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TRAVEL BLOG ENTRY
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“Can't bear to visit Canberra? Reconsider” |
Visited Canberra, the nation’s capitol, for three days. Stayed with my cousin, and mostly walked around on foot. Like Washington D.C., Canberra is a territory that was carved out of an existing state’s land, and is a planned city. There are plenty of green spaces, a pretty lake, monuments and museums, many of which are free.
My flight to Canberra was eventful, as I shared the experience with 60 sixth graders on a field trip. Their cameras, many more sophisticated than mine, flashed constantly as we waited to board. Judging by the oohs and aahs during take-off and turbulence, for many it was their first flight.
Once in the city I packed in plenty of activities, including visits to:
High Court of Australia (the equivalent of the US Supreme Court), an impressive modern building with a huge atrium and three courtrooms.
National Gallery of Australia, where in two brief visits I viewed works by artists as diverse as Lichtenstein, Monet, Picasso, Pollack, Toulouse-Lautrec and Warhol. I also saw the famous Ned Kelly series of paintings by Aussie Sidney Nolan.
Anzac Parade, a wide boulevard with many interesting monuments, including the Vietnam War Memorial, Korean War Memorial and a boomerang shaped monument meant to represent a basket handle.
Australian War Memorial, which honors those who gave their lives for their country. The Memorial contained many compelling exhibits, including dioramas, medals, photos, paintings, planes and the Hall of Memory, which houses the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Carillion, a massive bell tower that chimes every 15 minutes and is periodically played by trained musicians who give concerts.
Old Parliament House, the seat of government until 1988. Here I enjoyed seeing the old Prime Minster’s office and the National Portrait Gallery. The gallery’s works depict famous Aussies including the recently deceased Steve Irwin.
Parliament House, where I saw both the Lower and Upper Houses, a famous tapestry of the Australian bush, portraits of all the country’s PMs, and one of four known copies of the Magna Carta.
National Museum of Australia, which was opened in 2001 and provides a hands-on, all-senses museum experience. Here I especially enjoyed the themed video section, e.g., “Mystery” – PM Harold Holt disappears at sea, never to be found again; “Fortune” – Olympian Stephen Bradbury, who won speed skating gold in 2002, when the four blokes in front of him (including Apollo Ohno) fell during the final lap.
Various embassies, many of which are clustered together and built in the architectural style of the nation they represent.
previous travel blog entry
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