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January 27, 2004

Australia Day

Yesterday (26th January) was "Australia Day". Just what the heck does that mean? It is the anniversary of Australia becoming a nation? Nope, that happened on the 1st oh January 1901. Does it have anything to do with Australia? No, not really and that is why some of the states have little or no recognition of the event. This so-called Australia Day (also known as an excuse for a long weekend) commemorates the landing of the first fleet in 1788 in the area now called The Rocks. If the new colony had anything (apart from amazing luck*) in the way of a name it was New South Wales (which is the name of this state). You can understand why the other states are not so eager to celebrate the event.....

Anyway, in NSW, it is a public holiday with lots of interesting things to do an see. There is a traditional vintage/veteran/classic car show (all along Macquarie Street), vintage buses (see below) and an international food fair in Hyde Park. My favourite is the old busses (click on image for a larger photo):

The food fair reminded me of the Christmas Fair/Market at some palace in Austria. There were all these little covered stalls and every row or cluster had at least one selling mulled wine (you could get a souvenir glass and then just keep getting refills). Given that this was Australia and the middle of summer, every row or cluster had a clearly labelled 'Bar' tent selling icy-cold beer, and in at least one case alcoholic slurpies. We also attended the Scot gathering under the bridge and watched the helicopter rescue team putting people in and out of the harbour. All in all, lots of walking, lots of sun - very tiring (so I went home and did some heavy gardening to relax).

[* The amazing luck was that the French settlement established near present day La Perouse (named after their ship) died from disease before a fight could break out between the French and English for control of this place.]

Posted by Ozguru at January 27, 2004 07:01 AM

Comments

The ubiquitous precursor to the London Transport Route Master, also built by Leyland. I have driven one similar to this for the transport company when I was short of cash early in my career. Nice preselector gearbox that allowed selection and then a simple tap of the clutch pedal to change up or down. They handle reasonably well, but a roll a bit like a drunk in a corner.

Posted by: The Gray Monk at January 27, 2004 07:01 AM

This bus was the 8th last of the type ordered before double-deckers were dropped (at least on the city routes). I can remember coming into town as a kid on the last day of the double-deckers with my father to ride the buses around town.

Posted by: ozguru at January 27, 2004 07:01 AM

Happy A Day Happy Aussie day for all you Aussies. Thats why there was no post for yesterday. Whats Australia Day?...

Posted by: Peskie at January 27, 2004 07:01 AM