Back to Victoria

 An early, cold start had me on a long drive to Bendigo.  Bright blue sky and sunshine started me off but that slowly saw the temperature drop to 0C with frosty fields, misty valleys and finally fog as I travelled further south. 

A few stops and 800 kms later I arrived in Bendigo. My hotel is an art themed place 

 and is about a 20 minute walk to the centre of the city.

My reason for visiting  bendigo was to see the Mary Quant exhibition being held there. It also gave me the chance to catch up with Valda (haven't seen each other, apart from Zoom for 2 years!) and a couple of other friends.  

Arriving at the Art gallery early I took a walk through Rosalind Park to the Information Centre. It was a true autumn day, bright and cool with leaves crackling under foot.

I found the information I wanted  and then met up with my friends for a coffee before entering the exhibition. I really enjoyed reading about and seeing all the Mary Quant fashions which had been put together. It was a true 'blast from the past' and it was funny listening to people telling each other about what they had worn in the 60's. 

After the exhibiton we crossed the road and had lunch at a fabulous italian restaurant - truly one of the best meals I've had - perhaps it was the garlic, anchovies, al dente spaghetti or the olive oil!

It was soon time to say goodbye to friends as they headed home - perhaps it will be a case of same time next year for another exhibition!

I walked back through the park and visited the Golden Dragon Museum which told the story of how the Chinese community was built from the gold rush days and how they influenced the history of Bendigo. There was a display of the different 'dragon heads'  and the 'dragon' - which usually parades on Easter Sunday and takes 60 people to lift and work it. Anyone who wishes to be part of the 'dragon' has to show that they are able to lift it go through a weight-lifting test!!