29 March 2007

Booking Through Thursday: Location, Location, Location, Part II

Where do you do most of your reading?

I read anywhere and everywhere. Most commonly: in my room (either on the bed or on the floor propped up against it), the couch in the family room, on the train, waiting for the train, at uni while waiting for lectures to start, or in the City Botanic Gardens between classes. I am yet to resort to doing what I have seen others do, namely reading while walking, but I have been tempted at times.

Your favourite spot?

The Gardens. Being the subtropics it’s rarely too chilly to sit outside and usually sunny. My favourite spot within my favourite spot is a shady picnic table beside the river just down from the mangrove walk. There’s a view across the water to the cliffs at Kangaroo Point; and I can watch the boats at anchor and the occasional passing CityCat ferry. The riverside footpath is at the bottom of a steep grassy slope and is generally pretty quiet. But if the table’s occupied or I can’t be bothered walking all the way across the Gardens, I just sit down in the first quiet shady spot I find. If it’s really busy, I’ll even settle for the small and constantly-moving patch of shade cast by a palm tree.

I love the Gardens because they’re convenient (right next to my uni! How lucky am I!) and there’s so much to see. Grand old Moreton Bay figs, hibiscus flowers the size of dinner plates, ducks among the waterlilies, scarlet cannas, trees covered with pinkish-mauve flowers, all the passers-by. I once spent my lunch break being entertained by a rehearsing police band! The only downsides are those wretched mynahs and the occasional roving pack of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

10 comments:

Chris said...

Sounds very pretty. Lucky you!

Marianne Arkins said...

Sounds truly amazing! I envy you your sub-tropic weather more than I can say.

Thanks for stopping by earlier.

Dancin Fool said...

Hey Coversgirl! That sounds good! I always favour leaning back against a tree in the shade of a spring or summers day, but my garden often suffices as I can lean back and see an expanse of blue as the sky sprawls. We have a small garden but it backs onto a playing field so there are no intrusions in the skyline.

I would love to see a photo of your viewpoint from the picnic table next to the river if you feel like posting a photo?

How's the list coming?!?!?!?!?

Anonymous said...

Woman you read like there's no tomorrow. Good for you!

Julia said...

I like how you describe your favorite spot. The gardens, picnic table by the river....just viewing all those beautiful scenery out there. Thanks for sharing!

Happy BTT - and have good day :)

Grominou said...

Reading while walking: don't try it! I almost got hit by a car once!

The Garden sounds lovely!

(I think I may have posted here a little while ago under a different username, Geneviève; I just changed it to avoid confusion with another blogger who uses Genevieve.)

Literary Feline said...

I sometimes read while walking down the hall. Does that count? LOL

The Gardens sound heavenly! Hmmm. Perfect for reading.

mathomhouse said...

Deliciously atmospheric!

Amat Libris said...

Thanks everyone! Sadly I don't have a digital camera so can't oblige with photos, but there are some online here and here for those who want to drool.

Grominou2: Don't worry, reading while walking is not something I intend trying.

Dancin' Fool: The list is progressing, but I'm holding off posting because there's a couple of books in my TBR piles I want to read first - just in case. I'd hate to post my top 10 only to change my mind three days later!

Anonymous said...

That sounds beautiful, having recently moved to the Southwest in the states, I really miss having water around to read next to.

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Header image shows detail of A Young Girl Reading by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, c. 1776