Happy Shadow Shot Sunday! The top shot is of a flying fox mid-siesta in the Botanic Gardens. As he was sleeping, he was slowly twirling around. I managed to get his contented smile though in this shot. The bottom shot is part of The Archibald Fountain in Sydney's Hyde Park. This is a fine art deco fountain commissioned and paid for by a prominent Sydney identity, J.F. Archibald. It was built after he died as a memorial to him and he insisted that the artist be French as he was an utter Francophile and also because he wanted to commemorate the alliance between France and Australia in World War I. The artist chosen was Francois Sicard. It was completed on 1932. Below you can see the entire fountain in all it's art deco glory.
In the centre is Apollo and he is flanked below by the goddess Diana and the god of Sacrifice for the public good, Theseus (with the minator). There is another group which represents the bounty and goodness of nature.
Shadow Shot Sunday is an awesome meme set up by that fabbo top gal Tracy of Hey Harriet! Everybody can submit a SSS and here are the instructions on how to do so!
It is so extravagantly Art Deco isin't it? Great shots and what a sunny place to be.
Posted by: Jacqui | December 13, 2009 at 08:54 AM
Lovely shots from a lovely place, Sam! Would love to visit myself!
Have a great weekend!
Sylvia
Posted by: Sylvia Kirkwood | December 13, 2009 at 09:14 AM
You're right, he does look very content!
Posted by: Penny | December 13, 2009 at 11:38 AM
It is odd to see a bat during the day. He is folded up nicely as he snoozes. I like the archer setting up for his next arrow. This is a beautiful park, the fountain for Apollo has a wonderful pattern of water jets. This is a fine place to relax while taking in the beautiful sights!
Posted by: Ralph | December 13, 2009 at 12:34 PM
The little flying fox is the cutest! I like that he was sleep twirling.
Posted by: Saltina | December 13, 2009 at 01:36 PM
Oh, goodness, I love bats! What a fabulous surprise, seeing him hanging like that. Thank you!
Posted by: Deb | December 13, 2009 at 02:34 PM
That bat looks like an upside-down icecream cone swinging from the tree! Is it usual to see bats during the day there? I never see them here. That's quite some fountain! I liked all the information about it you provided too! How neat it would be to have a fountain built after you. Now I can't remember if I've ever visited Hyde Park while in Sydney. I never noticed that fountain, so maybe I didn't. I'll pop it on my list of things to see for when I'm next there. Happy Sunday Sam!
Posted by: Tracy | December 13, 2009 at 04:24 PM
yes, blur your eyes and you could be in paris!
i'm doing a little christmas give away - you should enter :)
http://primoeza.blogspot.com/2009/12/give-away.html
Posted by: PRIMOEZA | December 13, 2009 at 05:02 PM
Great shots Sam~
Bats are the most misunderstood animals I think...quite amazzzing I have to say!
Lovely Sunday to you & your bf+kitties~a.k.a your loved ones!
xo*
Posted by: lenorenevermore | December 13, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Great shots. I really like the first one!
Posted by: Quasi Serendipita | December 14, 2009 at 12:06 AM
the bat is cute, people think I'm odd but I like bats
Posted by: Dianne | December 14, 2009 at 03:04 AM
the bat, surround by shadow and light. wonderful shot.
Posted by: robin | December 14, 2009 at 03:36 AM
Gorgeous photos, darling S!
That bat is too cool!
Hope you have been having a lovely weekend :)
xoxox,
CC
Posted by: Couture Carrie | December 14, 2009 at 04:09 AM
These are great photos. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting on my blog. I really appreciate it. Hope you're having a great weekend. Cheers!
Posted by: Keith | December 14, 2009 at 05:34 AM
Thanks for that little slice of Sydney just there - great pics, too. xx
Posted by: Top Bird @ Wee Birdy | December 15, 2009 at 01:56 AM
Wow...What a capture Sam!! The only times I ever see bats is in the dark when they are flying overhead eating all the mosquitoes!
They are such an intriguing animal.
Posted by: Kathleen | December 15, 2009 at 05:49 AM
What an amazing shot of that bat! He looks very content. :) Lovely fountain as well. From the looks of your photos, Sydney is a very beautiful place!
Posted by: Rebecca | December 16, 2009 at 04:40 AM
She was wee! I think my thigh is close to her waist size. I'm with you on the auction thing... I want to go but am scared I'm going to end up with some pricey item just because I sneezed.
Posted by: nintendo dsi r4 | December 16, 2009 at 11:26 PM
You seem to have gotten so close to it!! You are a brave woman!
Posted by: Diana | December 19, 2009 at 03:51 PM