Australia Day
Categories: uncategorized
Date: 25 January 2006 02:50:52
Tomorrow, January 26, is Australia Day, our national holiday that commemorates the landing on January 26 of the First Fleet in Sydney Harbour in 1788.
Recently, and quite rightly I'd say, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander commemorations of what they saw as an invasion have played a larger part. As we mature as a country, I think we need to deal with every aspect of our past: the sad and horrific as well as the joyful.
While I love Australia, I wouldn't say I'm particularly patriotic. I generally don't do much on Australia Day: generally a picnic with friends, or perhaps catch a movie. The various events, as exciting and interesting as they may be, don't particularly grab me. But I am glad I live here: we have our problems and we have our shameful actions, but it is a darn good place to live [if only it were a bit cooler and less humid in summer! ;-)] And I'm always glad for a public holiday! [I'm curious as to how many people will turn up for work on Friday!]
After work today [three-and-a-bit hours to go!], I'm going to drive down to Goulburn and stay the night. Tomorrow I'll see a few of the sights [I'm particularly looking forward to seeing the historic Anglican Cathedral and some of the other historic buildings] before heading off to Wombeyan Caves. I've visited Jenolan Caves many times, but haven't made it down to the Wombeyan ones. Miss Lisa's noting of her visit there, and the subsequent discussion in the comments, I thought, "I'll do it Australia day!"
Leaving tonight gives me a chance to see Goulburn, and to have a more leisurely trip to the caves -- as well as letting me spoil myself by staying at Mandelson's. I generally look for cheaper places when travelling, but I thought I'd give in this once. Thursday afternoon I'll head back home, detouring via the airport to say goodbye to my friend Nila who is heading back to London.
And yes: I am going on my own. Many people seem a bit taken aback by that: I thought friends and family would've gotten used to it by now! ;-) As much as I love visting and spending time with friends, sometimes I just need, and enjoy, time away on my own.
Happy Australia Day to all the Aussie bloggers!