It's Almost Over

So, here we are on our final few days. Van life is over and sadly we dropped them off about midday at went to our new accommodation. After navigating the very steep and narrow driveway, we found ourselves inside a beautiful cottage which was quite spacious for its size. I think it may have been a converted garage, but once you were inside, you would never know. We soon forgot about the vans.

It's a bit pricey for one couple but for us it was very affordable, especially for the quality of the accommodation.

It had two large double bedrooms, two bathrooms, one included a laundry, a very well equipped and large kitchen, a large living dining area and then a cosy TV room that I think could be used as a third sleeping space.

Once we were all settled in our plan was to spend the afternoon at MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). This is about 20 minutes out from Hobart CBD and we weren't really quite sure what to expect as we had heard mixed reviews.

MONA is an impressive building and as much as I would like to claim this photo, its a free one from Google

I have to say first impressions are positive. When we got out of the car we could hear live music and we walked up to a large grassed area where lots of people were sitting either on the beautiful lawn space or bean bags provided by the venue. There were a few places to get food that you could eat out in the open space. It was a great atmosphere and just a little hint that this quite a unique place.

Entering into the building was a bit of an experience in itself. The start of the exhibitions was actually right down in underground basement where you had to go down a circle staircase which would have been at three levels down, maybe more.

When you reached the bottom there was a bar to get a drink that you go and sit in lounge space in amongst the artwork. We were also advised to download the MONA app because there is no information on any of the artworks.

If you know nothing about MONA it is a gallery that will exhibit art the no other gallery will. So our first impression was that it was quite gruesome, macabre, very suggestive with some of the erotic pieces, provocative, confronting and just weird in some cases. I guess this is what art does, it makes you look and see the world through different eyes.  

Some of the artwork was rather disturbing and displayed in very unusual ways. The first wall on the ground floor was a huge sandstone wall that when you got closer had small windows that housed some very interesting pieces.

There were some incredibly clever and captivating works like this programmed waterfall that seemed to be showering constantly changing messages. We found as you moved through the different spaces you would catch a different view of this same piece.

As we meandered our way around the works you never sure what you would come across next. Some were quite visually stunning like the one one were you went into a room where they used recycled engine oil to create a mirror to reflect the architecture of the room. This was a bit smelly but quite beautiful and serene.

There were interactive display like the one where you counted a pile of rice grains, do not ask because I don't know why.

One of the more confronting ones for me was one where you went into a room on a concrete path that was surrounded by black water. The first part leading into the room was fine but when you stepped into the enclosed space you instantly felt like you were standing on the edge of a cliff that was going to disappear at any moment. It made you instantly want to push up against the wall even though there was plenty of room to walk. The path turned into stepping stones that lead to a platform that you stood on the look at the artwork. This was extremely unnerving to get to and then even more so when you realised that you had to go back. I'm sure the the water would have been quite shallow but you couldn't see. Definitely not a place for someone with a fear of heights

There were so many displays that were interesting and many that made no sense at all. We all came away wondering who decides what is considered art.

One of the more fun works was a sound proof room that spiralled into central chamber. We were told we could talk normally and our voices could be heard the the large gramophone horn like structure we noticed one the outside of the building. When we reached the centre we heard people talking about the colour of something (not sure what though). I joined the conversation and said I didn't like that colour. The people responded asking me if I would prefer colour more like they were wearing but I told them, "no, something more neutral". They were quite bemused and told told us it was it like I could see them as well, Apparently, they were wearing quite colourful clothing. It was a really fun experience.

Our trip to MONA was well worth it as it was more thought provoking than I expected. I did enjoy it and I think everyone should go there to make up their own mind, but I don't think I would go back.

We decided on cooking at the cottage and had a quiet night in enjoying another night of cards.

The next morning we wandered down to Salamanca Market down on the Hobart waterfront. It was extremely busy and it's probably one of the nicest markets I've been to. Nearly all the stalls had high quality, locally produced goods and I'm glad I left it until today to get some things to take home.

Not only did they have lots of beautiful products to purchase but a huge variety of food. 

We decided to buy some paella and samosa for lunch and both were a great choice.

After I had spent way too much we decided to get a coffee and decide what to do for the afternoon.

We decided to take our chances with weather and take the Hop On - Hoff Off tour around Hobart. After deciding to view from the upper deck and fighting to get our stylish ponchos on we set off taking in the views.

Unlike other cities we've done this, it's pretty hard to see the sites as many of the street are either narrow or lined with large trees. You win some and lose some but it filled in a bit of the afternoon.

It may look like Mark is trying to suffocate Ruth but you be pleased to know she survived.

After the tour we decided to go to the Maritime Museum. This is a lovely little museum with a huge amount of information and we spent nearly two hours there. This is another place that is well worth a visit.

Our last touristy thing to do for the day was to visit the Cat and the Fiddle Clock. I remember this from when I last visited Hobart at16. Well things have certainly changed as I remember going down this dark and dingey arcade to look at this clock that has the cat playing the fiddle and the cow jumping of the moon.

Now its in a bright and shiny new shopping centre but I think the clock is the same.

After this we decided to risk a trip up to Mt Wellington and so glad we did. Since getting back to Hobart, the top of the mountain has been hidden by cloud cover, but as we thought this was going to be our only chance to go there, we decided it was worth a try. As we driving up the mountain the cloud seemed to be lifting so our chances started to look better.

By the time we reached the top the clouds parted just enough for us to get some great views back down the mountain over Hobart. It would really be spectacular on a clear day. 

For our last dinner we tried to get into the Anchor and Hope hotel but it was booked out. The waitress recommended we try Tom McHugos up on the next corner and it was a good recommendation.

Another busy day and it's time to pack up ready for our last day.