On Saturday we flew to Canberra to celebrate Chris's birthday, staying overnight at a gorgeous Art Deco hotel. That morning we visited the National Library to view a display of maps which documented the mapping of Australia from antiquity to the fine detailed charts of Matthew Flinders. After that a taxi to the National Museum to view a wonderful collection of bark paintings, the biggest collection in Australia. A quick lunch and then picked up by Chris's cousin Joan and driven back to our hotel for a coffee and catch-up on family with Joan. That night a birthday dinner in the hotel.
On Sunday, after a late start, we walked to the National Art Gallery to view the INCA GOLD exhibition. Apart from the costume and ceremonial gold jewellery, l was impressed by the fabrics, some dating back to 300AD, and covered in detailed and elaborate images. For me this was the highlight of our Canberra trip.
A short walk back to the hotel where we caught a cab to the airport. Flight arrived in Melbourne at 4pm. Picked up the car and drove from the airport to Kathy and Danny's place in Brunswick where we had a delicious birthday dinner complete with an amazing birthday cake made by Kathy. Great to catch up with Milena and Andreja; they're growing up so quickly.
A wonderful birthday weekend. Happy birthday Chris.
Go here for photos of the weekend.