There is an awful lot you CAN do in Canberra, just don't plan on doing it in a weekend.

Sunday morning I woke cranky, and overtired. I didn't think the hours difference due to daylight savings would wreck such havoc with my body clock. But that, and the incredibly full schedule for the day before, had me feeling somewhat exhausted.

Needless to say, I was grateful that the mornings proceedings involved brunch at the Australian National Botanical Gardens, where if you were so inclined you could go and meander through the beautiful walks, or do as I did, lay on a picnic blanket, and listen to the music, and eat the amazing food in the hamper made by Floresco in the Gardens, full of fresh produce featuring Australian bush foods.

After brunch we were off to the Old Bus Depot Markets and the Canberra Glassworks. Unfortunately, 45 minutes to go through the  markets didn't do it the justice it deserved.

After speed shopping through the markets, we went on a tour of the Glassworks. Incredibly beautiful pieces of art, in the forms of bowls, vases, glasses, jewellery. The glassworks is housed in Canberra's oldest industrial building -

 

Canberra Glassworks is housed inside the existing fabric of the Kingston Powerhouse has carefully preserved the heritage values of this iconic Canberra building. Many of the original finishes and fittings remain and the building includes a range of heritage interpretation signage to give visitors a glimpse into the past life of the building.

 

The Kingston Powerhouse is Canberra’s oldest permanent public building. It was built between 1913 and 1915 and was designed by the Federal Government architect, J S Murdoch. Murdoch also designed other important heritage buildings in Canberra such as Old Parliament House and its East and West Blocks, Gorman House, the Hotel Canberra (now the Hyatt) and the Kurrajong Hotel.

 

The Powerhouse was originally intended to be a temporary structure and was used to supply Canberra with coal-generated electricity from 1915, continuing to operate as a powerhouse until 1957. - from the Canberra Glassworks

 

 

Look closely and you can see a face

 

 

While there we saw part of a demonstration of glass blowing occurring, an art form I have great admiration for. I know without any hesitation that I would have neither the patience or strength to do what they do.

Then we got to the bit I had been waiting for all weekend. The creative bit. We got to make our own glass tile. I love doing anything where I learn a new creative process, and this is a process that I would love to explore further. Unfortunately, I think it's an expensive medium to learn, so I will have to investigate that one further.

 

I am incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate in the human brochure. It was a huge undertaking. Other then being shattered by the time I got home on Sunday night, and at times feeling like I was on a travel agency junket, I did have a fabulous time. I had been to Canberra as a child of 9, then 12, when I did the obligatory school trip and then again as an adult. And I had always had the opinion that Canberra was a somewhat sterile city. My opinion was challenged and changed. It's a beautiful city, green, and clean, and rich with activities, places and experiences to be had by pretty much anyone.

Just don't plan on doing it all in a weekend.

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Stories - we all have them

For me blogging is a place where I can record my story. My truth. My passions and views. Some will resonate with others, some may inform and educate, some may just be the recognition of a kindred spirit fighting her fight, living her life, in the same way they are.

 

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That is what the National Museum of Australia is like. A place full of stories. Where our stories live, to borrow their tagline. Its a place full of stories from the varied and different cultures that make up this country. It's an amazing place. From the architecture - a building designed to look like a knot, representing the diversity in this country - to the displays telling stories from different perspectives and points in history.
 

 

I could have stayed there all day. There was so much to see, and learn and experience. Stories to be told and heard.

 

We were lucky enough to see behind the scenes, and see curators at work on restoring items to be displayed. It was wonderful to hear people talk about their passion with such enthusiasm and excitement. It was contagious.

 

 

This passion and enthusiasm carried onto where we had lunch at Two before Ten. This cafe roasts their own beans, so the place smells amazing. (And the view was pretty good too ;) ) I can honestly say it was the best cappuccino I have ever had anywhere. The food was delicious, starting with a tasting platter of different meats with a salad, and ending with a tasting platter of desserts that were sublime.

 

After having our taste buds tantalised, we were taken to another place that is full of stories, the National Film and Sound Archives. I didn't even know such a place even existed. It is the place where anything recorded or filmed in Australia is kept, where film and sound from days long gone are restored and kept for You and for me.

Unless you work in the recording or film industry, we have no appreciation for the amount of work that goes into something we listen to, or watch. To see and hear the people who work at the NFSA was for me a gift. Again, these were people who LOVE what they do. It was evident in the way they spoke with such passion.

With a quick stop back to the hotel (no rest for the wicked, or this exhausted little vegemite!), we got ready to go out to dinner.

There were two restaurants that our stream would be going to -  Ginger Catering at the old Parliament house, and The Messalira Ristorante  We dined at Messalira. The service was impecable, and the food... oh my... the food.
 

This was one of my favorite events of the weekend. The opportunity to sit down and relax, not having to race anywhere was a welcome respite after a very busy day. It was a time to meet new people, where we were able to share some of our own stories, and connect together as humans.

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Lest we forget

The opening function for the Human Brochure was at the Australian War Memorial. All streams, Adventure, Family Fun, Food and Wine, and Art and Culture all came together to be welcomed, and shown a snap shot of of Australia's history in war.

 

The building is magnificent, solid and strong, standing at the end of Anzac Parade, where Parliament House can see it, and remember. (That's the theory, how much remembering happens is a topic I'm not keen to touch on). Lined along Anzac Parade is memorial after memorial, beautiful monuments built in recognition of the soldiers lost fighting for this country.

 

War for me is an exercise in futility. Loss of human life over perimeters of land, religion, economics, or what appears to me as pure insanity, makes no sense. I hit a brick wall when it comes to understanding. I know the why and wherefore, but still... Maybe it's the peace loving mung bean hippy in me.

Regardless of how I feel about war, I was humbled, and after watching a short film directed by Peter Jackson, in awe. The young men that flew those planes that had not long been invented, were brave beyond belief. None of this computerised high tech super sonic airplanes. Planes that they sat in, unprotected from not only enemy fire, but the forces of nature.

 

There is a rich history of war memorabilia at the Australian War memorial. Far more then I was able to see in the short reception that was held there. It is a place that needs hours to explore to really appreciate.

When we were telling the kids about the War Memorial, my boys response was "When can we go there?".

 

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Flying is ok as long as you don't have to do it in a plane

I'm not a good flyer. Why, I haven't quite worked out, because I've been on and off planes since I was six weeks old and left my birth place New Zealand.

 

 

The fact that I would have to actually get on a plane to get to Canberra to participate in the Human Brochure was something I kind of buried away in the back of my brain until Thursday. Then as I started working out what I was taking with me, throwing clothes onto the bed, the anxiety started leeching in. I tried ignoring it. Hah. Ever tried ignoring anxiety? It's like telling someone to not think of pink elephants.

The anxiety just continued to amp, as well as the excitement. And the self doubt. "Who do I think I am? Some refined travel blogger/ social media queen/ writer even?!" Then I reminded myself that I was chosen to go on this trip. Everything else is irrelevant. After trying to pack my bag, which succeeded in me running around from room to room forgetting what it was that I was actually trying to do, M said to me come and watch some TV. I had to pick Laura up from work at 9 anyway I told myself, I'd pack when I got home.

Instead I decided to go to bed, and dreamt of Eden and her trip to India. Who knows why. I've given up trying to figure out how my brain works. All I know is that I think she's a legend, even if she doesn't. And she inspires me to be better, speak louder, use my voice.

We set the alarm for 4.30. Kind of needed to, as otherwise the clothes that I had dumped on the lounge to take were not going to make it into the bag. I have a few lessons still to learn on being poised and organised from Nikki over at Styling You.

 

We managed to get out the door at 6.15, a good idea, because as soon as we hit the highway so were 1000s of other people. We arrived at the place we were leaving our car just before 7am, and took the free shuttle up the road to the airport. As I get closer to the airport, anxiety starts really letting itself known. Feeling my blood pumping, throat closing, skin tingling, we approached then Qantas check in.

 

This looks like the face of someone eagerly waiting to fly doesn't it?

Everything is becoming automated now. None of this walking up to a counter and speaking to a human. There are banks of check in machines - type your name in, select your flight, out spits your board pass and luggage stickers, which you have to stick on yourself, obviously. In amongst that process, as we were shown the seats we were allocated on the plane, there on the screen is one seat highlighted in one row, and another highlighted several rows back. I don't know what my face did, I just knew the rest of my body was about to launch into outer space! Thankfully M grabbed one of the humans milling around to assist and told them that I have panic attacks and are not a good flyer. He directed us to the customer service counter and they very kindly seated us together. Thank god, because I was shaking at this stage, and tears were very close to falling. Needless to say, I had another Valium.

Once we had ascended, and I was able to let go of my claw like grip on Ms thigh, I read. A few minutes out from descending into Canberra we hit some turbulence. My eyes slammed shut, and my claw returned to gripping Ms thigh. there was a little boy a few rows in front of us who squealed with delight, while I gripped Ms thigh harder. Stupid anxiety.

We arrived in Canberra at 11.30am. We had been told to look out for the humans carrying the The Human Brochure sign. It wasn't hard to miss. There were several different participants from different streams coming from Brisbane, so we had the opportunity to see which hotel each stream would be staying at. According to the twitter stream, all streams were happy with their accommodation. I was ecstatic with ours.

 

The Arts and Culture stream were staying at The Diamant, originally built in 1927, to house parliamentary staff. The building has been fully refurbished with some amazing artwork displayed throughout. The service was impeccable, and I would have to say probably one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at.

 

Chocolate Rocks came with the bill!

As we had a few hours to kill before the opening function at 6pm that night, I was able to catch up with family. They own a printing company Prinstant, and had very kindly made me my business cards. They gave us an impromptu tour of Canberra after we lunched at Rodney's in Pialligo, a lovely cafe set amongst the Nursery area.

 

 

Metaphorically wall hitting

 

Getting up at 4.30, and losing an hour resulted in M and I hitting the metaphorical wall at 3pm, and a much needed nap on our lovely king size bed was required. Otherwise I would be a babbling incoherent human at that nights function. (Who am I kidding, I was still a babbling incoherent human.)

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#The Human Brochure

In the spring of 1996, my best friend Sam and I decided to take my 9 month old cafe connoisseur daughter to Canberra to see the Floriade. We loaded up Sam's tiny Daihatsu, with the child seat, and managed to get the ridiculously big pram that I just had to have, in as well. We then proceeded to drive the three hours it took to get from the Sutherland Shire to Canberra. For the day. As you do. (Laura was one of those babies that you could cart around anywhere, and was happy to just be. This would not have been a trip that I would have even contemplated with my next two children!!)

We had a gorgeous day. The flowers amazing, the day glorious, the colours were magnificent. And then we turned around and drove the three hours home. I must confess that on the way home, Laura had her first taste of McDonald's French Fries. Which I guess means she can now blame me for her ongoing love of them.

 

                                       

This weekend I'm off to Canberra again. It has only taken me 16 years to return, but as they say, better late then never. Back in August I entered a competition and out of nearly 32000 applicants I was one of the lucky 500 to be selected to participate in the first of its kind "Human Brochure".


What’s a Human Brochure? I hear you ask - well in the well articulated words of the people who have organised this amazing opportunity:

We think the best way for you to learn about Canberra is through the eyes of people who have been here.

So we invited 500 humans, just like you, to come and
experience our city first hand and spread the word online
about all the great things they got up to.

That’s how the Human Brochure was created. Here you will
find real travel experiences shared by humans for humans.
They prove that when you look closely, there are loads of attractions, experiences and fun you can have here.

Whether you’re a foodie, family, adventure seeker, lover of art and culture, or all of the above, you’ll find plenty of like-minded humans on this site whose journeys you can follow. Then you’ve got all the information you need to plan your own amazing getaway in our nation’s capital.

We hope to see you soon.

When I applied, I was asked to select from four areas - Food, Family Fun, Adventure and Art & Culture. I did consider Family Fun, but decided that a trip for me and M would be wonderful (not having any idea that I would possibly win!) so I selected Art & Culture. The itinerary is amazing. I won't spoil it now by telling you where I will be going. You will just have to follow along on my journey vicariously. (How strange it is for me to NOT be the one doing the vicarious living for a change!)

Come Friday morning 7am, I'm removing my mummy hat, and leaving it behind for 72 hours for fun, frivolity, and making new friends. To say I can not wait is an understatement!

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I won something!

I enter lots of competitions. All the time. So many, that most of them I don't even remember entering them. This competition was one of them. Late last night I received notification that I had been selected as one of the 500 people to participate in the Human Brochure for Canberra.

I'm still in shock. A weekend away, doing something I love, immersing myself in art and culture. How lucky am I?

Thank you universe, I really needed this. Oh, and thank you Canberra for having me. Can't wait to get there!

 

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