This week's 3TT theme is Hobart and this is our view from the Macq1 Hotel. Last week Michelle and I spent the week on holiday in Hobart. Initially, we planned to tour around the south of Tasmania, but after arriving we decided we would just stay put, relax and enjoy the city. We read lots of books, ate and drank way too much, and importantly wound down. I must say this is easy to do in a city like Hobart as it is pretty laid back. The only touring we did was a day out at Mona (see below). If you want a lovely stay I can recommend Macq1 and Moss Hotels both situated at Constitution dock overlooking the water, markets, cafes, and restaurants. Do yourself a favor check out Hobart, it's only a 1-hour flight from Melbourne and a $30 Uber from the airport.

Here are the top three things that have made a difference in my week.
They might also be useful for you, or not.

1) An amazing man-made wonder...

Mona

I could not describe it better than what they have on their About Page on the website.

Mona is a museum in Hobart, Tasmania, created by David Walsh to help him (in his words) ‘bang above [his] weight’. Anything we say to describe Mona will date quickly, given we are constantly changing our minds about what Mona is. Possibilities include:

● David’s fitness marker: think of him as a peacock and his paintings as his feathers.

● Disneyland, with cocktails, and a few works of quite-good-but-not-amazing Australian modernism.

● A place to tie the knot and push up the daisies.

● Purveyor of cheese toasties (among other culinary delights).

● Somewhere people can come to say ‘not sure about the art but the architecture is amazing.

● Nice spot to listen to some live music.

● A really elaborate marketing stunt.

● A really expensive kitchen garden.

It is one of the most amazing manmade structures I have ever seen in Australia and one of the most controversial collections of art I have ever seen full stop. Be prepared to be shocked, amazed, and offended. If you are not open-minded, DON’T GO. If you are, you will have a ball.

Ps. Take the MR catamaran to get there and book a posh pit ticket.

2) A challenging run I decided to do...

Mt Wellington to Hobart Trail.

Early Wed morning last week I was dropped by an Uber at the Pinnacle of Mt Wellington in Hobart. About 15km from Hobart and 1.3km elevation. I thought the downhill run would be easy, but I spent 2 hours running downhill constantly putting on the “leg brakes”. It was EPIC. The scenery was incredible, the trails were meticulously constructed and the beautiful contrast between the stunning mountain and arriving at a cafe in the heart of Hobart city made it all worth it.

Done anything epic lately?

3) A place with old-fashioned service and style...

The Point

A great entertainment experience restaurant on the top floor of the Wrest Point Hotel and Casino in Hobart. When was the last time you went to a revolving restaurant, where the waiters served you with white gloves, wore ties, and called you “Sir and Ma'am”? This was such a flashback to the ’80s for Michelle and me and our early dating in “fancy” restaurants. To top it off they still come around with the tray and flambe your crepe desserts by your table.

Where was your favourite restaurant in your early days of eating out? Is it still open, has it changed or is it still the same? What was their signature (or your favorite) dish there? Send me an email and let me know.

Ps. Don't bother going to the Wrest Point Casino; it is more “Rye Hotel gaming room” than it is “Casino”.

P.s. The quote of the week is...

“The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you do not celebrate those, they can pass you by.” Alek Wek

I would love your feedback on what had an impact on you and the lesson in it, the moral of the story, or the learning you would share.

Have a ripper finish to your week.