Saturday 17 April 2010

Second Helpings

We felt a little like a couple of Hobbits, but instead of Second Breakfast, it was a case of Second Birthday Celebrations.  My brother in Sydney had planned a surprise dinner and overnight accommodation for us here in Brisbane to celebrate Mr Fudge's Big Oh birthday last weekend, but our daughter had already made similar arrangements, so he organised for us to have an extra treat this Friday.  We have such a lovely family!























It was in the hotel room the next morning that a shadow shot presented itself as I settled down with my first coffee of the day and the weekend newspaper.  You can see some remarkable shadow images at Hey Harriet's Shadow Shot Sunday.

Tony and I were among the guests at the official opening of the Hilton way back in  the 1980s and we have always had a soft spot for this iconic hotel.  My brother had booked us into a room on the 20th floor and the only way up was in the glass elevators. 

















We did our High Anxiety impersonations, plastered against the back wall. 


















I wonder if the patrons way down there in the Atrium Restaurant realise what imminent danger they are in from falling cameras?  Cleverly, we asked for a table under that big chunk of granite when it came time to dine. 

















We felt like movie stars.  We had gone from Lord of the Rings, through High Anxiety and straight into Room With a View.  This is what greeted us from our hotel room the next morning.  It wasn't until I downloaded the images that I realised that the reflection in the building on the right is of St Stephen's Chapel, the oldest church in Brisbane, and where our son and daughter-in-law were married.

So thanks to the love and generosity of members of our family, we have had two of the most delightful mini get-aways in our own beautiful city.  Who says reaching milestones isn't fun?  And what are we going to do next weekend?  We're fast running out of hotels.

22 comments:

robin. said...

sounds like you had a wonderful, relaxing time. love the reflections on the buildings...breath taking views.

Catherine said...

love that shot of the coffee mug - great..

Ralph said...

The view from above is eerie, a bit scary. But no need to be concerned about the falling cameras, as smart photographers have their cameras tethered around their necks or wrists - right??

The 'big oh', any of them, deserve an extended celebration, I'd say. Being served and not carrying your luggage nor cooking, is a luxury we all deserve, although we wish it could be all the time...

Chasing Purple Dreams said...

I like how you can still see the colour in the newspaper in the shadow. Nice shot.

EG CameraGirl said...

You DO have a great family!

Neat shot of the shadow of the cup on the newspaper.

Jonny Hamachi said...

Still Life in a Hotel Room

Love it

Dimple said...

Beautiful views, I like them all. The high angle of the hotel atrium is quite artistic, it must have been designed with elevator riders in mind! And the view from your window is breath taking!

Americana Lady said...

Great reflection and your coffee cup shadow strewn across the front page appropo. Joan

A Wild Thing said...

Wow and what a fun family indeed, can't wait to hear what your next trip will be...and what views, thanks for the mini-tour again!

Unknown said...

What a great family you have. I love all of your shots.

Rajesh said...

Very interesting shadow shots.

Hey Harriet said...

Ha! That's too funny that we were both capturing old Brissy churches for SSS posts this week! Great minds and all ;D

I think I'm quite envious of your life Robyn! You deserve all the special treats that come your way. Have yourself a great week!

BLOGitse said...

wow, great shots and what a family!
Happy SSS from Casa!

BLOGitsePHOTOS

Anonymous said...

Fabulous photos!! If you are ever in a glass lift with a woman with her eyes closed who looks as if she might start crying - that will be me!!

Kim, USA said...

It must be a tall building ^_^. Happy weekend!

Antzy

Lynda Howells said...

hix love ALL these shadow imagesxxlove the newspaper shadow image especiallyxxlynda
http://chocolatelifeandjazz.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Wow - incredible views, and I think you did well to get into the elevator at all. I surely couldn't!

Sandrine said...

Your photos are just amazing Robyn...I LOVE the church reflection picture "Fantastique!" Bonne Semaine X

Patti said...

What a wonderful weekend. I love the shadow of your breakfast coffee mug.

Scary perspective from up there.

Oh, and your family is the best! WOW

Beverley Baird said...

What wonderful shots of the city! Glad you had a great holiday!

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

Is anyone in your family interested in adotpeing some adults? Oh, what a fabulous getaway to have ! Oh, my, my,my!! Breath taking.

Melanie Gray Augustin said...

Happy Birthday Mr Fudge! It sounds like you had a lovely time - both times!