Where the Streets have No Name

A casual street-sign store at the local Council depot, central Edinburgh  ... witnessed by the Emperor on his way home from work.  

If all the names are here, is there streets out there without names? 

Looking for the Signs

[Travel Agent: Mullumbimby]

Its true to say that my ancient forefathers were somewhat obsessed with the interpretation of signs and portents.

No war, expedition, building-work, or even trip to the shops might be undertaken unless the augurs had first been consulted and the portents interpreted in a suitably propitious manner. Just getting the imperial family off for a short holiday could be a lengthy, complex and at times, bloody business. The signs just had to be right!

Being an altogether more modern emperor, I do not really hold with past traditions in this respect; amongst other factors they were starting to get a bit suspicious of me at the local pet shop.

However, although the cultural and historical context may be very different, I still keep a watchful eye for the signs around me.

Indeed, although Australia may not have a great classical heritage, there is still just enough to make old Romans like Pliny and I feel at home. Below is just a small sample of some of the signs we have been noticing.

[Trendy Apartment block: Melbourne, CBD]

[I had no idea it went so far: Blue Mountains]

[Melbourne, CBD]

[Katoomba, Blue Mountains]

[Melbourne, St Kilda]

Of course in other respects, some of the signage we have seen in Australia has left Pliny and I altogether more confused.

[Ian Doyle: More than just a butcher! No wonder the dogs so excited.: Gunnedah]

[Surely it depends on how hard one tries?: Sydney, Epping]

[Well they did keep the sign up for a good length of time: Melbourne]

[A great wee Restaurant: Sydney, CBD]

I will keep my eyes open for more signs, but so far the gods seem to be favouring us on our travels.