road trip
so, here goes for my first proper 'backpacking' experience!
up at 5am to head into the city to catch bus. met a couple of people before getting on bus, only 13 of us which was good as the bus can take 24. and everyone speaks english, which is always handy! i sat next to a girl called liz who is the same age and also a nursery nurse! everyone friendly, driver, cheryl seems cool too.
we drove a couple of hours before our first toilet and brekkie stop at mittagong. most of the others had slept but i was too excited! and as i sat at front i got to choose music!
we got to canberra about 11.30 went up mount ainslie (very briefly!) which had a wicked view over canberra. there is a huge straight road ( a bit like the mall in london i guess) which starts at the australian war memorial and stretches a good mile or so past old parliament house up to the current parliament house.
we spent half hour around war memorial, then some lunch before a guided tour around parliament house. it was interesting (although a little baffling in some parts! hey, its politics!) and u can go up on the roof ( which is grassed. they dug huge hole in ground then put all the earth back across the top!) for another good view of canberra (and a hot aussie policeman!).
we spent another four or so hours driving to lake jindabyne for our overnight stop. we were lucky as it was a hotel. all girls in one room, and i managed to bag the only double bed, all to myself!! and we had an amazing view over the lake. after dinner (chicken schnitzel, that well known australian delicacy!!) most of us drank some beers and played pool.
