Australia day

AUSTRALIA DAY From Wikipedia:“Australia Day (previously known as Anniversary Day, Foundation Day, and ANA Day is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, the date commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the proclamation at that time of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of New Holland. Although it was not known as Australia Day until over a century later, records of celebrations on 26 January date back to 1808, with the first official celebration of the formation of New South Wales held in 1818. It is presently an official public holiday in every state and territory of Australia and is marked by inductions into the Order of Australia and presentations of the Australian of the Year awards, along with an address from the governor-general and prime minister. The date is controversial to some Australians, particularly those of Indigenous heritage, leading to the use of alternate names, such as Invasion Day and Survival Day. Proposals have been made to change the date of Australia Day, but these have failed to gain widespread public support.” It was a Wednesday this year and it was so hot that I felt dizzy as soon as I got into town at about 12. I met there a girl friend of a colleague in Ireland and with another friend of her we took a walk around Sydney harbour. The main attractions that...attracted were the aboriginal dance and the skubadiver exhibition. Unfortunately the dance was scheduled for 8:00 am on a public holiday... -.-' and then they say that australians never met aboriginals in their life...but of course!! They don't want them to meet! Who is waking up at 6:30 on a day off (except for my father)?! And needless to say, skubadivers were doing their show underwater so... who could see them?! Luckily there were some bands singing and playing so we took a walk. 3 female dancers caught my attention and made me laugh for their lighthearted way of dancing...while among kids new Michael Jacksons were coming to life (see video). Then I changed company and joined the 2 italian friends. First thing, we attended a show of a english street contorsionist: great artist, in fact she was able to put herself into a tiny plastic cube, but too talkative. Positive note, her gag: “I am here trying to make you have a good time and have a laugh....what would this world be without a laugh....Germany!!” Das ist kein Scherz mein Freund! Lol After a nourishing hot dog, we applied a fake tatoo on ourselves and headed towards Hyde Park where an exihibition of ancient and classic cars of the last 100 years was taking place. We passed by another raggae concert and had a break at the fountain in the park. After that, up to Bondi beach for a 7 o'clock bath terminated earlier than planned by the kind visit of a shark...what Australia day would have been without our friend shark? But the Aussies were good organized: helicopter, jeep, beach attendants....and camera!! We missed the fireworks due to a not sufficient information but hey, policemen confessed us they were disappointing so...who cares: I just need to wait another 11 months and take in the serious ones!! Click down at this link for all pictures! https://picasaweb.google.com/100150794465719272442/AustraliaDay?authkey=Gv1sRgCNar1PvE44S7Qw&feat=directlink