Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Australia Day

On Monday, January 26th was Australia Day. This is the day, back in 1788, that Captain Arthur Phillip landed in Australia. Click on the link if you are interested in learning more.







Basically as Australian's, we celebrate Australia Day in numerous ways - going to the beach, having a BBQ, at a park with friends, playing beach cricket, etc.

What did I do for Australia Day............ My DH, my parents and myself headed to our local council grounds to particpate in the Australia Day Celebrations. There was so much to see and do there, where do I begin.............

There were cute little piggies that did pig races - why is this an Australian thing to do?? Not too sure....... but it was fun to watch.

There was a rodeo with Australian Cowboys - it reminded me of the Rodeo at Cloverdale in B.C. We watched bull riding and and horse riding - it was actually really cool. There was also a wood chopping contest going on throughout the day too. I had never seen this done before and it was pretty cool to see them at work.








There was a poet who was reciting works done by Banjo Patterson. Banjo Patterson was a famous ballad writer back in the 'olden days' and he wrote our very famous song 'Waltzing Matilda' which alot of Australian's like to think is our 2nd National Anthem. While we were listening to the poet on Australian Day he was reciting the poem, 'The Man From Ironbark'. I remember learning this poem at school.

For lunch I had a yummy meat pie.......... Australia is known for there meat pies and even though it was a hot day I had to have one - it was Australia Day after all. There was also a group of people cooking damper the old fasioned way (see picture below). Damper is basically bread that was cooked in the outback on an open fire. It is so yummy to eat warm with golden syrup.








There was also a dog show with the cutest Border Collies. We spoke to one of the breaders there and her dogs were a mum and son, Trixie and Bronson. Sooooooooo cute and so friendly. During the dog show we watched as a trainer was 'dancing' with her dog and they also explained how to train dogs to catch frisbee's. This has made me want to get a dog ASAP!! Below is a picture of Trixie catching a frisbee.








We stayed at the Celebrations for a few hours but it was really hot out and decided to call it a day at about 1pm. We headed home to go for a swim in the pool and just chill out. It was nice to have the day off from work and relax.
For dinner that night we of course had a BBQ............ a great way to end the day.

It was so good to be home for Australia Day and my DH enjoyed his first Australia Day too.
Till next time.................

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