image from the collection of Sebastian Gaudard via The Selby.

I remember being little and going to the Taronga Zoo and the Sydney Aquarium. Every year that I was of school age in Sydney would result in one or two trips to the zoo. It was the only excursion that I really was adamant about going to. Quite often I missed excursions because we couldn't really afford them. But I would beg for this one, washing the car, vacuuming the house, cleaning the toilet, washing up for a week. I remember Taronga like the back of my hand. I would always stand in the dark 'hut' that housed the platypus much longer than everyone else hoping to get a glimpse, would always trek back to the asian and african elephant elcosures and compare their feet with mine. Would always marvel at the girraffes and sit watching the harbour behind them comparing how tall their necks were to the buildings of the CBD behind.
I have vivid memories of forming two lines and waiting to put our hands in 'touchy pool' at the aquarium. Me, fearless, picking up all spikey and squishy things and scaring my holding-hands partner so they squealed.

I love this image. It reminded me of all these things. Of the shadow of sharks hovering over me in the glass dome above my head. Hammerheads staring with one eye at a time. Despite its 60s restaurant charm. Imagine being a child in this restaurant?