Canberra 2012

Canberra, Australia's National Capital is Australia's only planned city and it was designed by Mr Burley Griffin, an American.  The view below is looking up towards our Parliament Houses.  The white house in the front is the Old Parliament House which served as the seat of Government from 1927 to 1988 when the New Parliament House was opened.  New Parliament House is the tall building situated behind.  To know more about these buildings have a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Parliament_House,_Canberra and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_House,_Canberra

 Looking back from our House of Parliament is the Australian War Memorial which is a museum commemorating the sacrifices of Australians who have died in war.  It also has displays and one that is currently showing is titled Nurses from Zululand to Afghanistan.  To see more about the AWM have a look at  http://www.awm.gov.au/

The road that aligns the AWM and Parliament House is called Anzac Parade and located on either side of the road are memorials to those conflicts Australia had been involved in.  The memorial below is to those who fought in the Korean War.

Across from this is the memorial for the Australian Services Nurses.  These are just two examples of how we in Australia remember those who have paid the supreme sacrifice so that we can have the freedoms we enjoy.
On 25 April which is our Anzac Day the Parade marches up Anzac Parade to the War Memorial and the official salute is taken by the Prime Minister or his/her delegate.  

Canberra is a pretty city and has lots of fountains.

The inner city is easy to walk around as it has lots of open spaces so no need to avoid cars. 

There are a variety of interesting art pieces around the city.

On day one of our return to Canberra as we were walking through the city centre, John our friend whom we had not seen since leaving Australia called out to us.  He now has his own cafe in Canberra.  We were so excited to spend time with him. 

We had breakfast at his cafe on the 2 days we stayed in the city and this is an example of a hot Australian breakfast.  

and of course a great cup of coffee.

We had a great couple of days in Canberra and it was nice to see John once again and to see him doing so well.

More to follow.

Best wishes,

Bev and Ross