Even before this latest round started, I had been thinking about writing this post and putting down in words and pictures why I like Canberra, and why we should stop referring to decisions made by the Federal Government as being made by 'Canberra'.
So, here it is. Say it loud, say it proud, I think Canberra is great, on a number of levels. Here's just a few:
1. It's beautiful.
A couple of weekends ago, we went for a bike ride around half of Lake Burley Griffin (beautiful in itself). The water was like glass, the leaves were just starting to turn, there was a hot air balloon landing across from where we were riding at one point... Yes, there are parts of Canberra that are not beautiful. Just like Sydney has its pretty bits and ugly bits, as does Melbourne, London, Paris... But I think Canberra's beauty is more accessible and easier to find, simply because the city is not so big and is surrounded by so much natural beauty.
2. National monuments
Canberra wouldn't be Canberra without the big ticket buildings. National Gallery, National Museum, War Memorial, Questacon, Parliament House (more on that one later), Old Parliament House...
So what, every capital has big ticket buildings and monuments. But here, you can get to them and do stuff at them, in them and around them. My favourite day of the year, posted about here before, is Sculpture Garden Sunday, where you get to hang out in the garden at the Art Gallery and do craft stuff. Sadly cancelled by very poor weather this year, but it still highlights what makes this place special. Small city equals small population, equals nothing is too far away, and you can park nearby (which is just as well, because one thing Canberra is very bad at is public transport) and everyone who want to come can come and it is free. And at the end of the day, home in less than 15 minutes. Same with Enlighten Canberra, part of the recent Canberra festival.
There was music, food, entertainment and stunning light projections on our national buildings. Close, accessible and free.
Look at these...
The National Library
Questacon
The National Portrait Gallery
And again, there were also lots of circus balances done against this wall
The National Gallery of Australia
Plus the balloon festival (giant inflatable kangaroo anyone?), Australia Day at the National Museum, and a hundred other things that happen in and around this great place.
3. We've got great birds
Saw a pair of wedge tailed eagles soaring in thermals the other day. Gorgeous.
4. And of course, the politics
Let's face it, that's why so many of us are here. Without those folk in the big house on the hill (in the hill, given that it is actually and deliberately built into the hill, so the people can walk over the top) there would be no need for this city to be here in this form. But that adds to the spice, as far as I am concerned. We have far greater access to our parliament and our leaders in this country than in most of the rest of the world. I love that you can take 140 people to Question Time and the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing will come down to the foyer to say hello.
I'm lucky. As part of my job, I get to organise events at Parliament House from time to time. There is no other parliament building in the world where you are allowed to do the things we do here. Hell, you can even have your wedding reception in the Great Hall if you've got enough cash...
Living in Canberra has made me more politically aware. I think it works that way for most of us here. But it's also made me realise that the people who run the country are just that. People. Some of them smart, some of them not, some of them who may be the offspring of an unfortunate match between a weasel and a scrubbing brush. Some of them who you will see down at the shops on the weekend...
There's so much more about Canberra I could write. No traffic, not much humidity (I'm looking at you Darwin), great farmers market, nice restaurants that you can get into...
If you don't like it, fine. That's ok. But don't dismiss Canberra if you haven't tried it. If you haven't ever been, come and see. If you haven't been for more than five years, come back for a visit. We turn 100 next year, that will be a great time to stop in and say hi. But don't feel you have to stay.... I like Canberra because it's not too big!
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