I flew into Canberra very early in the morning, having caught the first flight out from Adelaide. I watched a spectacular sunrise while up above the clouds and was looking forward to the next city of my tour list. When I got to Canberra however I got in a taxi with a driver who didn't seem to know where he was going, not only did he take numerous wrong turns but then charged me for all his mistakes too! Still, I was in no mood to argue, so dumped my bags and headed off into the city, only to find the place absolutely deserted. Nothing was open, nobody was walking the streets, I was looking forward to some breakfast and yet couldn't find a single place to eat! I did a quick check to ensure my watch hadn't jumped forward about 10 hours, and that I hadn't arrived on a sunday or something, but no, this was half ten on a weekday and the whole place was empty! So reluctantly I headed off out of the city centre and started walking to where I thought Parliament might be One thing that Canberra cannot be faulted for is its great network of paths and cycle tracks - its pretty easy to get about without having to dash across major roads, however there was a distinct lack of signs, and as I had once again arrived without a map I was a tad lost for direction. Although as is always the case with me I ended up where I needed to be without too much problem - although I did have to scramble up a steep bushy slope as the fabulous path suddenly ended.... Still, I was at parliament and that was where I wanted to be.

The parliament building is great, a pretty stylish piece of architecture I'd say, and nicely built into the hill and covered with grass - I think it represents being at the heart of Australia quite well! On heading inside I found a tour guide who took me round and showed me all the important bits and pieces - including an original copy of the Magna Carta! Having learned all about the buildings purpose I headed into the chamber and listened in one of the gallerys as Parliament was in session. Not being up to date on my Australian policies I didn't understand a lot of what was being said, but it was pretty good to be able to go in and watch. Finally I found somewhere to eat, and filled myself up before walking down the straight road leading to the old parliament buildings and then up Anzac Parade towards the war memorial.

That afternoon I met back up with my Uncle who had driven to meet me - at least he knew his way around and took me back into town to show me where everyone went! We had a pretty good feast at a club before playing on the pokies - a favourite Aussie passtime it seems! Admittedly we didn't win much, but it was pretty exciting when we did!

The war memorial is well worth a visit if you find yourself in Canberra with nothing else to do. Inside are some fantastic models of battles in which the Australians have fought, and there is loads of up to date stuff too. I had no idea how heavily Australia was involved in the Vietnam war so I learned a fair bit in there. Perhaps the most impressive thing was the walls of names of all those Australians who have lost their lives fighting for their country - and my Queen I guess.

A trip up the tower on Black Mountain provides some great views over the city. On the whole Canberra was a pretty interesting place as we filled our time looking at museums (including the Museum of Australia) however it is easy to see why almost every other Australian thinks its a sterile place and avoids it like the plague...