Last night after completing the blog entry, we were relaxing in our room when we heard a great crashing of thunder and flashes of lightening. Next came the rain which was absolutely pouring down, and continued into the night. We were a bit concerned about our plans for this morning, however, when we awoke, the sky was completely blue without a visible cloud, and the temperature was a lovely 23 C. By 9:30 we were off to explore Canberra. Our first stop was the viewpoint on Mount Ainslie 
(elevation 843 M) to survey the whole area around Canberra. 
Here we learned that Canberra was built from scratch solely for the purpose of being the seat of the federal government which formed in 1901. The area was chosen as it is away from the ocean for safety sake, and is completely surrounded by mountains. It is located in the middle of New South Whales, but has its own district known as the Australian Capital Territory.
The result is a very coordinated area of town with roads that radiate out from the center – that being the seat of the government. Originally they had grand designs for the parliament buildings, but due to debt arising from the First World War, they had to reduce the expectations, so a very minimalist legislative building was built. As the country grew and therefore the amount of elected representatives grew, the government soon outgrew the old building so in 1983 they began work on the new Legislative Building.
We spent the better part of the day touring the two buildings, first the
Old Parliament Building and later the New Parliament Building. 
The first stop was the garden area in front of the Old Parliament Building, with its fountains (which weren’t running in the morning) and Rose Gardens, and to make it really complete – a group of protestors.
Their government – like ours is built on two houses – an upper house – the Senate and a lower house – the Legislature. (Old Parliament Building)
(and the New Parliament Building Legislature)
The Senate rooms in both the 
old and new
– are Red, the Legislature Rooms are green – based on the British System.
Unlike our senate – their Senators are elected for a 6 year term. Each state – whatever the size has the same number of members in the Senate. In the lower house, their system is the same as ours with elected members – based on population, giving New South Whales and Victoria by far the greatest representation.
Our last stop in the Parliament building was a trip to the roof.
The grass grows right up to the top of the building with only this amazing structure with flag being above the grass.
From the outside it almost resembles a bunker. 
After completing our tour of the New Parliament Building we contemplated the Museum or the Library, or the War Memorial, but opted for the Shopping Centre, then went back to the resort to lie in the beautiful sun for an hour before supper. The Kangaroos were back, but not really interested in coming for a visit – they stayed at the back of the field.
We relaxed for the rest of the evening in preparation for a long trip tomorrow – over 500 KM to Lake’s Entrance on the South East Coast of Victoria.
(elevation 843 M) to survey the whole area around Canberra. 
Here we learned that Canberra was built from scratch solely for the purpose of being the seat of the federal government which formed in 1901. The area was chosen as it is away from the ocean for safety sake, and is completely surrounded by mountains. It is located in the middle of New South Whales, but has its own district known as the Australian Capital Territory.The result is a very coordinated area of town with roads that radiate out from the center – that being the seat of the government. Originally they had grand designs for the parliament buildings, but due to debt arising from the First World War, they had to reduce the expectations, so a very minimalist legislative building was built. As the country grew and therefore the amount of elected representatives grew, the government soon outgrew the old building so in 1983 they began work on the new Legislative Building.
We spent the better part of the day touring the two buildings, first the
Old Parliament Building and later the New Parliament Building. 
The first stop was the garden area in front of the Old Parliament Building, with its fountains (which weren’t running in the morning) and Rose Gardens, and to make it really complete – a group of protestors.Their government – like ours is built on two houses – an upper house – the Senate and a lower house – the Legislature. (Old Parliament Building)
(and the New Parliament Building Legislature)
The Senate rooms in both the 
old and new
– are Red, the Legislature Rooms are green – based on the British System.Unlike our senate – their Senators are elected for a 6 year term. Each state – whatever the size has the same number of members in the Senate. In the lower house, their system is the same as ours with elected members – based on population, giving New South Whales and Victoria by far the greatest representation.
Our last stop in the Parliament building was a trip to the roof.
The grass grows right up to the top of the building with only this amazing structure with flag being above the grass.
From the outside it almost resembles a bunker. 
After completing our tour of the New Parliament Building we contemplated the Museum or the Library, or the War Memorial, but opted for the Shopping Centre, then went back to the resort to lie in the beautiful sun for an hour before supper. The Kangaroos were back, but not really interested in coming for a visit – they stayed at the back of the field.
We relaxed for the rest of the evening in preparation for a long trip tomorrow – over 500 KM to Lake’s Entrance on the South East Coast of Victoria.
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