Final day in Canberra

Our last day to spend with Dad and George today and one thing left on to do list - The War Memorial. But first I needed to find a gift for Christina and Alan. We'd got a pen for Michael from Bungendore wood gallery so was worrying I hadn't found anything. Dad took me to Gold Creek because they have gift shops and galleries. I was humming and arring but ended up getting a solar powered hummingbird to stick in a pot plant. Not much, but more personal and lasting than a nice bottle of wine. I also spotted a pretty glass plate for N&G with a wren on. Got them both gift wrapped.

When we got back I had an hour to wash and dry my hair and make some sense of my suitcase. Completely unpacked since being here and I don't quite know how it all fits in! Went to book a table at the Turkish restaurant for tonight before heading to the War Memorial. I loved it! What a lovely way to remember all the people who died for us and to learn about all their battles. We only managed to do the WW2 gallery but it was so touching and sad. I hadn't realised how much of a 'World War' it was! Not only with Nazi Germany but Japan and Northern Africa too, and the Australians played a massive part in helping us in Europe and Africa aswell as they're own battles against japan taking them over. The only countries that weren't mentioned were South America as far as I could make out. I want to read some Australian war books now! I couldn't have done any more wars today but I could see going back a few times would be fascinating. WW1, and post 1945 wars still to be seen. Too bad. Next time! I bet the afgan part would have been eye opening as I really have no idea what's going on now. At 4 we met up with Alan, Naomi and Andrew for some films in the Anzac Hall about the Lancaster bomber 'G for George'. Two well done films, more so for the visualisations for putting together something so real.

The last thing before we left was The Last Stand. Everyone was to gather in the outside and they told a story about a veteran and then played the tune on the trumpet! Went out for a turkish tonight, with everyone, and ate a lot a lot!