Canberra - Picnic, Museums, and Roos

With picnic in hand, we headed to Lake Burley Griffin in early evening. On our way, we stopped at the New Zealand Embassy - tucked near the British Embassy and across from the Chinese Embassy. As we continued to the park. the sun was lowering, the breeze was fresh, and kangaroos were hopping. The baby roo peeking from his mom's pocket did not look pleased to see us.

After dinner, we headed to the top of Mt. Ainslie's for a 360 view of the city and plain below. The contrast of the city's grid and the stretches of open land was astounding; the sunset was stunning. We then headed back to University House where we are staying thanks to David's role at the Australian National University.

In the morning, we were up for a day at the museums. Australia - like New Zealand - has set as a priority the inclusion of native people in the realignment of their history and the celebration of their culture. No where was this importance more clear than at the National Library - where we saw a 12 year old film - "The Crack in the Mask". The documentary traced the journey of a Torres Strait Chief and his wife who traveled to Europe in search of his people's traditional arts. After the arrival of Europeans on his island in the early 20th century, the traditional culture declined - as art, carvings and masks were shipped to museums for study and collection. Museums in England, Scotland, and Switzerland housed and stored these artifacts - though none remained on Torres Strait. In Canberra, it is clear that the government is determined to right this wrong and to build institutions which preserve and celebrate all of Australia's peoples. In Canberra, this is a living, vibrant commitment reflected in all facets of the city. We also visited the National Gallery of Art and the Portrait Gallery. Did you know that British Naval jackets had very narrow shoulders so that the officer's posture was always commanding?

The evening concluded with a wonderful meal at Sammy's - a Malaysian Chinese Restaurant. David and Eric enjoyed lamb shanks with a tasty sauce - an Aussie/NZ favorite with a new twist. Tomorrow, Dave and Jean settle into their Canberra residence and we head towards Sydney and Dee Why. First stop enroute - Bowral - and the cricket museum.

How blessed we have been to share Down Under with so many dear friends and family.