Canberra 3rd day of sightseeing.

First thing in the morning we were on the phone to the Sargent at Arms' Office at Parliament House to see if we could get seats in the Public Gallery on Budget night. We were in luck, two seats in the enclosed area in the middle up above the Press Gallery and behind the Speaker's chair. This unfortunately is not the open area of the Public Gallery but a glassed in sound proofed area where school groups etc. can go when Parliament is sitting. We will be able to see and also hear it via a speaker system. It allows school groups to be spoken to while Parliament is in session.

As soon as we got the seats organized we rebooked at the caravan park for another 4 nights camping then we will pack up on the Tuesday of the Budget and take a cabin for that night so as to be ready for a quick and easy exit on the Wednesday. It was obvious we were not going to get through all the things we wanted to see here in the original days we had booked. Trish will be wearing her hot pink top on Budget night just in case the TV cameras pan over our area. Somehow I think they will be more interested in the goings on in Parliament.

With all that organized and excited about being there on the night, we set off on an overcast morning to visit the War Memorial. Half way there as forecast we had our first rain in some time. Luckily there is great underground free parking right at the War Memorial so it was a simple trip.

The War Memorial is a great looking building on the outside but even more amazing on the inside. Arriving at 10am we had allowed ourselves a whole day here. The timing was perfect as we arrived there was a guided tour just ready to leave. They are highlight tours that just pick out a few important things in each gallery but are great as it gives you an overall feeling of the place before going back around at a slower pace.

There is so much to see, do and read. All the history comes to life as you pass through the different galleries. When "Museum brain" kicks in it is time to have a coffee and a small break before getting back into it. I call it "Museum brain" when you get exhausted from reading and trying to take in so much. It was still raining continually outside but we were snug and warm inside.

After another couple of hours "Museum brain" kicked in so we had a delicious Curry meal at the Café. A meal that would put a lot of top restaurants to shame and only $10.50. The museum has been extended a lot since we were both here last and is a lot more interactive and stimulating so back into it again..

4:30pm Trish did here usual Girlie visit to the gift shop then we went to watch the Ceremonial Guard perform the closing ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was all finished off with a Bugler playing the Last Post and a lot of fancy marching by the Ceremonial Guard. The rain had finished and it was getting dark so back on the bike and back to our little warm tent in the middle of a big empty paddock. It appears that we are the only "Intrepid" campers at the park.

What a day! Still didn't see everything despite a whole day there.

Dave