There is quite a lot to see around Richmond, and although the day was cold, it was fine, and we were able to walk around this lovely little town.
Our first stop was the oldest remaining bridge in Australia, and the second most photographed. Richmond bridge was constructed by convicts in 1823.
The seagulls are so comfortable sitting on the bridge, they barely flew off when TRO went up to shoo them away so I could photograph them in flight.
Our next port of call was the Richmond Goal. It was the first goal built in Australia apparently. It is almost in its original state, and the conditions both for the prisoners and the guards were simply horrific. Solitary confinement in cells one meter by two metres was common, both for men and women, floggings were commonplace, and the dietary rations must have barely kept inmates alive.
Bedding was simply a piece of hessian on the floor as seen below. What a horrible place, I could hardly wait to get out of it. Mans inhumanity to others is hard to comprehend.
Our next visit was to the Old Hobart Town, an historical model village built in the early 1990's. This village depicts Hobart as it was in the 1820's, with its historical accuracy and authenticity assured by using original maps and plans . There are over sixty buildings and four hundred period figurines telling the stories, often of hardship and cruelty of our pioneering forebears. Some of the original buildings still remain in Hobart today. We discovered that the land our hotel is built on is reclaimed land.
Our last first and oldest for the day was the Catholic Church. The first RC church built in Australia, the foundation stone being laid in 1835.
Notice the worn concrete step into the nave. Many, many of the faithful have used this step over the 180 years of its existence. The church is still in use today, so one would,Ned to be a little careful when entering and exiting.
We the set off to the airport to pick up Kath and Kwong, got them checked into the hotel and set off into the cold night to help Hobartians celebrate DARK MOFO. This is a festival of music, arts and food, that is sponsored by the MONA....museum of old and new art. This particular function incorporates all three, it's called the Drak Mofo Feast,and we wandered around sampling the food, beer and wine. There was some weird and wonderful food, just an enormous choice, ranging from profferjies through to full BBQ meals by famous chefs, whom we had never heard of. We were thrilled to have a pulled pork bun from the Fat Pig Farm here in Tasmania. If you watched the TV show..Gourmet Farmer....you will know what I am talking about.
Outside the building were many wood fires, and fires in 44 gallon drums. Mostly they were surrounded by folk who looked as if they had been there for several hours, and had no intention of moving. There were lots of musicians, and several fire twirlers. All up, a nice evening with delicious food. And as an added bonus, it was all in walking distance of our hotel !
An early night was in order, we crammed a lot into this day.
if you get to the New Norfolk Hotel please have a drop of red for me, I had my first red wine there in 1966! Quite a few drops to tell the truth. love Margot
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