Doing (A Little) Time At Hyde Park Barracks

In Sydney, Hyde Park Barracks was a sort of a flop house for convicts. Australia brought in many UK convicts to come settle the land, develop a new world. Despite having a record, convicts weren't sitting in prisons. They did need a place to rest their tough bodies at night and Hyde Park Barracks was constructed in 1819. Vacancy!

A grand brick building, looking a bit like a factory for cheap labor.

Keeping track. Convict clothes and pardon paperwork. Be good, get out.

No privacy for the sleep of the unjust. The Hammock Room, capacity infinity.

Tools of the trade. Tiny, eensy-weensy pistol and gunpowder holder. Items more productive, woodworking implements.

Eventually, convicts became model citizens and the barracks evolved to become the Female Immigration Depot. Mmm, hammocks to beds, progress.

Enjoying The Art Gallery Of New South Wales

Sydney's main art museum is definitely worth a visit. The main gallery is housed in a classic building, new stuff is in a snazzy modern wing and a fun Kusama is waiting for you on an outdoor deck. Polish your eyes and go look.

Start them while they're young. Lots of school kid groups are busy being indoctrinated to life's beauty.

Iconic Aussie subject, the noble labor of sheep shearing. The new wing, nestled in native landscaping.

Back in the original gallery, a classic, 19th century salon setup.

New, interesting works. Statue of famous British navigator, James Cook. He "discovered" Australia. The mirror finish asks, does Cook represent him or us? Boom box in bronze, taking a fad in time and turning it timeless.

Big, flowering trippiness, by fun Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama. Smells great.