Australia Day

These Aussies know how to do public holidays.  They don't just pay lip service to the event, they bring on the bells and whistles and shout the cause from the rooftops.  The city turns out in blue and red and flies the flag from every boat, gazebo, car and bike.  It's World Cup Soccer all over again for one day!

We started our day down at Deep Water Point, our local strip of the river.  We were four families and we all spent the morning kayaking, swimming and playing on the beach.  We took our turn on the communal barbecues for a mid morning brunch fry up and tucked into the champagne and OJ.  The river was full of boats pulling skiers and tubes.  There was a great holiday atmosphere.  The 20 somethings were having a party in one section of the riverbank and face paint was the norm, full blue Lycra body suits an acceptable option and Aussie flag bikinis par for the course.  What fun!

By 1.30pm we took the troops home for a rest and repacked the picnic baskets for the evening out.  We all regrouped at 4.30 and made our way to South Perth to claim our piece of grass along the riverbank to watch the city put on a show to remember.  There were jumping castles and fun rides all afternoon and by 6pm the planes were flying low overhead in perfect formation.  A massive Aussie flag drifted along the river towed by a helicopter.  Skydivers appeared as if by magic and banners trailed behind small planes as we waited for the main event.  The children had a great time rolling down the hill and scooting along the paths until they became just colourful glow bangles floating in space.  At eight o' clock the city was dark and the biggest and most beautiful fireworks display that I have ever witnessed played out in front of us with the city lights as a backdrop across the river.  The explosions came from several barges in the river as well as the tops of the city skyscrapers.  It was nothing short of spectacular and lasted 40 minutes!

We are not quite Aussies, but today we are feeling privileged to be part of this incredible spirit.