Australia Day in Sydney

Australia Day, held anually on the 26th of January is celebrated as Australia's National Day. Unlike Malaysia, where Merdeka celebration became a mere propaganda machine for the ruling party, I'm awed at how the aussies here naturally celebrated this day with pride! Heck! Even I felt so patriotic for Australia! (waves Australian flag)

Since Saturday was an official off day here, Monday was declared a public holiday! :) How did I spend this long weekend? Karen and I have been putting a lot of thoughts into this. We went down to Hyde Park late morning to meet up with her former coursemates (Yvonne, Daniel and forgotten her name), for a picnic. There, we got ourselves free BBQ lunch, cute Aussie flags and tattoos. After our picnic, we made our way to The Rocks to check out the stage performance. Most of the road around our vicinity were closed for the vintage car exhibits. I've never seen Sydney this crowded with ppl before. If only Merdeka was this happening.

Karen and I parted with her friends and headed to Sydney Opera House to catch Joanna Newsom's performance with the Sydney Symphony. I didn't know what to expect from Joanna but when Karen booked the tickets, she assured that I will like it. Anyway, being in the magnificent concert hall itself was well worth the ticket price. From the crowds reaction as Joanna appeared on stage, she seems to be adored by everyone. Maybe I have never delved into this type of folk genre before because Joanna's singing sounded very strange to me. In fact, so strange I actually turned my head towards Karen and sniggered. But somehow as I listen more, I began to appreciate her songs. It was fairytale-liked. I felt as though I was in an enchanted forest. At the end, I joined the audience and demanded for an encore and she gave in before calling it a day.

After a long tired day, I hibernated throughout Sunday. Did some little last minute packing. On Monday, drove down to Chatswood for a yum cha session with relatives. Ended my remaining long weekend getting ready for my Malaysian trip. Well, my bags are all packed and I can't wait to go home! C'ya mates in KL!!