Sunday, April 28, was my last full fun day in Australia. Monday afternoon I’d fly to Sydney, but stay in an airport hotel to be nearby for my Tuesday morning flight back to the states.

Midmorning, I headed to the botanic gardens, where these water lilies reminded me of Monet’s Japanese Garden in Giverny.

Then I explored. This sign reminded me of the cute pub David and I found in Wilmington, North Carolina.

I didn’t go in. I simply wandered, then walked across the huge bridge spanning the Brisbane River over to South Bank for the museums.

First, the Queensland Museum Kurilpa: dinosaurs–both real skeletons and life-sized Lego creations–plus all manner of Australian wildlife, including some I’d already seen up close and breathing. Also here and here and here.

And there were butterflies …

Next up, the Gallery of Modern Art. Turns out, there was a months-long exhibit called Fairy Tales ending THAT DAY at the 5 o’clock closing time. It was approaching 4 p.m. by the time I got there, so I didn’t have time to dither. I bought a ticket. If this had been all I saw, it would have been worth the ticket price.

So cool, and more followed, including a carriage made entirely of spun sugar:

I wasn’t being gowned by a fairy godmother, but it did feel like an amazing gift to be brought to that place at exactly that right time.

I lingered until nearly closing time, then back to the hotel for dinner. I never made it down to the beautiful main restaurant.

I was happy in the 1603 Bar upstairs. Here’s dessert, night two:

Described as White Chocolate Namelaka / Matcha Parfait / Berry Mousse / Fresh Berries, some of which I didn’t even understand. Yet again out of my comfort zone and discovering good things there.

So that’s it. Goodbye, Australia! What a delight!

Obviously, I loved it. I’m not sure I ever would have gone if my daughter had not been living there and asked me to come, but I’m so glad I did. It took me forever to tell you about it–thanks for your patience–but the memories and the gratitude remain nearly a year later.

Here’s wishing you surprising delights wherever you go, and kindness along the way. We could certainly use a lot more kindness these days.

Not sure where I’ll head next. Any suggestions? Until then, as always, grace and peace to you!