My weekend has felt like many days that have been super stretched out. My weekend trip was to begin on Saturday afternoon, but not before work, which turned out to be such a long shift, which really had nothing to do with the fact that Lou and I had explored the delights of the city nightlife. And by that I mean we simply sat on bar stools, drank ciders and Bundy and Coke while shamelessly people watching (bitching) all the people around us. There were many sights to see though, and a huge mixed array of people in the bar. It was great fun. Even if it did leave me a little tired and lethargic for the day ahead of me.
Another problem was that I had already hit holiday mode and couldn't wait to get out of there and onto my next adventure, thus fulfilling the 'Holiday' clause of my visa. I hopped on to the coach, for free I might add... Savvy traveler me!! It was a long journey. On arrival I did what I most love and wandered around the city in the night time, getting the feel of it. It being the centenary in Canberra there are new sculptures and plenty of street performers on most corners. I already got the arty and cultural vibe here.
On exploring during the day I was taken to a cafe, along with my two room mates from the hostel who I had befriended, even if they didn't really want me tagging along. I still did. We had crepes after hunting a place down in the rain. After breakfast we parted ways and I headed in to the Canberra Memorial. The emotions in this place ran very high for me. At times I felt as if I needed to leave due to the Overwhelming sense of sadness I was feeling. I decided to stick around though to drink in the History. I had suddenly been presented with the enormity of the effects that all of the wars have had worldwide. I was no longer having this information forced upon me for the purposes of writing an essay for my school history project. Instead I was there out of sincere respect. I listened to stories of families who had lost loved ones, unable to comprehend those feelings at all.
After this I headed to the Australian Art Gallery, just for something to do really. I enjoyed taking in all the art works, but I had a distinct feeling of the security having eyes on me like hawk. You know, as if I'm going to get my Shrink ray out so i can fit all the paintings in my bag and sell them on the black market. Still, I enjoyed myself. I went for a few drinks after this in the pub near the hostel, having gatecrashed a Hen party. The ladies were not the sort I would normally hang about with. I felt a little to proper to be seen with them in fact. A near Bar brawl later and I decided enough was enough and cut it short.
Monday another day of 'things I wouldn't normally do'. Tagging along again with my new Hostel Friends we went to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) It's really not my thing. I wasn't athletic at school. Not ever really. Apart from the odd game of tennis or rounders. Still it was interesting all the same. Seeing the place where Olympians trained. My interest was slightly heightened given that I have more recently gotten in touch with Health and Fitness. I can imagine this place being a must for Sports Fans.
I have alos found Canberra incredibly cold. And Rainy. Which is a shame because it would have been lovely to explore more of the outside sights. Being as I was bringing out the real tourist in myself. I missed a few bits while I was here. I'm certain the place would have a totally different atmosphere in the sunshine. It will be somewhere I visit again. I'm learning that you can only touch the surface when you are travelling. Twelves months for one big country really isn't enough!!
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