STRAYA DAY!

Traditionally Australia day was to promote nationalism and pride for one’s own country. The tradition of noticing 26 January began early in the nineteenth century with Sydney almanacs referring to First Landing Day or Foundation Day.  That was the day in 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the First Fleet of eleven convict ships from Great Britain, arrived at Sydney Cove. The raising of the Union Jack there symbolized British occupation of the eastern half of the continent claimed by Captain James Cook on 22 August in 1770.

                                                 My little Granny flat all decorated. 

Today it’s about getting wasted and running around in everything that could be made with an Aussie flag on it and listening to Triple J’s top 100 countdown on the radio; maybe a bit of cricket if it’s on.

It’s a shame really because the traditional owners of this land have to look upon this debauchery and think about how their land was invaded. I don’t mean to get all left wing but I truly am affected by the indigenous people here and wish to respect them and their glorious and soon-to-be erased history.

Sandy, a very committed volly  at the RSPCA told me to wear aboriginal colours on Australia day, I didn’t really have any, save for black (the colours are black, yellow and red) so I ended up in an Aussie flag bikini with a white top over it and a blue skirt. (Oh the hypocrisy)

                                                      Drinking New Zealand sparkling, ironic?

It ended up being a very relaxed day, I worked for the first half as it was a national holiday and the RSPCA was closed but the animals still need to get fed.

Afterwards the day way spent relaxing with some beers and then off to the store to gather the BBQ supplies because what's a holiday in Oz without a BBQ?

                      Tiger Prawns decorated with a flower from one of my orchids and Aussie pinwheels!

We set off at dark to the nearest park (Currajong park) and grilled up some banana prawns, chicken kebabs and a steak!

                      Of course Robbie did the honors and I learned you shouldn't grill shrimp (prawns) with the shells on...

Emmanuel from my old house came to add some French flare the evening and it was quite a lovely time.

What did I learn from today? That I need to find a way to contribute to the local Aboriginal community and that Aussies get REALLY into Australia day above any other holiday, well most Aussies.