Happy Aussie Day

   

 

  

   

    

  

       

      

   

Happy Australia Day!!  January 26th, 2008

We heard about the launching of hot air balloons at dawn at Parramatta Park on Aussie Day and thought that we should definitely check it out!  This was the plan the night before but when the alarm went off at 5am, we had second thoughts!!  This being the ONLY opportunity to witness such an event on Aussie Day, we thought we had better just get on with it.  The girls were very good and excited about it and got ready with little fuss.

We made it on time to see the huge balloons get pumped with hot air.  It was an AMAZING sight.  There were over 15 balloons in the park, flat at first and then one by one floated elegantly up into the sky.  There was a great turn out with lots of families and young children.  The cultural diversity in Australia has been a huge surprise to us.  In our ignorance we have been expecting lots of bleached blondes in flip flops and surf wear.  There are lots of beach folks, but just that, they are predominantly at the beaches.  In the city, (Syndey at least) there are loads of different cultures - Lebanese, Eastern European, Chinese from HK, Taiwan, China, Korean, Malaysian, Philippino, Italian, Irish, British, South African.  It really is alot like Canada in that aspect.  

Typical of any Aussie event, there was a barbie stand and we had bbq sausage rolls and bacon and egg rolls for breakie.  We stayed for a few hours, watched the tightrope walker/carnie performers and got home by 10am.

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In the afternoon we met our neighbours, Tony and Ajidia and their three lovely kids Mariah (4 yrs), Sammy (2 yrs),  and Adam (5 months).  They are of Italian background and their parents are originally  from Sicily.  They have a gorgeous house and pool.  Margot and Fiona thoroughly enjoyed the contact with other kids, a dip in the pool and exposure to lots of new toys !!  

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As if that wasn't a full enough day, we decided to also drive into Darling Harbour to see the Australian Day fireworks.  The harbour was quite beautiful but there were heaps of people.  We luckily found parking a few blocks away.  The fireworks started closer to 9pm and by then Fiona had fallen asleep and Margot was exhausted.  The fireworks were loud but pretty against the harbour backdrop.  

Finally we were in bed by about 10:30.  What a day!