We left mild Sydney for the ACT or Australian Capital Territory this morning. While you’re feeling the heat of a Bakersfield summer, we’re enjoying the cooler Australian winter. Notice the leafless trees in some of the photos. It was 32 degrees here last night. Our first stop was the Australian Institute of Sport. After enjoying a very good lunch, we met Sterling, a member of the National Field Hockey team, who showed us around the complex. Each athlete has his/her own training program. The students spent the end of the tour in a virtual reality room equipped with all sorts of sporting equipment – think giant Wii games. There was a climbing wall and memorabilia from the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
After a drive through embassy row, we made our way to the Australian Parliament. Our guide told us about the history of the Australian government since 1901 and brought us inside the House of Representatives and the Senate. Delegates asked many questions and made comparisons among the British, American, and Australian systems of government. The emu and the kangaroo on the national coat of arms face forward, because neither animal can walk backwards. Australia is always moving forward. Here’s an interesting fact: Australia is the only country in the world where its national animals are eaten! Emu tastes just like chicken – so we’ve been told.
Checking Facebook updates
Alexus from the Texas group lived in Bakersfield.
She attended Sandrini School from K until the middle of 6th grade.
Kyrie is quite the artist! Something she whipped up on the bus!
Chinese Embassy in Canberra
Abstract painting of the Australian bush. Can you see the cockatoo?
Melissa, our People to People Observation Travler, leading the delegates in an activity
New Friends
Sunset from the Parliment roof
Australia -- always moving forward
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