It’s another beautiful day, about 30 C. A little warm, but truly lovely. We started off going to the Kingston Market which is in a converted bus station not far from city center. It reminds me of Faneuil Hall in Boston which was originally a train station. It’s more spacious and open given the warmer climate here. The market is full of independent vendors selling foods and crafts. There are all kinds of foods. all delicious, and the crafts are terrific. Peggy had a hard time passing up the wool cardigans, and I had to keep reminding her it’s still early in the trip and there’s a limit to how much we can carry home. (Peggy keeps reminding me of the postal systems, but I still think it’s too early in the trip).
Following the market we drove around the Parliament buildings (both old and new), then “embassy row” and several government buildings including the High Court, National Gallery, National Library and others.
The highlight of the day was a boat tour around Lake Burlie Griffin which is in the midddle of the city just north of the old Parliament building. This is a man made lake that was part of the original design of the city but not filled until the 1960’s when the dam was built across the Malongo River.
The timing for our trip could not have been better. Not only has the weather been fantastic, but we arrived just in time for Canberra’s 100th anniversary celebration which will be held tomorrow (11 March). It is a national holiday and the city is filled with festivities.
Our tour continued with the newly created National Arboretum. It is located on a hill southwest side of the city with a magnificent view of the city at its top. They have planted 100 varieties of trees, but being newly planted they haven’t yet taken hold. Given another 50 years or so, it will be truly magnificent.
Our tour then ended with a quick stop at the Governor’s Mansion. I managed to get two photos and my camera battery died, so we decided to call it a day. Time to recharge the camera’s battery and our batteries as well. Also want to be fully up for the big celebration. So, until then,
Cheers,
Wayne & Peggy