging out and sounding very much like kids at the NH mall, if you overlook their Aussie accents.

Our dinner on the ship this evening was a “Outback Barbecue”.  I’m not too sure if they were grilling Kangaroo meat or not.  I stick to my fish.  Speaking of fish as I walked back to the ship I spotted these “Fish & Chip” establishments which were so unique.  They looked like a Lunch Van but in the water with a very short pier for the customers to stand on as they ordered.

At the band stand – The ship’s Band.

Eva and Sharon with one of our “always smiling” servers.  Please notice his hat.  It’s an original Australian design, the hanging corks keep the mosquitoes and flies away – hopefully.

  This is the Ice Cream server who always remembers my favorite ice cream flavor – Pistachio