Monday, January 26, 2009

Some Australia Day events

Australians are celebrating their national day today. Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, the unfurling of the British flag at Sydney Cove and the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia.
Several blocks of streets were blocked to traffic and were lined with vintage cars on display.
Many people carried little flags and some even WORE the flag as a cape. Even in the Cathedral, no less. St. Mary's offered a free organ concert, a special Mass, and tours of the crypt, the church, and the bell tower.
The picture is from yesterday, when ABC was setting up their exhibition trailer.
The Australia Day website explains what would happen inside it:
"There’s the chance for budding radio broadcasters and TV stars to perform in a mini ABC TV and ABC Radio studio. Kids - and adults too - can present the news just like the professionals, or have a go at showing an invention on New Inventors, or interviewing your favourite ABC personality. Or you can sing along with your favourite ABC Kids characters and take home your free recording on CD and plenty of ABC giveaways."
Also in Hyde Park, "Sydney's biggest back yard," was a photographer who was shooting portraits with a pinhole camera.
You can click on this photo to read about he connects his subjects with Hyde Park's disappearing huge old fig trees.
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Everyone I saw today appeared to be having a good time together. I was happy to be in this country for Australia Day.

13 comments:

  1. This looks like so much fun, Dina. It's sort of like Columbus Day and 4th of July combined, isn't it? Wow! I'll bet the grandsons were thrilled!

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  2. Fun, fun day for sure. Know you and family enjoyed the day.
    Patsy

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  3. I would have loved to see the vintage Australian cars.

    An Arkie's Musings

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  4. Dina, what lively pictures!
    This post is really informative and interesting.
    Do you prefer to live in Australia or in Jerusalem?
    Have a nice week ahead!

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  5. Hi Dina, I am glad you are enjoying your stay. Did you see any Aborigenes celebrating? Just curious.. My daughter has Aboriginal in-laws and we have shared a lot of ideas. I like the reconciliation programme. I am always getting emotional when I hear the song "I am Australian".., which says that both white and indigenous people have been traumatized for more than 200 years.

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  6. Dear Wil, thanks for posting the song. I too read it with tears.
    Yes, I am aware that many Indigenous people regard Australia Day as "Invasion Day" for commemorating the arrival of the First Fleet and that yesterday Indigenous Professor Mick Dodson made news by calling for a change of date for Australia Day.

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  7. Hi Kay, Bennie and Patsy. Actually I went to the events on my own. The rest of the family opted for breakfast in a cafe and a visit to the beach.

    Pietro, I'll take Jerusalem anyday! It is the only home for me.

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  8. I'm glad you went in. I was going to but was tired from being in town the night before. I always enjoy the motorfest.

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  9. See that you're now posting on Sydney, one of my favourite cities! Lovely...
    Have a great holiday!
    Blogtrotter, missing your comments on my Delhi posts... ;))

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  10. It looks very nice, I'm glad you enjoy it so much.
    I like the old cars.

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  11. I'm enjoying your trip as much as you are. Thanks for sharing.

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  12. A lot of bustle, I see. This photographer looks very interesting.
    I'm glad to read that your heart belongs to Jerusalem. I miss your historic posts about your city.
    Have a good time until you go back "home".

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