Blue Skies and Pretty Flowers

A photo essay of charming Canberra.

My last trip to Canberra was way back in 1999, and my memories of Australia’s capital city were that it was ‘a little bit country, a lot boring.’ Fast forward 25 years, my impression this time around changed drastically.

Ok, so maybe my last visit was in a different season. After all it was winter; when the landscape was dull and gray. The cold probably got to me. And I was a lot younger too. No matter – this time around, in sunny spring, Canberra’s makeover was unforgettable.

This photo taken at the National Arboretum Canberra doesn’t do justice to the breathtaking view I saw that faithful day. The gorgeous green forests, combined with the mix of gardens and the beautiful blue lake, created a sight I will remember forever. While I only had a little time to glance at the 44,000 rare and endangered tree species in the 250-hectare garden, my time spent there was a reminder of how wonderful Mother Nature can be.

As we made our way to the Australian National University by car, I couldn’t help but admire the view along this street.There’s something so beautiful about how they intertwine and stretch out, with the blue sky as its backdrop.

Sometimes it’s good to be silly, even when you travel. My initial mission was to find a souvenir or two from ANU that had the initials, but it turned out to be more challenging than I expected. So, I settled for taking a photo of my name somewhere on campus. (And I successfully irritated my nieces with the mission too!)

One of the unique experiences of spring in Australia is dodging the attacks of magpies, which may swoop down and peck you on the head or other parts of your body without any warning. My nieces and I had quite a few anxious (and bonding) moments running away from the magpies.

I was lucky to be in Canberra at the same time as the Floriade. This annual event celebrates the beauty of spring, featuring a variety of flowers and colours that are a wonderful sight to see. Check out the photo above and the first photo for proof.

As my six-day stay ended in Australia’s capital city, I admit there was a little part of me that wished I could stay longer. But new adventures were waiting for me in Melbourne. Canberra, thanks for being a darling, and I shall be back soon.