After arriving back in Tasmania safe and sound I'm having the pleasure of showing my dear friend Vicki a very small slice of this wonderful island state for a week. It seems strange being here....freezing cold.....and missing my good friends still enjoying the Chinese summer!!

Port Arthur is a World Heritage Historic Site about one hour drive from Hobart, the capital of this wonderful state (and my home town). We set off from home early yesterday morning and spent the day viewing the historic site which was a penal settlement dating from the 1830's. Vicki was amazed to see this side of convict transportation - coming from England where the convicts started their journey - the site contains more than 30 historic buildings, extensive ruins and beautiful gardens reminiscent of England. Despite the cold weather it was a crisp, sunny day as we walked amongst the buildings and discovered the history. Vicki got me to lock her in the punishment cell - lasting all of one minute in the total pitch black dark - came out looking a little worse for wear!! Hard to believe that some convicts remained in there for weeks on end. The personal stories of the convicts brings a sense of realism to your visit that could otherwise just be seen as 'yet another tourist site'. Needless to say 100s of photos were taken and Vicki exclaiming her delight everywhere she looked. Could not believe the magnificent scenery and for me (despite so many previous visits) a new perspective could be seen.

Monday night we enjoyed dinner on site at Felons Bistro with my wonderful local friends Jake and Meahd and met their new daughter Bella. Vicki was worried about how a baby would react to her - not being used to children - but found a new friend quickly as Bella started playing with her!! It is always a pleasure to catch up with old friends and share stories of places we have been - China and Vietnam to name 2 - and the time flew. All too quickly we had finished dinner and it was time for us to join the nightly lantern-lit walking Port Arthur Ghost Tour. Port Arthur is a very different place after sunset,full of mystery and intrigue and with exclusive access to this World Heritage listed Site the silence and soft glow of the lantern light makes those long gone seem very close at hand. Didn't actually "see" anything but certainly got goosebumps as we were told of many experiences that people hav shared over the years in the dark !!!

Next morning we were up early to see the rest of the site and to enjoy the harbour cruise viewing the Isle of the Dead and the Point Puer Boys Prison. About 1100 people were buried on the settlements cemetery including military and civil officers, their wives and children as well as convicts. Point Puer was the first purpose-built juvenile prison built in the British Empire with most of the boys aged 14-17 but the youngest was only 9 years old. This prison was renown for its stern discipline and harsh punishment but all the boys did receive education and training.

Despite its reputation as a pioneering institution for the new, enlightened view of imprisonment, Port Arthur was still in reality as harsh and brutal as other penal settlements. Some critics
suggest that its use of psychological punishment, compounded with no hope of escape, made it one of the worst. In 1996 the tragic history of the site was deepened by the massacre of 35 people and wounding of many others. Our final visit was to the memorial garden which was constructed after the massacre and incorporates the shell of the Broad Arrow Cafe where 20 people lost their lives. The natural garden creates a place of remembrance and reflection.



So now I have shared some of my "local" history with you......hope you enjoy it.
Bye for now. xx