When Paula and I were in Venice we were captivated by the amazing array of Venetian masks available for sale.

The workmanship and attention to detail is quite extraordinary and they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles.

And because this is not an item that you want to jam into your suitcase you will find that most stores will arrange to ship your chosen mask home.

So what is it that inspired the Venetians to wear masks in times gone by. I wouldn’t mind betting that it was a cover up for when they were getting up to no good.

Well lets just take a sneek peek into the history of the Venetian Mask.

Venetian masks have a long and interesting history. Originally citizens of every rank and station wore them so that they could communicated freely and openly with any member of society, without fear of reprisal or recrimination.

It was  thought that by hiding a wearer’s identity every party was able to conduct business on an equal level. The lowliest servant could speak with a lord directly and honestly. Of course what starts out as a good idea often has it’s own pitfalls. The Venetian mask was no exception.

While it may have sounded like a good idea at the time the masks quickly became a tool during times of debauchery and promiscuity. It’s simply amazing what people will get up to when their identity is concealed. While wearing a mask they were free  to  conduct themselves in the most outrageous manner.  This led to a freer and more open society. And of course the church took umbrage with this and soon issued an edict outlawing the wearing of masks.

It was too late though, the masks were popular, and so the church relented and allowed the wearing of them between the day after Christmas and the day before Lent.

What has this evolved into? The typical Mardi Gras mask! The flamboyant decorations of today owe their roots to a societal attempt at equality. One could argue that the mask still serves the same purpose that it did centuries ago. All one has to do is checkout a Mardi Gras parade to see revelers in masks behaving in ways you would never expect were they showing their faces and could be recognized.

There are many types of masks and each has a particular significance. Some are full faced and others are half masks, then there are the colombina, jester and the long nosed Zanni, Scaromouche and many others  all with stories behind their development.

True Venetian masks are absolute works of art. Venetian artisans craft elaborate masks with jewels, folded paper, faux fur, feathers and all manner of accouterments,  and there will definitely be one to suit you.  They range in size from very small intricate masks to very large wall or meant to be worn masks.

The next time your travels take you through Venice take some time out to check out some of the this beautiful craftwork and pick up one for yourself? It will make a great decoration for the home or as part of a costume the next time you attend a masquerade ball.

Here are just a few of the beautiful masks that we saw on sale in Venice.  You can also purchase rather nice masks for parties and Mardi Gras from Amazon.com

Most people know that convicts were sent to Australia…but how much do you really know?  Here’s our guide to Port Arthur – the penitentiary where the very worst of male convicts ended their days.

Where is Port Arthur?

Port Arthur is on the island of Tasmania, off the south east coast of Australia.  As if that wasn’t remote enough, it is situated on the south east corner of the island, about 75km from Hobart.

When Port Arthur was built, Tasmania was still called “Van Diemen’s Land”.  The first European to explore Tasmania was a Dutchman called Abel Tasman.  He called the island Anthoonif van Diemenslandt to honour Anthony Van Diemen who was the Governor General of the Dutch East Indies.  It was Van Diemen who sponsored Tasman’s voyage of exploration in 1642.

In 1803, the British colonised Van Diemen’s Land as a penal colony which became part of New South Wales.  In 1842 the island became a stand-alone colony.  It was given responsibility for its’ own government in 1856 and the name, Tasmania – after the man who discovered it.

Brief History of ‘Transportation’

Van Diemen’s Land was the main penal colony in Australia from the 1830′s to 1853.  The sending of convicts to these colonies was called ‘penal transportation’, most commonly shortened to ‘transportation’.  It ended in 1853 because so many Victorians complained about convicts who had served their term, been released and then went on to re-offend, mainly in Victoria and Melbourne.

The settler population was mostly made up of by convicts and their descendants until huge numbers of people flooded into Australia during the Gold Rushes of the 1850′s.

When transportation to New South Wales was stopped in 1840, all convicts went to Van Diemen’s Land.  40% of all convicts sent to Australia ended up there.  That translates to over 75,000 convicts!

Men and women were separated.  There were five workhouse prisons for women, known as ‘factories’.  Women who were lucky enough to avoid this were given jobs in ordinary households.

Men were given jobs in hard labor, working in supervised gangs.  The worst of them – about one in every five –  were sent to Port Arthur.

When was it built?

Port Arthur was built in 1830 on the site of a timber station.  It was named after the Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemen’s Land, George Arthur.

As well as the most rebellious of predominantly English and Irish prisoners, it housed those who had served their time and then re-offended.  As a result, it employed some of the strictest security measures.  It also housed boys as young as nine – many of them had been arrested for stealing bread or a toy.  Today, it seems unthinkable that these children should be in the same area as hardened criminals.  They were kept at the first boys’ prison of the British Empire, called Port Puer  and were put to hard labor including stone cutting and construction.  They helped to build the Gothic church at Port Arthur.

Port Arthur was ideally situated for a prison, being on a peninsula surrounded by (reputedly) shark infested waters.  The only connection to the mainland was a 30 meter wide strip of land which was fenced and guarded by soldiers and dogs that were all kept half starved.

Most Bizarre Escape Attempt…

Nevertheless, there were rare escapes and many attempted escapes.  The most bizarre attempt had to be by George Hunt, who disguised himself in a kangaroo skin and tried to hop across the narrow neck of the peninsula.  The starving guards tried to shoot the tasty ‘kangaroo’.  Hunt threw off the animal skin and gave himself up – receiving 150 lashes as punishment.

Desperate Prison…to Tourist Attraction

The site ceased to be used as a Prison in 1877.   The old prison buildings were destroyed by fires in 1895 and 1897 and the land was sold off to the public.  A new community called ‘Carnarvon’ was established.

Tourism was embraced almost immediately, to bring a welcome income to Carnarvon.  By 1927, this was so successful that the area reverted to the original name of Port Arthur.  In 1916, the site began to be managed by the Scenery Preservation Board.  By the 1970′s, the National Parks and Wildlife Service took over.  Funding was given to preserve the site because of its’ history.  Several of the magnificent buildings erected by convicts were covered in ivy and overgrown.  These were cleaned and restored to how they would have looked when first built.

Since 1987, the site has been managed by the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority which is funded by the Tasmanian Government.

What can I see there?

The site has more than thirty buildings, restored period homes and ruins, set in a 90 acre (40 hectare) site of beautifully landscaped grounds.  You can eat a family meal (with childrens’ menu) or dinner, featuring fresh local produce and local wines at the aptly named Felon’s Bistro or Port Café in the Visitor’s Centre.  There is also a gift shop and the Centre hires out wheelchairs and strollers.  You can also store backpacks there while you visit.  The Museum Coffee Shop in the Asylum building offers light meals and snacks.

Here’s a guide to some of the highlights of Port Arthur.

Buildings

• Penitentiary – This was built as a flour mill in 1843 and was converted in 1857 into a dormitory that housed over 480 convicts. The building also contains a mess room, library and Catholic chapel. Alongside it, were the Watchmens’ Quarters, workshops and a complex for the men to wash in.

• Separate (or Model) Prison – In 1848, the Victorians decided that punishment of the mind was more devastating than punishment of the body. Flogging was replaced by solitary confinement. This prison had 80 cells and was built in the shape of a cross with exercise yards around a chapel and central hall. The “Silent System” of punishment was used where prisoners were hooded and made to stay silent. The idea was for them to have time to reflect on their actions although in reality, many of them suffered horribly from sensory deprivation.

• Officers’ Row – This consists of five buildings constructed during the 1840′s. These were for the most important officials of Port Arthur. The five are:

1.       The Junior Medical Officer’s House built in 1848.

2.       The Parsonage, built in 1842.

3.       The Accountant’s House built in 1842.

4.       The Magistrate and Surgeon’s House, built in 1847 and

5.       The Roman Catholic Chaplain’s House built in 1843.

Of these five, the first two are furnished as they would have been originally and are open to visitors.

• Commandant’s Residence - The Commandant was top man at Port Arthur. The house started as a wooden cottage in 1833 but evolved into a multi-roomed home in ornate gardens. It was separated from the rest of the colony by high stone walls. When Port Arthur closed, it became the Carnarvon Hotel and then a guest house up unitl the 1930′s.
• Dockyards – From 1834 to 1848, Port Arthur was a place of shipbuilding. Over seventy convicts sawed timber and labored to build fifteen large wooden boats and over one hundred and forty smaller ones. The dockyards housed a blacksmith’s forge, sawpits, steamers to bend timber, a shed for rigging and many other workshops. This is also the site of the Master Shipwright’s Residence, built in 1834.
• Church – Built from wood and stone in 1836 – 1837 by convicts, the Church could hold over 1,000 people. It was never consecrated because so many denomenations used it. The authorities believed they could reform the prisoners through religion but this was largely a failure. The Church was gutted by fire in 1884 and has had intense conservation work.
• Hospital – This was the third hospital built at Port Arthur, in 1841 – 1842. Accidents were common due to the dangerous labor undertaken by the convicts. The staff consisted of one Doctor and several untrained convicts who worked as assistants.

Guided tours

• Historical Walking Tour – This is the best way to start your visit to Port Arthur. An expert guide will tell you about the site and its’ history. Tours leave from the Visitors’ Center.
• Audio Tours – Take a single player or share with a friend and tour the 25 stops at your own speed. This atmospheric tour will let you hear how Port Arthur would have sounded. It also includes history, readings from contemporary books and diaries and music. Hear the stories and sounds of Port Arthur where they happened.
• Isle of the Dead Cemetery Tour – This is a small island in the harbor where all those who died between 1833 and 1877 ended up. 1,646 graves are known to exist but only 180 of them are marked – not surprisingly, those of prison staff and members of the militia. Join the 30 minute guided tour and enjoythe short ferry crossing, giving you a different view of Port Arthur. Comfortable clothing (that is suitable for the weather) and shoes are recommended.
• Point Puer Boys’ Prison Tour – Between 1834 and 1849, over 3,000 boys passed through this prison. The tour includes a short ferry ride to Point Puer and a walking tour with an expert guide.
• Ghost Tour - This highly popular tour almost merits its’ own article but here are the main points:
• Tours last 90 minutes and start at the Visitors’ Centre.
• There are several tours each evening (twice in winter and four times in summer) and run every night except December 25th.
• The tours are never cancelled due to bad weather – it adds to the atmosphere!
• There are no special effects but the stories and atmosphere create their own scary experience…
• Wear warm, comfortable clothing and footwear – no high heels! Umbrellas are not allowed (so that you don’t jab someone with it by accident in the dark!) so if it’s wet, bear this in mind.
• The tour is popular with older children but if your child is prone to nightmares, give it a miss.
• If your child is disruptive during the tour, you will be asked to leave it.
• Booking in advance is essential as this tour is so popular and each tour has a maximum of 30 people. Call 1 800 659 101
• If your mobility is poor or you are in a wheelchair, please be aware that only a third of the tour is suitable for wheelchairs. Roughly 2 kms of walking are involved, often in poor light, on uneven ground and many steps.
• Still cameras may be used but only with a flash when the guide permits.
• Video cameras are not allowed.
• Smoking, alcohol and other substances are not permitted.

Booking

To book tickets for Port Arthur tours, click here.

Was Your Ancestor a Convict?

Through an ongoing Research Project, a database is being worked on which names those who came through Port Arthur.  This includes male convicts and also females who worked as servants or had some association with the colony.

Records will include details of

• The original place of trial
• The offense resulting in transportation
• Sentence
• Place of origin
• Age on arrival
• Trade
• Any offences committed after arriving in the colony
• Freedoms gained and locations incarcerated

Port Arthur offers an online enquiry service, with a limited research and transcription service for anyone researching convicts in Tasmania – regardless of whether they were at Port Arthur or not.

Visitors to Port Arthur can visit the Convict Study Centre in the Asylum.  The Visitors’ Centre also has many useful books on Convicts, Convict Records and Ships that sailed to the colony.

Tragedy at Port Arthur

On 28^th April 1996, Martin Bryant aged 28 went on a deadly shooting spree at Port Arthur which claimed the lives of 35 people and injured 21 others.  He is now serving 35 life sentences with no possibility of parole.  This was Australia’s most awful killing spree and one of the worst, worldwide.

The Port Arthur website respectfully asks visitors not to question staff about that day, as many had relatives or friends who were killed or injured.  There is a memorial center for those who died.

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Tasmania is a heart-shaped island 150 miles off the south east coast of Australia. It’s the 26th largest island in the world and home to half a million people. That’s less than 3% of Australia’s population – but Tasmania has 9% of Australia’s artists.They are highly inspired by its’ beauty.

37% of the island is given over to National Parks and World Heritage Sites. Tasmanian wool is rated as the finest in the world…have we whet your appetite?

Here are just a few of the fabulous places to visit on this unique island…

Popular Attractions

Cataract Gorge

The Gorge is unique in that you can walk to it from a City! Start in Launceston and follow the river Tamar – part of the pathway from Launceston was built along the face of a cliff in the late 1800′s – and in 15 minutes you’ll be in the wilderness. If you prefer to drive, it’ll take two minutes!

On the south side is a café, swimming pool and bushland and the shadier north side has a Victorian garden of exotic plants. There are peacocks in the trees and wallabies come out at dusk. If you want to cross the river, there’s a footbridge or a chairlift.

If you’re a little more adventurous, why not try climbing or abseiling in the Gorge. For the ultimate view and adrenaline kick, it’s also a great place to try hang gliding.

Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park

A quarter of all visitors to Tasmania come to see the spectacular Cradle Mountain. It’s at the northern end of the National Park and is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Cradle Mountain is the highest in Tasmania at 1,617 metres.

Gustav Weindorfer, born in Austria, was so devoted to this beautiful area that he built a wooden chalet there in 1912. He worked for ten years to get the area declared as a National Park and his work paid off in 1922. You can still visit Weindorfer’s chalet today.

The area is amazing for hiking and walking. Cascading rivers give way to rainforest and from late April to May, the only deciduous tree in Australia called Fagus (which is endemic to Tasmania) puts on a stunning display of foliage turning from gold to a deep red.

Short Walks -
• Dove Lake Loop Walk – one-two hours
• Hike to the Summit of Cradle Mountain – six-eight hours
• Circuit of Crater Lake (two hours)
• Enchanted Walk (20 minutes)

For a real taste of the wilderness, you could try the Overland Track which takes around six days if you also take other walks associated with the main track. Campsites are dotted along the track. If you don’t fancy doing it on your own, Guided Walks are available but do book up if you’re travelling in Australia’s summer (November to April). These offer more comfort too as some include staying in huts with catering.

Flinders Island

The norh east point of Tasmania was once connected to Australia. That land mass is now a group of 51 islands called the Furneaux Group and Flinders is one of them. The landscape is varied with rugged pink and gray cliffs of granite, rolling green farmland and idyllic empty beaches. It’s a mecca for divers as it has many shipwreck sites. Flinders is a real ‘get away from it all’ experience.

Freycinet National Park

This beautiful area on the east coast is home to one of the ‘Top Ten Beaches of the World’ as named by the American magazine “Outside”. Wineglass Bay is a semi circle of pure white sand with turquoise sea. There are also mountains of pink granite and eucalyptus forests to explore.

Gordon River

Two rivers, the Collingwood and the Franklin, flow through rainforest and deep valleys to merge and become the Gordon River which then makes its’ wayto the huge Macquarie Harbour on the west coast of Tasmania.
There is whitewater rafting on the Franklin or cruising on the Gordon. For an unforgettable experience, take a flight from Strahan that will follow the Gordon to Sir John Falls and areas of trees over 1,000 years old.

Hastings Caves

These caves began to form around 40 million years ago but were not even known about until they were discovered in 1917. The cave system includes Newdegate Cave which is the most visited cave in all of Australia.

It’s ideal for visitors as it has no narrow passages to squeeze through and it’s well lit and roomy. There are approximately 240 stairs but these are broken up into small sections. The cave is spectacular with stalactites and stalagmites but also flowstone, columns, shawls and beautiful filaments of calcite called helictites. The temperature is a comfortable 9 degrees Celsius – 48 degrees Fahrenheit – all through the year.

Why not finish off your experience with a dip in the natural hot pool (28 degrees C / 82.5 degrees F) in the glorious setting of the surrounding forest. There are changing rooms, showers and toilets and has a paddling pool area for children. If you’re peckish there are electric barbecues and there is also a licensed café back at the Visitor Centre where you buy your tickets.

If you walk back along the track from the hot springs, you will come to the place where two streams meet, one warm and one cold. Children especially are fascinated by by putting their hands in the water and feeling the two meet!

King Island

The ‘Roaring Forties’ are strong westerly winds that continually blow in the southern latitudes of the world. King Island is right in their path. It’s home to approximately 1,000 hardy souls who make their living from farming meltingly tender beef, rich cream and amazing cheeses. They also fish for cray and dive for abalone shells.

Not surprisingly, there are over 70 shipwrecks off the coast of the island so it’s a must-see for divers.

These are the main tourist attractions but there is so much more to Tasmania. Here’s a quick run-down of what else you won’t want to miss:

Wildlife - Wallabies, peacocks, albatrosses, sea eagles, parrots, platypuses, fairy penguins, fur seals, pheasants and turkeys.
Mole Creek Karst National Park – 3,324 acres of 300 deep limestone caves and sinkholes, with two spectacular caves open for visitors.
Mount Wellington – is only 20 minutes drive from Hobart and includes the windiest place in the city! In 1836, Charles Darwin climbed up but it’s easier to take a 13 mile drive to the top of the mountain, passing through rainforest, alpine scenery and glacial rock. The view from the top (1,270 metres / 4,000 feet) takes in Hobart, Bruny Island, South Arm and the Tasman Peninsula. Take a bushwalk – there are trails for all levels of fitness or go cycling or abseiling. Picnic and barbecue facilities are all around.

Port Arthur – The historic site of a convicts’ prison from 1830 to 1877. There are 90 acres of landscaped grounds with over 30 building, restored homes and ruins.
• Guided tours
• Harbour cruises
• Cruises to the Isle of the Dead (convict and staff burial ground)
• Point Puer Boys’ Prison (where boys from 9 – 18 were incarcerated and put to work building with stone – including the Church on site)
• Visitor Centre with interactive experiences
• Museum
• Convict Study Centre

Salamanca Place - in Sullivans Cove, Hobart. Arts and crafts, jewellers, designers, bookshops, cafes, restaurants all housed in Georgian warehouses built in the mid 1800′s. Each Saturday, there is a great market where you can buy pretty much anything. Salamanca Square is close by and is a great place to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by.

Strahan – the last stop before Patagonia. Forests, gorges, lakes and the tallest waterfall in Tasmania. Gold, silver and copper mines, entrance to the World Heritage Wilderness Area.

The Nut, Stanley – the remains of a gigantic volcanic plug. Take the chairlift or hike up for an amazing view across the beaches of Bass Strait and the historic town of Stanley. Take a wildlife trip to see seals, penguins and other wildlife. Visit Highfield House, built in the 1830′s in the Italianate style. The managers of Van Diemen’s Land lived here.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities – Abseiling/Rapelling, All Terrain Vehicles, Bicycle Touring, Camping, Caves and Caving, Coastal and River Cruising, Diving, Fishing, Gardens, Golf, Hang Gliding, Horseriding, Jet Boats, Kayaking, Off Road Touring, Recreational, Sports, Rock Climbing, Sailing and Yachting, Scenic Flights, Surfing, Walking and Trekking, Whitewater Rafting, Wildlife Watching

Tasmania really does have something for everyone and is so often overlooked. Make sure that you don’t miss it!

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The Grand Canyon is spectacular.  I defy anyone to stand at the rim and not be swept away by the grandeur and spectacular beauty before them. Just take a look at the photo we took on our holiday, as you can see there is snow still on the ground.

As we stated in a  previous post, we spoke to a man in Ash Fork who told us that it was just a big hole in the ground nothing to waste your time on. Well he was definitely wrong and if you get the chance to go to the Grand Canyon you won’t regret it.

We didn’t have the opportunity to go out to the new attraction – the Grand Canyon Skywalk, but it is absolutely on our list of things to do when we return.

The Grand Canyon glass skywalk is a unique vacation destination, and if you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon then you won’t want to miss it.

What is it? The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a privately owned tourist attraction owned by the Hualapai Indians. Its name is pretty self-descriptive. Perched at the edge of the canyon’s lip is a skywalk that juts out over the canyon itself.

Location: The Grand Canyon Glass Skywalk is located in Northwest Arizona in Grand Canyon West. It is a little over a 4 hour drive from Las Vegas.You have to take a bumpy dirt road to get up to the top of the canyon rim. There is an airport terminal there as well if you are looking to fly in to Grand Canyon West. The Tribe offers bus service up to the skywalk for a few extra dollars.

Pricing: Going to the glass skywalk isn’t cheap. Access alone costs around thirty dollars. On top of that you’re charged an additional thirty bucks to park. Taxes, fuel surcharges etc will run you an additional 10-15 dollars.  Expect to spend about 70 bucks just to get the opportunity to wander out onto the bridge way. It’s a steep price to pay agreed but when you’re going for a million dollar view a few bucks doesn’t seem all that costly.

On the Skyway: Since the skyway is made out of glass a lot of effort is taken to keep it from getting scratched.  You’ll have to wear booties over your shoes. In addition you can’t take any personal items out onto the skywalk. This means no personal pictures. Don’t worry though they will be happy to sell you professional photographs of your trip there.

The Grand Canyon glass skywalk is a unique way to check out America’s most beloved hole in the ground. You’ll be able to walk out on air and get a great panoramic view of all of the Grand Canyon’s majesty.

However, I can’t express enough that the Grand Canyon is a sight not to miss if you are holidaying in the area, or if you are in Las Vegas  it only takes a little over 4 hours to drive out to the Skywalk.

You can book cheap flights, accommodation and a car quickly and  hassle free from Expedia.com to make this a memorable trip to the rim of the canyon.