Day 1 Canberra

nobody@vox.com(Flamingo Dancer) — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:55:11 +1000

I thought the lap top was staying home but some urgent buisness deal with some African country came up for Mr Flamingo so lap top came along for the "holiday",

We were in Canberra by 10.30 am after an 8.30 flight. We couldn't get into our room until 1pm so set off to see some sights. Headed to Parliament House only to find a throng of people outside for some celebration. Armed with camera we actually elbowed our way into the press area and started snapping. We had no idea what was happening until the speeches started and it turned out that today was the 20th anniversary of the opening of our "new" Parliament house and so they were marking the event with more of a media event than anything. The Leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives both made speeches and there was the traditional aboriginal dance so it was quite fun for awhile. We felt very West Wing! No sign of the Prime Minister though...buit there is still tomorrow.

In the afternoon we went to the War Memorial. It was incredibly moving to see all the names of our fallen from all the conflicts we have been involved in. So sad to see how many people have been killed needlessly. Many of the names have little red poppies placed next to their names, and that made me so sad. Families who remembered someone. We went up the the chapel like memorial to the fallen soldier which is just absolutely beautiful with mosaic murals and stained glass windows. I felt very emotional in there.

I also got really angry. A group of Japanese tourists realised that there was an echo in there so they started made a very loud noise just to hear the echo. This went on for some 5 or so minutes. It was horrible. So disrespectful. I would like to think I am not racist but in that moment I would say I failed the test. I was disgusted by their thoughtless behaviour in such a solemn place, especially as a number of those fallen were killed in fighting their nation. I must say that I did say in a rather loud voice to my husband that I was VERY ANGRY that anyone could be so thoughtless and insensitive in such a beautiful place. It is our memorial. I would respect your memorials should I be in your country, Culturally stupid. Once they left everyone else there just fell into complete silence and it was the most moving moment.

After that it was almost dusk so we drove to the top of Mt Ainsley which overlooks Canberra and stopped at the scenic lookout, It was breathtaking. Canberra is a purpose built and well planned capital city and there are vistas aplenty to be seen. It was lovely.

We were up at 4.30 this morning to have time to drive to the airport etc so by dinner time we were both fading fast, which meant a minor disagreement over where and what we would have for dinner. We finally sorted that out and I ended up with a lovely seafood crepe. Now we are back in our room and I am about to sleep the sleep of the once were innocent, and dream of tomorrow - the Turner to Monet exhibition, a visit to old parliament house, a cruise on Lake Burley Griffin and whatever else we can slip in.

Our room is very 1930s style - even has a very old 1930s style radio (we think an oriiginal) not sure if it works but will try soon. There are lovely gardens and I caught sight of what looks like some sort of grecian style garden folly from the window that I will have to investigate tomorrow.

So we are having fun. Exhausted, but smiling. Feet hurt. Will have photos soon I promise.

Canberra - nice place to visit, not sure I would want to live here though. You can feel the lethary and dullness pouring out of its every pore, despite its importance. Very beautiful city and yet strangely it comes across as a lumbering little city.

More tomorrow.

And thank you to everyone who has been so kind to me lately. I have been a grumpy old woman and I do apologise. I can be so self-centered at times, It is awful when I think what big problems some of you are dealing with in your lives. So thank you for being kind. I don't deserve such wonderful friends, You have all made my world so full, thank you!.

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off to see the wizard

nobody@vox.com(Flamingo Dancer) — Thu, 08 May 2008 22:53:47 +1000

Flying to Canberra tomorrow morning and returning late Sunday. Mr Flamingo and I are going to pretend that we know something about art [well we know what we like] and are going to view the Turner to Monet exhibition at the National Gallery. We are staying here http://www.brassey.net.au/ and hope to also view

The National Gallery of Australia

New Parliament House

Old Parliament House

The National Science and Technology Centre

The High Court of Australia

The National Library

Lake Burley Griffin

all in one weekend!

The spirit is willing, not so sure about the body, but with some string and glue I think I can hold it together. See you all Monday!

Old Parliament House with sheep!

Kevin, is that you?

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Flamingo Dancer’s blog

Day 1 Canberra

off to see the wizard