The title of this post plays on the pronunciation of the city name “Cairns” in the tropical northeast part of Australia. It sounds like “can,” and if you enjoy this post, someday you Cairns go there!
My favorite site in Cairns is the display of beautifully stained-glass windows at St. Monicas War Memorial Cathedral. Also, there is plenty of shopping, good restaurants, (fresh seafood especially,) a brewery, and lots of entertaining nightlife, including a casino. Hotels are comfortable, up-to-date, and handy for excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforest, or a number of ocean beaches. On the other hand, you could just chill with the kids at the waterfront pool, picnic area, and Ferris Wheel.
Cairns has a tropical resort town vibe, especially in its Esplanade section, and it is an international destination. However, when I was there, I saw a lot of Australian families, sport clubs, teams, school classes, etc., who came to enjoy their country’s tropical clime here. Perhaps one day you will travel here too — yes you Cairns!
Notes on the video’s original song “Silvia’s Heavenly Library“
The song is in the poetic form “Rondel Supreme” (French, quatorzain,) a 14-line, three stanza poem, with the following patterns:
1. Stanzas one and two are four lines each.
2. Stanza three is six lines.
3. Rhyming words, at the end of each line, have the following pattern:
a. ABba/abAB/abbaAB (capital letters AB denote the Refrain)
4. Each line is 10 syllables.
LYRICS
Her dream is a heavenly library
She loves the people-places written there
She likes the quiet with her coffee drink
Signs of life with young, old, and all people
Stacked on shelves, books as high as a steeple
Every page has words that make her think
Her dream is a heavenly library
She loves the people-places written there
Narration Bridge
I saw their disgusted faces expressed in unmerciful eyes. Ground faults surged through me. My heart beat faster. Any movement around the table created an uproar, even among the most rational. How can I make them accept me? Should I stay, or go on?
Her palms grow sweaty, ready for the dual
Time stands still; past, present, and future link
Amplified feelings as their bubbles shrink
Then silence returns, the shelves become full
Her dream is a heavenly library
She loves the people-places written there