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Published: January 11th 2009
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16/12/08 = A day in Canberra
Was having a really good sleep until sound of phone woke me up. Haven't heard my phone ring in so long that didn't recognise ringtone. Mum was ringing at midnight (still not figured it out ay Mum). Got really paniced that something must be wrong for her to ring mobile, so had to spend 5pound ringing to check was all o.k. It was. If it's not one thing, it's your mother! Climbed back in van just in time before group of drunk lads tipped up to have more drinks outside van. Left after about 30mins and then I drifted back to sleep.
Woke up early in morning ready for drive to Canberra. Had quick breakfast followed by an even quicker wash, then drove the incredibly steep and windy roads to Canberra (foot aching with all gear change and clutch control...am used to the flat/straight outback roads now!) Stopped in a town called Queanbeyan, 20 kms out of Canberra and considered staying, but changed minds on visiting campsites and continued on to Canberra. Went straight to info centre when got there and lady shattered our plans by telling us Canberra is 'unwalkable' and that
Me and the Queen
Or should it be the Queen and I...? Anyway, she looked lovely on the main deck! have to drive everywhere to get between main sights; no going out and walking home after a few drinks then! Followed her directions and drove to nearest campsite. Got straight in shower, then headed into city to see sights.
Went to the Royal Australian Mint Museum first (not the kind of mint that you can eat). Had read about creating your own dollar coin, so got really excited. Couldn't believe it when we got there. Wasn't desiging and making your own coin like had imagined; was just putting money in a machine and then a new 2008 coin popped out. Best of it was that you had to pay $2.60 for a $1 coin! How does that work!?! Like the suckers that we are, we paid it! Paid more than double the value of the coin...just not right! V.disappointed in both Museum and myself! Headed to Parliament House next. Info lady was right, everything was spread out. Roads here like ringroads too and have to drive in loops just to get anywhere. Even worse that they have what looks like the occasional roundabout, but has no exits, so can't get off if you go wrong.
Parliament House was
View from Parliament House
Really cool that they had a grassed area on the roof. nice. Ultra modern like everything else in Canberra, but nice. Had a really cool grassed roof on top of building that could look out to city from, but to be honest, didn't reckon much to the view. Loved the fact that Queen Elizabeth was perched up on one of the top floors - can't beat a good royal. Next stop was High Court of Australia (for Deb). Took ages to find because like everything else in Canberra, was v.modern building and looked nothing like you would imagine for a courthouse. Quite interesting to look round and some guides gave us some good information about it. The last stop was the Flag display in Commonwealth place (just outside courthouse) and the Australians of the year display. Flags were cool and had to take GB shot. The Australian of the Year display was a nightmare. Took ages to find. Asked 2 people for directions and both had never heard of it - doesn't bode well! Had read in paper that Kylie was a nominee for this year and had imagined a display like one in Hong Kong or Hollywood. When did find it, realised that it wasn't what read about in paper.
Was awards like Pride of Britain, for all great people in Australia who have done a great job or something outstanding for society. Not usually a shallow person, but was so disappointed to not see a famous name or handprint...sorry Australian of the Year display.
Had to head into town then to ring Mum and uncover the mystery of the midnight phonecall. This was another nightmare. 1) All parking in city was ridiculously expensive, so Deb had to wait in car while I called. 2) A man was on phone for ages and then started talking on both his mobile and payphone, so had to find another. 3) Phone card didn't work when got there. 4) Whole process took nearly an hour. Nice to talk to Mum, but whole process v.stressful and was no mystery anyway because everything was o.k. Had to go to park then to chill out for a while. Was a nice sunny day and a little sit down cheered us both back up again.
Last job of day was library, a.k.a. internet. Had already seen that didn't shut until 9pm, but when got there doors were locked. Christmas closing hours meant it closed early
and Deb really needed internet. Looked in town for internet cafe, but they all shut too. Had to head back to campsite. Deb had a lay down and I had a little look round site. Then decided to be really good and go for a run. Really impressed self by going out for 45mins, although still running at grandma pace. Got back, had a nice shower and washed clothes. Then the best time of day came...dinnertime! Headed for kitchen with a nice dinner in mind, only to find worse kitchen ever. No hob, no oven, no microwave...not even a sink or any running water...surely that can't be called a kitchen! Ended up running backwards and forwards to van and to get water before finally had to settle for a cheese and beans toastie. Yes, they didn't have any of the usual cooking equipment, but they did have a toastie making machine!?! Watched Oceans 11 on mini TV in kitchen (although Deb had to get up and fiddle with ariel every 5mins) and then headed to bed.
Overall opinion of Canberra = similar to most other people met. Definitely not my favourite city. Too spread out, v.plain, all buildings similar,
too modern and a little cultureless. Sorry.
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