Australia day

January 26th is the first holiday of the new year, some kind of national day that sparks the question "what does australia day stand for?" in local media. It is apparently surrounded by controversy as this is the anniversary date of the arrival of the first fleet into Sydney so many years ago. Fleet contained 11convict ships starting the British colonization of this island. Some call the day "invasion day". But regardless it does mark the beginning of what Australia has turned into today and despite all my grumblings and complaints about annoying australianisms this country is pretty darn well off and there is much potential to achieve so much for every ordinary citizen. Also a promise land for those escaping injustices and hardships elsewhere in the world. Anyhow it turns into another excuse for a barbecue and long holiday weekend.

We took the opportunity to go camping in this foreign land. Bear Gully towards Venus Bay and Wilsons Promenade. Got there late, missed out on getting a spot and set up camp in a "no-camping" zone until the morning when we were forced out by the ranger. A True Aussie bloke, Daryl, was kind enough to share his site with us. So we didn't have to move far and waste too much time. Went straight for the beach but not for long due to the chilly wind and flies. Not much of a swimming beach, rather a nice rugged setting good for exploring amongst the rocky shoreline and collecting shells. I found the tiniest perfect shells inspiring a crafty color palette in my future projects. Amidst the rugged lansdscape I'm afforded a glimpse of the unique native Australian animals: the wombat (much bigger than the cuddly  toys you can buy in the stores), possums, roos, koalas and the variety of bugs that may or may not be harmful. Seeing these I am reminded of all the dangerous creatures that inhabit this land and am amazed that the first colonists/invaders/convicts were able to progress to our current condition. Kudos to those ancestors.

Back in time to enjoy a lazy Australia day with a late breakfast at GALLEON CAFE just down the road. Apparently a St Kilda institution having good coffee and funky vibe. Yum! A stroll down Fitzroy street to the beach and a genuine australian burger complete with pineapple, fried egg, beetroot, and bacon from BURGER EDGE over in Brighton. Also very yum! A busy and far-reaching holiday weekend. Relaxed, explored, and ticked off a few gastronomic sites/subjects off my very long "to eat" list during my Inaugural Australia day experience. Happy Australia day!