End of the year already!

Oops, just realized it has been a week since my last post. How time has gotten away from me.

Well, I really liked Canberra. I met more family and had two days of relaxation and exploration. I had the first evening in Canberra to chat with family and had a quick drive through the Parliamentary Triangle and Civic centre. Canberra is really quite an interesting city: unpretentious and very spacious. And so green (despite the drought). It was a lovely, peaceful evening (after a number of peaceful days in the last week).

So I had one full day in Canberra and I think I made the most of it. Mary and I were out early to first visit the National War Memorial and museum. The memorial was beautiful and a very powerful monument but the museum was overwhelming. There was a lot of information displayed nicely but I just couldn't take all the war stuff! So we moved onto Mount Ainslie, a beautiful lookout point over Canberra - you can really see just how big and spread out the city is. From there I was dropped off at the Parliament. Now, this just might be one of the most interesting and unique buildings I have been in all year. The three areas of the Australian Parliament (House, Senate and Admin) are built into a hill, complete with grass on the roof, stunning views from the top and such modern and open architecture. One of my favourite buildings... I do love the quirky! From the Parliament I walked through the Parliamentary Triangle towards the lake, stopping at the Old Parliament, the Aboriginal's Tent Embassy, Court House, and a few museums. It was a stunning day capped off with more people to meet. Over dinner I met the in-laws and enjoyed sharing stories from my year. After dinner I met up with Mark, a friend I met in Paris. It is always such a treat to meet up with people I have met along the way and reconnect after sometimes months between visits. I will say, Canberra is quiet. Mark and I were kicked out of the bar at 11.00pm. But it was still lovely. Thanks Mark!

So I am finally back in Sydney. Mary, Geoff and Scott (my fam in Canberra) drove me up to Sydney where we said our goodbyes. Thank you so much for visiting with me. From there, I was picked up by another friend Mark (so many boys that start with "M"). I dropped off my bags (which I will not have to move until I fly home... yay!) and just relaxed. Okay, I had a nap but I needed it. The last few days have been nice. Meeting more people. Eating lovely meals. I went to a lovely beach for some relaxation. And trying to plan my last week.

Today is New Years Eve and I am going to try to fill it with activities. First up, must go to the zoo. Then maybe a walk around the Rocks and CBD. But then the big event... party on a rooftop in Kirribilli with THE BEST views of the Harbour Bridge fireworks and the Opera House. Sweet as! Should be a lovely way to end one year and welcome the next.

As a year is coming to an end, usually people look back and recount the lessons they have learned, the good times and the bad and make resolutions and predictions for the future. Well, to be honest I am too tired to do that right now. Maybe later but right now, I am just focussed on having a good time in the next week and getting home to my lovely family and friends. I'll reminisce and dream once I'm home!

Happy new years to everyone and I wish you all the best!

Love, Lisa