Thursday 26th was Australia Day! Straight after work I met Ben and headed into the city centre where there was a big parade of service men and women, different organisations and all different nations/cultures that make up Australia in traditional dress, carrying flags and with music and dancing. Was really lively and some of the costumes were beautiful. We then saw some street entertainers down by the river - one of which was so funny, his act was like "Trigger happy tv" - he kept dancing/standing/lying in front of people walking by and getting in their way in between doing other stuff so people never expected it! It was so good. We wandered across the river after seeing quite a few to a fete which was really dead - I dont really understand why! Ben went home and I wanted to check out the other stuff going on - in tne next park there was a big vintage car display, then I walked around Government house where the governor of the state lives! It was free that day - normally you have to pay and normally not so much of it is open so it was quite special that I went that day - I didnt even know about it until I walked past and saw the sign! Was very grand, inside and out, like a palace, and beautiful grounds. after that I went to the Docklands but nothing much was happeneing there so headed back home. Had smoe tea then went straight out again to a concert in Federation Sqaure - it was brilliant! The music, dancing and costumes were fab - got some great videos! My friend Joanie finished work early and met me there which was nice. There were loads of fireworks after, then went bcak. Was really chuffed at making the most of the day of free activities and probably the only Australia day I will celebrate!! Was going to go down chinatown this weekend just gone as it was Chinese new year but it rained during the day Saturday, then David my housemate went down there and said it wasnt that good so I didnt bother and stayed in watching flims Saturady night which was nice! Yesterday I worked in hostel and today, and also working Thursday, but havent heard from agency so may well have nothing for Wed and Fri - grrr!! Want money!!! Yesterday I went with Ben and Nittin to an exhibit type thing in Fed Square called 'Centre for the moving image' where you could watch all sorts of short films - was a really wierd place, didnt really understand it! Then had a look inside a massive cathedral, then went to the state library which is a massive, grand building. Inside there is more than just books - there is a free art exhibition which is really good, then a book exhibition (sounds crazy I know) which I found amazing. They had a book from 50AD, religious texts from 400AD, the first copy of the bible in English, the first Atlas, first dictionary, great works of philosophers, astrologists, scientists explorers and other people that 'changed the world' there were really interesting displays about them. I started to look at another exhibit all about the history of Victoria from when the European settlers arrived, but didnt get very far as they closed at 5 and I had to go backto work anyway - so something to do another day! Feel like my days here are running out though - only got 3 weeks till my road trip and till I finish working!! Me and Ben are going up the 55 storey observation deck later and gonna have dinner up there - cool eh? So then you can see the views when its light and when its dark! My mate Feann is coming round tomorrow night and I am cooking Fajitas (Mexican). Have got to do another BBQ at work Thurs then might go to Dallas for some kareoke. Ben got 2 free tickets for a comedy club Friday night so thats my week sorted! Think I will have a quiet one Saturday! Yay - all done, will get some photos on here in a few weeks. Tara!