Milan - Milan Duomo

And here begins the fun of reliving my holidays in June. I hope you enjoy this as much as I know I will!

I'm not positive, but from what I can tell, Milan decided that Florence couldn't have the only Dome around and they build their own. (Yes, this is not a picture of a dome... very good.) The wall of the west door has an incredible collection of sculptures, as most west doors are want to do. The spires at the top were also lovely, and the shot above features a sample of these spires. Also, how cool is the moon? We could not have asked for a bluer sky or a more perfect day for wandering the streets of Milan. I also took this picture on the walk to see the church above.

taken June 2010 - Milan Duomo, Milan

Taronga Zoo - Koala

I feel very lucky to have caught the koalas at feeding time. Actually, I have never seen koalas move about so much (since they sleep 20-22 hours a day, it's not surprising to see them, well, asleep.)

The koala enclosure at Taronga had recently been closed for maintenance, so four of the koalas had been moved into the echidna enclosure. This provided me with excellent viewing, as the sunshine was beautiful and back-lit the koalas perfectly here.

Taronga Zoo - Wombat

Hello beautiful!

I must say that it is rather fortunate that the upper bit of grass is covering her forehead this morning. Just before I arrived to visit the wombat (her) enclosure, a bird must have flow by and dropped something on her forehead. She then must have tried to rub the wet stuff off, succeeding only in sticking a gum leaf smack dab in the middle of her forehead. Oh well, as long as there is dirt to dig and grass to eat, Mme Wombat seems to keep content!

Taken August 2010 - Taronga Zoo, Sydney, NSW

Taronga Zoo - Giraffe feeding time

All I can say is this - What a tongue! Yes it's blue, and man it's strong.

In March, Micah and I managed to visit the Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. I mention this only because Micah got to feed one of the lovely ladies there. Glee was all consuming for Micah, and the carrots were all consumed by the giraffes. Oh, and apparently a carrot to a giraffe is like a piece of chocolate to a person. Yummy!

Taken August 2010 - Taronga Zoo, Sydney, NSW

Taronga Zoo - Wallaby

I am always struck by how much kangaroos and wallabies look like dear. I really can't get over it. I think it's probably their ears and the gentle herbivore nature, though I might just be wishing for connections between these lovely creatures.

This beautiful lady actually came over to say hi to me while I was visiting her at Taronga. The keeper even gave me a peanut which Merrybel was oh so happy to gently take from my hand. Merrybel was raise from the size of a joey here at Taronga. Her mother was unfortunately hit by a car, an she was found hopping around at the side of the road by the place of the accident. Since she was hand fed, she's very use to having people around, and really loves to be petted. Let me tell you, she is so soft! What a beautiful girl to spend a sunny afternoon with eh?

Taken August 2010 - Taronga Zoo, Sydney, NSW