A Ferry ride up the Parramatta River has been on my ‘must do’ Sydney list since sailing into Port Jackson.
It is a relaxing, one hour passage from Circular Quay to Parramatta along tranquil waters with beautiful views, and some interesting stops along the way.
So when I heard that Arquitectura de Feria was opening in Parramatta’s Prince Alfred Park as part of Sydney Festival, the timing seemed right to take a river boat ride.
Arquitectura de Feria is a traveling fairground with rides fashioned from recycled objects such as sinks, toilets, pipes and gas stoves.
Humans power the rides with the assistance of hand cranks and bicycles.
A European family of artisans, led by founder Jordà Ferré and Oscar de Paz (who became partner in 2009) set out to build rides that connect children to adults through play.
They definitely succeed in delivering fun for all ages.
For The Weekly Photo Challenge Circle and Weight(less)
Frankie Beane January 9, 2016
What a great idea! Love how the one guy is totally posing for you (he’s hanging on a pole). Great pics!
Lisa Dorenfest January 9, 2016 — Post Author
?Total eye candy! ???
restlessjo January 10, 2016
I noticed the eye candy too (who wouldn’t 🙂 ) but I also saw the wonderful expressions on the children’s faces. You did a great job, Lisa! A really captivating sequence and I just want to be there having fun with those kids.
On a more serious note, I hope your troubles soon resolve themselves. Sending big, warm hugs across the miles 🙂 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 10, 2016 — Post Author
I wish you had been there! Would love to have included pictures of you enjoying the rides or powering them. Typical me.. I was so busy capturing the moment that I failed to participate in it myself. Next time. Thank you for your lovely compliments and much needed virtual hugs. The Captain’s outpatient treatment starts in just over a week and we hope to have him in ship-shape by June.
Gallivanta January 10, 2016
All the best for getting your Captain ship shape. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 10, 2016 — Post Author
Thank you so much for your support Ann! It means a lot to me.
Anabel Marsh January 10, 2016
Brilliant! Just brilliant. I loved the toilet-ride. I didn’t notice the eye candy at all of course 😉
Lisa Dorenfest January 10, 2016 — Post Author
Of course you didn’t Anabel ?I am delighted that you enjoyed the fair. Thanks for joining me and for your lovely compliment!
Gallivanta January 10, 2016
What fun, especially the recycled toilets.
Lisa Dorenfest January 10, 2016 — Post Author
Truly the most creative use of trash that I have ever seen Ann! An architectural marvel.
Lisa Dorenfest January 10, 2016 — Post Author
PS – Arquitectura de Feria will be setting up shop in Wellington for New Zealand Festival 27 Feb – 19 March
Gallivanta January 10, 2016
I must remember to tell my Wellington friend about it. Her grandchildren would love it.
pkaren62 January 10, 2016
It looks like you had a wonderful day and your images are gorgeous. It’s hard to pick a favourite.
Lisa Dorenfest January 10, 2016 — Post Author
You are very, very kind Karen. It was a lovely day indeed.
lexklein January 10, 2016
This is one where I kept scrolling back to catch more details (including the eye candy, although that one was clear from look #1). The other salient feature was that blue sky and sun … just what I needed to see here in gloomy Chicago. Hope you are still loving your Sydney stay!
Lisa Dorenfest January 10, 2016 — Post Author
It is so funny. Lately I’ve been seeing some photographs of the Grey City and feeling incredibly homesick. But somehow, I will manage to get by in Sydney 🙂 Sending some blue skies and sunshine your way.
Liesbet January 10, 2016
What a great concept! I am excited for you to finally be able to take the ferry to Parramatta (sounds Italian?) and have an interesting excursion with the captain. But, I think you have to go back and be part of the scene and photos! 🙂 You captured the emotions and the colors of the Feria really well, Lisa. Enjoy the rest of Sydney and know that you are both in our thoughts! xxx
Lisa Dorenfest January 10, 2016 — Post Author
I think you are right, I may need to take another trip up river to be part of the scene rather than just an observer. Although I prefer standing behind the camera than being in front of it, so you may not see any snaps of me enjoying the fair :-). As for the name, according to Wikipedia (my source for everything) The Darug people who lived in the area before European settlement called it Baramada or Burramatta (‘Parramatta’) which means “head of waters”,”the place where the eels lie down”, or “eel waters”. We did not see any eels en route. Thanks for your kind compliments as always and for your much needed love and support. Miss you both.
anotherday2paradise January 10, 2016
Fun and colourful photos, Lisa. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 10, 2016 — Post Author
Thank you Sylvia ?
LDG luciledegodoy January 10, 2016
Thanks for the wonderful post. Fantastic ideas captured by a brilliant photographer.
Sending the best wishes to the captains’ health.
Hugs.
Lisa Dorenfest January 11, 2016 — Post Author
I am happily drowning in Lucile love. Thank you so much for your kind words on the post, your welcome support, and much needed hugs. I am lucky to have a friend like you.
Retirementallychallenged.com January 10, 2016
I just love the concept of the fair! Too bad most rides look too small for adults, I’d be playing on them for sure… or, maybe just chatting with Mr. Eye candy. That path next to the river looks perfect for bicycling.
Lisa Dorenfest January 11, 2016 — Post Author
Only the Ferris Wheel had a weight restriction. Adults were welcome on the other rides. You could have ridden the merry-go-round all day long with Mr Eye Candy (as I should have done ;-). The bicycle paths here are AMAZING. You can ride all the way from Parramatta to the central business district (30 km). There is a great bicycle routing map here
spiritofdragonflies January 11, 2016
Love your photos. This looks like it was such a fun time!!
Lisa Dorenfest January 11, 2016 — Post Author
It was fun indeed. I am delighted that you love my photos. What a lovely compliment. Thank you!
Terri Webster Schrandt January 11, 2016
I can see why this was a must-do for you. So imaginative and fun! And connecting people through play is right up my alley! Great photos for the themes!
Lisa Dorenfest January 11, 2016 — Post Author
Connecting people through play is indeed right up your alley Terri! Wish you could have been there with me but nice to have you along for the ride virtually.
blueribbonfair January 11, 2016
I love the cute little wheel.
Lisa Dorenfest January 12, 2016 — Post Author
Great to hear from you Kalyen! That little wheel is cute indeed ?
Hacky January 11, 2016
Great photos!
Lisa Dorenfest January 12, 2016 — Post Author
Well thank you Joe! You know that carnivals always make me think of you ???You would have really enjoyed this one
Indah Susanti January 11, 2016
Great idea! Who can imagine the sinks, toilets, pipes and gas stoves bring happiness to children? 😀
Awesome photography series, Lisa!
Lisa Dorenfest January 12, 2016 — Post Author
This fair certainly proved that ‘one man’s trash is another man’s (or in this case, child’s) treasure. And certainly an added benefit of the fair was getting kids to think in terms of ‘reuse/repurpose’. Thank you so much for your visit, your lovely compliment, and your retweet!
thirdeyemom January 11, 2016
What a fun, colorful collection of photos Lisa! Thanks for sharing.
Lisa Dorenfest January 12, 2016 — Post Author
Thanks for stopping by and for your kind compliment Nicole!
Faraday's Candle January 12, 2016
The photo of the guy posing for you and the one of the ferries wheel are absolutely wonderful.
What an ingenious idea. They have to really know what they are doing to get this set-up. Impressive the spirit of ingenuity.
Wonderful post!! Hope you are having a great time!
Lisa Dorenfest January 12, 2016 — Post Author
Ingenious indeed! This Fair has taken repurpose to a whole new level! Am delighted that you liked the post. Thank you!
garym6059 January 12, 2016
It would appear that you are rewriting the rules of fun! Photographs are fabulous!
Lisa Dorenfest January 18, 2016 — Post Author
You are rewriting the rules of charming! Thank you so much for your lovely compliment Gary.
Sue Slaght January 12, 2016
That may be the most fun recycling idea I have ever seen! Fabulous images. i want to go right now…or are the rides just for kids?
Lisa Dorenfest January 18, 2016 — Post Author
The swing ride and merry-go-round can be ridden by children and adults alike. The Ferris Wheel is for kids only but adults can power the ride! Totally agree that this is the most fun recycling idea EVER!. Thanks for attending the fair with me. Sorry for my delayed response. For some odd reason, your comment ended up in my spam queue even though you have several comments approved on the blog. Go figure.
Mabel Kwong January 13, 2016
What great photos. So striking. This looks like a lot of fun. Almost looks like a traveling circus. They all look so happy, and it was so game of the guy on the pole to pose for you. You certainly know how to attract the good men 😉
Also, love the first shot of the flying, passing pelican. Very smooth with your lens there 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 13, 2016 — Post Author
? for your kind words Mabel. It certainly does harken back to the traveling circuses of yesteryear, handsome Merry-Go-Round barker and all. And I’m delighted that you liked my Pelican shot. He was circling at that moment and then continued to lead the way down the river ✌️❤️?
Mabel Kwong January 17, 2016
It isn’t easy to capture such clear shots of flying birds. You did well there. Right place, right time 🙂
Cardinal Guzman January 14, 2016
Looks nice and warm there.
Lisa Dorenfest January 15, 2016 — Post Author
‘Tis lovely. Wish you were here. Heading down to Melbourne week of 25 Jan and meeting up with Michelle Hill, Desley Jane, and Mabel Kwong. Not too late to book a flight and join us ?
themofman January 17, 2016
That is so cool!
Lisa Dorenfest January 18, 2016 — Post Author
Glad you enjoyed the fair Allan!
badfish January 19, 2016
leave it to the Aussies to come up with something cool as this, eh! Great, and fun photos. You’ve been there quite a while…you resting or was it always the plan to hang there a while?
Lisa Dorenfest January 20, 2016 — Post Author
The traveling Fair originated from Spain but the Aussies were wise to bring it here for SydneyFest. Thank you for joining me for the fun and for your lovely compliment.
To your question, our original intent was to remain in Sydney for the cyclone season so I could find work to replenish the cruising kitty. The search has been slow given business effectively shuts down here between Christmas and Australia Day, but I am hopeful the opportunities will present themselves in February. But it is fortuitous that we are here as The Captain now requires outpatient medical treatment (chemo…started yesterday) which will complete in April.
kirsten January 27, 2016
Such fun! Great pictures Lisa, I felt like I was there with you sharing in the fun! You and the Captain are in my thoughts and prayers. Talk to you on the 5th 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 27, 2016 — Post Author
? Thank you for coming to the Fair with me Kirsten and for your lovely compliment. Your thoughts and prayers are much welcomed at this time. Looking forward to learning your post processing techniques on the 5th ?
prior2001 January 28, 2016
Lisa! You really capture such moving shots! I love seeing pars of the world through your lens and the colorful variety here is really fun –
Lisa Dorenfest January 31, 2016 — Post Author
Thank you Yvette! Your compliment means a great deal to me ?
Jorda February 10, 2016
Hey. Thanks so much for the article. I really love the images. We spent months in Barcelona getting ready for the trip and we enjoyed very much the experience in Sydney. We are off to New Zealand next.
Jorda and Antigua i Batbuda
produccio@antiguaibarbuda.org
We would love to hear from you and if could we would love a copy of the images.
Lisa Dorenfest February 10, 2016 — Post Author
Hi Jorda! Great to hear from you. It is no surprise that you spent months readying Arquitectura de Feria for Sydney. It is a complex work of creative genius…and so much fun. For us, it was the highlight of SydneyFest. I have told my New Zealand friends that you are headed their way.
I am delighted that you liked the images. Happy to send them your way. Expect them in the next 24 hours. You are totally welcome to use them as long as you give me photo credit.
Enjoy New Zealand.
Jordà Ferré February 13, 2016
many, many thanks for your nice photos
Lisa Dorenfest February 14, 2016 — Post Author
You are very welcome ?
Lignum Draco February 28, 2016
Very cool, and ashamedly, I’ve never been west of the harbour bridge on a ferry. Although I was on one of those 3 hour 2am harbour cruises for the announcement of Sydney as winner of the competition to host the 2000 Olympics.
Lisa Dorenfest February 28, 2016 — Post Author
I do hope you will take the Parramatta Ferry, even if just once. You won’t be disappointed. Especially the last bit.
It must have been a BLAST to be on that harbor cruise in 2000. What an occasion!!!!
Lignum Draco February 28, 2016
FYI:
Weekly http://www.eveleighmarket.com.au/about/
Monthly http://www.growersmarketpyrmont.com.au/about
Lisa Dorenfest February 28, 2016 — Post Author
Thank you for the tip! Being added to my Sydney To Do list.
Paula March 11, 2016
I stopped to admire the original design of Parramatta Bridge. It’s a happy place where you can teach children how to recycle and have fun. The last shot is fabulous, Lisa!
Lisa Dorenfest March 12, 2016 — Post Author
Thank you for joining me at the Fair in Parramatta Paula and for thinking my last shot was ‘fabulous’ ?
Was just thinking about you today and about the BW Guest Post ‘One’ for April. If you still want me to do that I am totally game but if not, absolutely no worries. Whatever works for you.
Paula March 12, 2016
Of course I want you to do the guest challenge, Lisa. I will be off as of 28 April till 2 of May, but till then any Sunday would be great. Just tell me which one and send me the post material to my gmail a few days in advance 🙂 xx
Lisa Dorenfest March 13, 2016 — Post Author
Yay! So excited. How about 17 April?
Paula March 14, 2016
17 is perfect. I tried to reply you via my mobile, but it wasn’t successful. Thank you, Lisa.
Lisa Dorenfest March 15, 2016 — Post Author
Yay!
Duckie February 21, 2017
Hi Lisa!! I am the performer in this pic: http://lisadorenfest.com/2016/01/09/arquitectura-de-feria/#jp-carousel-7849 You captured the moment so well! I am updating my website at the moment and I really love this image. I was hoping you’d give me permission to use the image with credit there? It’s http://www.duckielorange.com if you want to check it out. Cheers!
Lisa Dorenfest February 22, 2017 — Post Author
Lovely to meet you! I am delighted that you like the image and would be honored to have you use it on your wonderful site. Please feel free to download from here. Alternatively, I would be happy to send you a copy if you prefer. Very Best, Lisa Dorenfest
Duckie February 22, 2017
Fabulous! Thanks so much, I really appreciate it! A copy would be better if possible as I’d like to display it a little larger? Could you please email to my address in the comment blurb? Cheers!