Happy Holidays

Well, isn't it great to start returning to a routine? Two days into the third term and we are still struggling with our night-time routine after two weeks of holidays. And our obsession with MasterChef hasn't helped one little bit. I can't complain too much as I am as sucked in by it as the two older kids are. So, finally they head to bed. It is hard to believe half the year is over. It is also hard to believe my little baby is about to start prep transition next Wednesday. Time certainly does fly.

We had the best holidays. Did lots of things around town and then headed to Canberra for about six days. Canberra, you might ask. Well, it was great. I had been there a number of times for work but never really got to look around. (Usually was nursing a post-Budget hangover) It was terrific to play the tourist. A bit chilly in July but as we were on the move it was overlooked.

There is so much FREE stuff to do in Canberra. (Isn't FREE just the best word in the English language?)

The National Museum of Australia provided plenty of things to entertain the kids; ditto for the War Memorial. As it was holidays in ACT there were extra kids' activities. The High Court was interesting as was the National Gallery of Australia.

I especially enjoyed seeing the Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock. As a youngster I remember the controversy when Gough Whitlam bought it. I recalled the brouhaha to my kids about it and mentioned that it was now worth heaps more than he paid for it. I promised to Google the details. I haven't done that yet. It is just a great get out clause. "Yes, we'll Google that" ... and we rarely do but it is the perfect distraction.

Also tickled pink to see a Monet. Just love his bright and mostly uplifting work. One of the highlights of my life is seeing Monet's house, in Giverny, near Paris. We hope to return during a trip next year to see it in Spring. We saw it in Autum last time.

But I digress. Back to Canberra. The Parliament House roof provides terrific views right across to the War Memorial. But the highlight, and for me, arguably Canberra's best kept secret was Old Parliament House or as they call it Provisional Parliament House. It was really interesting to see Bob Hawke's office as it was when he was PM. To see where Gough Whitlam stood on the steps of Parliament after he was sacked by John Kerr (I remember this day vividly as I was in Grade 5 and my mum was very upset about Gough getting sacked).

And one of the big hits was Questacon which is like a super dooper Scienceworks. The cost of family entry was $49 but money well spent. We saved a few other attractions for a return visit on the way to Coffs Harbour to see relatives at a later date.

Back to Melbourne, and the Pompeii exhibition at the Melbourne Museum was both fascinating and spooky. Highly recommend it.