Saturday, January 26, 2013

Australia Day 2013.....


The 26th January is Australia Day, the day when back in 1788 the First Fleet arrived in Port Jackson, aka Sydney Harbour from Great Britain. Although not welcomed by the indigenous Australians they were here to stay. For we here in Perth it all began when James Stirling arrived in 1827 for a 'stickybeak' (peek) at the West Coast of Australia and liked what he saw, I think he would be very happy if he could see Perth one hundred and eighty six years on. For me when I think of Australia, surrounded on all sides by water, I think of the sun and the beach, the 'protectors' of the beach The Royal Life Saving Society who begin training as 'nippers' from the ages 6/13, I've often watched and admired the dedication they put into their training to ensure a safe beach experience for all.
I think about the 'mateship' that you see every year on Anzac Day when Australians of all ages come together and remember.  Veterans sit amongst the crowds of young people in a world of their own exchanging yarns that only they could possibly understand. I remember chatting to these gentlemen and that's exactly what they were..gentlemen. And of course the celebrations wouldn't be complete without fireworks..magnificent fireworks. This is a shot from last year, I hear that there are going to be a few additions this year, must try and get there tonight to take a few pics! Summing up I would have to say there are times when living in..let's just say Paris for instance, sounds like a wonderful idea, but I think perhaps that's just a romantic 'notion'.. Australia is the place for me and Perth is home for sure! Have a wonderful weekend, take care..  Click here to view all participants of this theme day

40 comments:

  1. Great shots.....i love them Grace

    Wish you all a very nice day.

    Greetings, Joop

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  2. Nice captures, Grace. Love the shot of the gentlemen sitting around chatting. And, that fireworks shot is just terrific. Isn't it wonderful to love where you live? Vacations are for exploring those romantic notions of Paris etc.

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  3. its 13 degrees here so i think i will sit here and warm my eyes

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  4. What a wonderful post/photos for the day, Grace! It is easy to sense the love you have for your country and it makes me smile! I, too, love the shot of the gentlemen, and the fireworks are awesome!! Thanks for sharing the fun and the beauty -- as you always do!! Enjoy the remainder of your weekend!!

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  5. Oh gorgeous scenes and photos to capture it all! I love the idea of those gentlemen sitting around, trading old tales. Seeing these makes me feel like celebrating! Hope it's a relaxing weekend for you!

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  6. Always grateful to the Aussies kindness.

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  7. I hope you have great fun at the celebrations. Grace! You sound so happy with your place in life. ;-)

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  8. Enjoy the day! Try to drink a lot of beer.

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  9. Lovely! And so fun to read your take on Oz! Great photos to compliment the background you share....enjoy a 3 day weekend!

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  10. Excellent shots, Grace! Enjoy the day!

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  11. Super! Do you have a suitable hat? Have a smashing day!

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  12. I've never been to Australia, but since childhood always gave me a good feeling. It must be because it is surrounded by Mar.
    Happy Australia Day!
    I loved this post.
    Hugs.

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  13. aww... first shot is heartbreaking!
    It snows here in my country))

    Have a great weekend!

    xoxo, Juliana | PJ’ Happies :) | PJ’ Ecoproject

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  14. I love those hats!!! I want one!:)

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  15. Hi Grace. Great post. Love the way you described James Stirling arriving for a sticky beak. Good luck with your photos today/tonight. Happy Australia Day From J.

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  16. Enjoy these days of sun and hot weather! Is too hot? Arianna

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  17. Love the old gents gathered for a gossip and giggle :-) Happy Aussie Day, Grace!

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  18. Thanks for this contribution to our theme, Grace I agree that the sun and the sea define our country, and our reaction to it. Along with a barbie, a beer, and a chinwag ...

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  19. You seem to love fireworks in Australia, just like in the Netherlands, but you are more professional.

    Greetings,
    Filip

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  20. Wishing you all a wonderful celebration, peace and happiness ahead.

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  21. Happy Australia Day. Those fireworks are spectacular.

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  22. Australia is the place for me to. I couldn't see myself living anywhere else.

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  23. Wonderful post and you have really captured our great country...
    Happy Australia Day to you, hope you are having a great day..

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  24. Have a great Australia day and long weekend Grace.

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  25. What a wonderful celebration, I love the picture with the men wearing hats!
    I'm also enchanted by the fireworks, beautiful!
    hugs
    Léia

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  26. Happy sunny 'Down Under Day' you upside down people!

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  27. Yes all Australian icons. Happy Australia Day.

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  28. That is a nice Australia Day post. Umm, the flag is flying in the direction it would be because of the prevailing wind, but I think protocol is to have it flying the other way.

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  29. Great picutres. Australian seems such a nice country truly beautiful! I will be there next year for the Australian Open tennis tournament lovely atmosphere indeed!

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  30. A wonderful series, Grace and I think you captured well the spirit of the event. Congrats and best wishes!

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  31. I guess it is night there already as I type this. Hope you got some great fireworks shots. The one you've post here is superb. Those men sitting there talking made me think of a movie I went to see last night called "Quartet". I loved it. Maggie Smith was wonderful but Billy Connolly almost stole the movie.

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  32. Looks like a fun time. I want one of those hats.

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  33. Amazing fireworks shot! Happy Australia Day, Grace.

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  34. A wonderful series of iconic aussie images, happy oz day from t'other side.

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  35. Spot on with the connections of the day for us.

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