Streets of Bolzano

Streets of new and strange towns are endlessly fascinating.
We stayed right in the heart of the main shopping area of Bolzano, in the historical centre.

Bikes and pedestrians only here!

Our arcaded street was filled with the brightest and best stores.

I feel right at home here!

A wonderful old-style haberdashery was just under or apartment.

Here is a peep inside - 

Another gorgeous old wool shop and haberdashery.

And of course there is the market.
This one runs every day from early in the morning until evening.

The best way to get around is by bicycle.

The main square with the Duomo and ringed by cafes and restaurants.

But this little gem was down a side street.
Unfortunately we didn't try it.

Some of the streets hint at Bolzano's past as a crossroads in Europe.

Our street where you could almost shake hands with your neighbour across the street!

But wait!
There is another market.
This one is a real local farmer's market, just on Fridays.
Where you can buy cheese direct from the cheesemaker.

And of course the locals do their shopping by bicycle.

An oldie but a goodie - Paddington markets

I'd never been to Paddington markets before! Hard to believe, I know, but as a westie-girl, it just seemed too hard to make the trip into the east.

This is Paddington, Sydney.

These markets have been around since 1973
Over the years many well-known designers got their start at Paddington markets.
It used to be pretty much the only market around and has always supported local artists and designers.

Now that there are soooo many other markets around, it's a testament to its integrity that this market has survived, and is still very much well-worth visiting.
There is still a fair amount of true designer items and a mix of quality non-artisan goods.

Brightest cushions by Bob Window -

Beautiful resin bangles by Kor creations -

One of my favorite photographers who I had met before at Narrabeen markets - Maria Vantsos.

Pretty dresses by Lemisee

There is yummy food and healthy smoothies.

More fabulous photographs by Tony Read -

  Amy found a stylish and practical hat from johnywho.

 Amazing cut-out pop-up cards -

Certainly enough to keep you entertained.
And there is entertainment! These lads were rather excellent.

I was also delighted to see my old friend Dawn Wilson there, of adawn designs. I failed to take a photo, but she creates gorgeous one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces from the unusual and not-so-unusual components.

The markets are a fundraising initiative of the Uniting Church and are held in the beautiful surrounds of the church.
Every saturday 10 til ?
395 Oxford street
Paddingtonmarkets.com.au

Return to Alice.

In which we return to Alice for floating and browsing.
floating aloft in a balloon and browsing around the night markets.
But first to eating and drinking!

I can highly recommend The Watertank cafe next time you are in Alice Springs!
It is in the industrial area of town and had preserved the industrial look of the premises. I love it!
All Corrugated iron, mismatched furnishings and eclectic light fittings.

Plus the menu - we would be happy with it wherever it was.

vegetarian quesedillas

pumpkin crepes

smoothies and fresh juices

You can sit inside on the comfy chairs

or outside in the garden area which has crushed glass underfoot.

The main thing we wanted to do was the balloon flight.
We were so disappointed when we couldn't go the week before when it was too windy.
So, another uber-early morning - Quarter to five! In the morning!
But this time - success.
We lifted off, floated above the desert, saw some cows and some kangaroos and landed safely.
After we'd helped pack the balloon....there was champagne and some breakfast. Packaged slices and cookies, cheese and crackers and fruit.
It was OK. the packaged slices were surprisingly tasty and the cheese was Cracker Barrel.
We were also amused by the lady from the Hilton hotel who stuffed the left over cheese and crackers in her handbag.

So that was our present to ourselves for our 30th wedding anniversary.

It all also timed nicely with the Night Markets which we were hoping to find the Mango Jam man from Ti Tree at. But sadly he wasn't there.
This is the-best-mango-jam-ever. And it is grown and made in the middle of the desert. We also bought some mango wine as we passed through but haven't been game to try that yet.

However I did find an ex-mountains, ex-Nooker buddy - Dawn, who had just flown into town for a few days.
There was entertainment.
And nice food.

And we still haven't seen everything - gotta leave something to come back for.