Beachside Markets, Surfers Paradise.
If you haven't previously had the opportunity to observe a glass blower at work then allow me to take you to the Beachside Markets at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, Australia. Watching this skilled craftsman as he uses his blow torch to create exquisitely dainty pieces at night was most impressive.
Can you see the fine detail in those swans, ships and birds on display?
People come from all over the world to visit Surfers Paradise for a variety of reasons. Our temperate climate allows people to enjoy some of the Gold Coasts main features such as the expansive beach, surf, sand and water sports.
The main theme parks: SeaWorld, Water World, Movie World and Dreamworld are all within easy travel distance from Surfers Paradise. In the background of this image you will see one of the many Lifeguard huts situated on the beach. The lure of the surf is strong and tourists gravitate to its magnetic pull but there are often strong currents and rips in many areas and this is the main reason why people are urged to swim between the patrolled areas.
An air brush artist was busy creating cool and colourful logos and names on caps. Apart from their practical use, these caps make great mementos to take home and at least you can be assured that yours will be unique if it is custom made.
Here is a wealth of Aussie surfing paraphernalia to enjoy. Mini surfboards, coasters, colourful canvases, and mini paintings all hand painted by local artist, Greg Mac.
He uses mostly Australiana subjects such as emus, aboriginal themes, koalas, kangaroos, and cassowaries to paint and many have a humorous touch.
There's something very special about opals, not just because they are the national gemstone of Australia. Due to their amorphous character, these gems are classed as mineraloids and are found in rock fissures such as limonite, sandstone, rhyolite, marl and basalt. The versatility of opals come from the fact that they can be transparent, translucent or opaque with background colours which include white, black or practically all colours of the spectrum.
White, grey, and green coloured opals are the most common, whereas the black opals are the rarest. Historically, opals were rare and very valuable in antiquity and were a highly prized gem by European royalty. Prior to the opening of vast deposits in Australia in the 19th century, the only known source was Cervenica in Slovakia. Australia contains 95-97% of the worlds supply. And right here at the beachside markets in Surfers Paradise you can purchase your own magnificent piece of jewellery. Aren't they beautiful?
And still on the subject of Australiana; I discovered a large display of goods; courtesy of our Aussie crocodiles. Come on. Admit it! Tell me you have always longed for a crocodile tooth to wear around your neck on a length of black string. Imagine the stories you could tell.
Now here's something different. If croc teeth aren't your thing how about getting a wax imprint of your hand? Why? I'd love to answer that question but obviously there is a market out there for waxed hands...….coloured of course.
Pet Tags were available in every colour of the rainbow......and more. I think the one titled, "The Boss" would be a popular one. I know many a dog owner who is constantly manipulated and outwitted by their dogs, and don't mind one little bit.
I really loved to see the enjoyment written on the faces of these two siblings as they got their photos taken with large colourful birds from the Amazon. How cool is that?
There were many different stalls but in my quest to provide you with a good overall picture of the markets I have included these next three photos.
It really was an idyllic setting for these markets and the temperature was quite mild for this time of the year. Children were playing in the sand and chasing seagulls and the sound of the surf breaking along the beach provided the perfect ambience for leisurely seaside shopping.
I chatted to this friendly stall owner and learned that she had been selling her products here for over 20 years. She hand paints all the products on display and it is obvious to me that she is a very talented lady.
It must take her hours to paint typical scenes of the Australian outback onto these bottles, and she'd have to use a very fine brush to create her artwork.
The iconic Surfers Paradise skyscrapers were well depicted on these wooden Australia shaped pictures and the addition of shells at the base gave them an artistic 3D effect.
Attractive miniature perfume bottles are the ideal gift for perfume lovers and are conveniently packed in boxes for posting.
3D Lights beamed at me with fluorescent boldness. Something here for everyone, providing you have a use for colourful 3D lights.
And here is a treat for those of you who have walked with me to the end of these fascinating markets. "The Silver Man." I did mention him in my Wednesday Walk the other day but I simply could not leave him out of this blog because, without a word, he commanded a great lot of attention.
He confounded gravity with being able to stay in this position (without a seat) for a considerable length of time and because he didn't speak, he kept the secret of how he did this all to himself.
(The camera I used for these images is a Panasonic DMC-FZ70)
This is my entry for the MyPictureDay Challenge Round #28 hosted by @timsaid
And I am also including it as my entry for this weeks Market Friday challenge hosted by @dswigle.
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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR STROLLING WITH ME ALONG THESE MARKETS. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THEM.
God bless you. https://steemit.com/@biblegateway
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Wow, so many great artisans. I would so enjoy going to a place like that. Great shots of the event, it really grabs the feel of the day.
Many thanks for your kind support and interest @sunscape I’m sure you would really enjoy all that these markets have to offer. I love visiting markets and you’d think they’d all be much the same but they all have interesting things to offer. 🌺
I have to agree, I love going to them when I travel to see what other countries have to offer. It is always fun.
Oh yes......visiting markets when travelling is always a priority when I can fit it in @sunscape.
Silver man must have incredible quads and a solid core to be able to keep that position for any length of time. When I was younger and in shape I could hold a squat against a wall for only five minutes....the pain is terrible!! lol.
Maybe he has some kind of sitting device inside his clothing???
Fun shots of the marketplace....I love going to these.
In the absence of any logical explanation I believe the Silver Man is using some form of Levitation. I've seen it before in Brisbane and a couple of kids were so fascinated they went up to the man (of Indian heritage) and moved their arms under him to make sure there was no invisible seat beneath him.
There was nothing...….just like in this situation. It has to be more than a matter of fitness as we were there for at least an hour and he was still in that position.
I'm glad you enjoyed this blog and I thank you very much for your interest and support @countrygirl
An hour? I'd love to see him get into position and out of it after an hour. I would be still after 5 minutes like I said, leaning against a wall. Interesting re levitation.
It is an interesting subject @countrygirl I know it is not humanly possible to remain in that position for that long...….and that was just while we were there. What some people will do for a few dollars!
Very interesting and colorful market many beautiful items there the glass blowers are always amazing to watch what a skill that is :)
I agree with you @hangin Glass blowing is a fascinating skill and great to watch. Thanks so much for your visit and appreciation. 🌺
My pleasure have a great evening in Australia :)
Thanks so much @hangin I hope you have a very enjoyable week. 🌞
Thank you and you to @trudeehunter :)