Post #135 1 April 2017

Gentlefolk,

This post describes Christmas 2016 in Canberra.

School holidays had started, so Jennifer and the three boys flew down from Brisbane on Sunday 18 December 2016 to have a few days with us before Xmas; Tom worked a few more days and then drove down, arriving in Canberra on Friday 23 December. His father Richard accompanied him on the drive down.

My parents being of European background we've always celebrated on Xmas Eve (ie the night of 24 December), and we have maintained that tradition.

At 6pm on 24 December we all gathered at my niece's home.  First drinks, then "bersherung" (exchange of gifts), followed by dinner.  Later we sang Xmas carols.  At about 11pm we headed home (in the 'old days' we'd all troop off to Midnight Mass - always a special occasion - but no more, too  many young kids and there's not much religious zeal left anyway).

Xmas Day, 25 December, Jen & Tom & boys went to Tom's brother's place at Wamboin (near Bungendore) outside Canberra for a family gathering.

Here are some photos of Xmas and the days either side.

Jen & boys arrived on Sunday afternoon.  That evening we went to Christmas Carols in Telopea Park  (about 15 min walk from our apartment) organised by the Kingston Baptist Church.  It was a cool night, but a lovely setting under the trees. I hoped that the carols would get us into the spirit of  Christmas, and they did.

A closer view of the Baptist Church choir.  They sang Christmas carols accompanied by a small orchestra.  It was all very laid-back and simple and lovely.

The Church put on a BBQ - free sausages, onions and bread - which the boys loved. That was real Xmas spirit!!!

I used to take the bus home from Canberra City after my teaching was finished.  Canberra has quite an extensive bus service, but it is not well patronised.  Canberra is spread out and a car is really the only convenient way to get around.  The bus service is fine if you live in a hub area (as we do), but otherwise a car is much better.  I normally took the bus between 6 and 7pm, what I regarded as still "peak hour" but there were rarely more than a dozen people on the bus.  What a contrast to China, where buses are cheap and frequent, and usually full. This bus driver dressed up for Christmas, and decorated his bus. Really got into the Xmas spirit - great work, wish more people had that interest.

Dinner at the Chinese Dumpling House restaurant in Civic; an amazing array of different dumplings. The restaurant is very popular.

After the Dumpling Restaurant we had gelato icecreams for dessert.  Yummy.

We visited the War Memorial in Campbell.  It is a fine museum, which records Australia's participation in wars. Fortunately we've never had a war in Australia itself, all have been overseas.  Our first military involvement was in the Maori Battles in New Zealand in the 1880s.  Later we sent troops to fight in Sudan,  and then in the Boer War in South Africa.  We were always staunch supporters of Britain, the "mother country".

Lots of guns, cannons and even WW2 aeroplanes at the War Museum. Almost everyone I've met who has actually experienced war (on either side) talks of the horror of war - the destruction and killing and maiming - but that doesn't come across here. Perhaps understandably, that sentiment doesn't come across at this museum, rather war seems to be glamorised through heroism and mateship.

One of the many interesting displays at the War Memorial,

There was even an actual helicopter which kids can 'fly'.

On the Honour Wall, the boys found relatives on the Roberts side who had fallen in battle.

Andrew, Caroline and Little Eddie arrived from Melbourne in time for Xmas Eve.  Here is Andrew doing some last minute shopping.

Relaxing on our balcony, from left: Caroline, Tom, Andrew and Jen.  There were ten people staying in our apartment for a couple of nights - bodies everywhere, but fun.

The Xmas Tree at Britt's place - the base was covered by presents a meter high.  Britt did a great job preparing the event. She hoped that people would spill into her small garden, but a violent storm passed through Canberra at about 5pm which meant the outside areas were too wet.  She cleaned out her garage which was occupied by the kids, and the adults were in the living room & kitchen - a squeeze, but actually made it more 'homely'.

Andrew talking to Liz and Richard (they were married a month earlier - see previous post).

Your truly getting into the spirit of things, with Sasha (Angie's daughter) and Angie (my sister).

Jen, Liz, Richard and Sasha.

The kids handed out the presents, always an exciting time.

Later we sang Xmas carols.  From left: Adrienne (Aniko's daughter), Sasha, Ghislaine, Angie and her grandson Dejon (aka Tui).  It was a really nice night.  Everyone brought "a plate" so there was lots of delicious food and drink. Xmas is really all about getting together with the extended family.  

The next morning, Xmas Day, we all had breakfast on our balcony before the Roberts left to join Tom's parents and brother (Marty) and sister (Fiona) for a traditional Aussie Xmas Day.  From left: Sid, Tom, Kurt and Jen.

That afternoon we went down to the Canberra Yacht Club.  A very relaxing time -  you can see Andrew and Davide (Sasha's husband) stretched out on the blankets with their sons Eddie and Oscar. 

The picturesque surroundings at the Canberra Yacht Club on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.  Lots of sea gulls looking for hand-outs from picnickers.  Look at the beautiful, clear, blue sky - it was a lovely summers day.

On 'Boxing Day' (the day after Xmas Day - also a public holiday in Australia) we were all invited for brunch at Marty and Simone's farm near Bungendore.

The following day Jen & Tom and the boys went to Broulee on the South Coast to Tom's parents place, and Andrew & Caroline and Eddie went back to Sydney (and then on to Hong Kong).

So ended another Xmas - it was great to have our kids and grandkids in Canberra, and to 'christen' our apartment.

...

Best wishes, stay healthy and keep smiling.

Alex & Vera Olah
Canberra, Australia
April 1, 2017
(actually, we are in Hong Kong at the moment to see our new grand daughter - Jay Milton Olah - she is gorgeous!!!)