TASMANIA

While we were there it was school break time so we all went on a road trip.  First we flew to Tazzy (no one seems to ever call it Tasmania). The kids hired a mini van which fit all six of us quite comfortably. The parents were in the front, driver and navigator.  Then each grandparent had one child to entertain with changes each stop so everyone got their share of Grandpa (he is the story teller)

                                       

First stop was the Salamanca Market to pick up some fruit and vegetables and some amazing local cheeses. Next stop was for some fish and chips before starting on our trip to the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)

The way to get to the museum was by the Camo boat. It was about a half hour trip and they had a bar and food on board.

The kids enjoyed the sheep seats at the front of the boat where you were outside and could see the world passing by.  The museum itself was really innovative and interesting.  I took quite a few photos but I wont show them here.  Most places didn't have problems with you taking photos but they were for your own use and putting them on a blog doesn't seem right.  You can go to the museum's website to check it out.  At the time I thought it was pretty dark with a lot of very sexual art.  The big hit with the kids was the Poop Machine they called it.  It was a series of large glass containers hanging from the ceiling.  There were specific feeding times and poop times.  Fortunately we were there for a feeding time, though the rooms smelt to high heaven!  They literally put a sandwhich in the first container and it worked its way over the next 12 hours to come out the other end as poop.  Although at the time I wasn't sure of a lot of the art, it has actually really stuck with me.  I particularly liked a curtain of water falling from the ceiling that was programmed to spell words in water.  The other one I liked was a big rusty cement truck outside that was intricately carved to look like lace.

My daughter did a fantastic job of planning the trip for us all.  We stayed in this beautiful cottage right on the beach.  You literally stepped out the door, down a couple of steps, through the gate and there was the beach.  We did a lot of travelling but still had time in the early mornings to enjoy the beach and look for treasures and build sandcastles.  A great way for the grandkids to get their sillies out before the sightseeing.

High on the list of must sees for my grandson was the Tasmanian Devil.  They have a sanctuary which we visited and they did a good job of both conservation and education.

 

They also had a few kangaros and other animals that had lots of room to roam.  I loved seeing the Joey

peeking out from its pouch