Living in Australia - Day 6

Much of today was spent on a bus traveling from Sydney to Canberra. The trip there was interesting because as you watched the scenery it went from major city to middle of nowhere farmland. There were some animals on the way - horses, alpacas, and I believe cattle but the land looked very dry and I feel bad for the animals if they're struggling to survive like it looked like they were.

We stopped at McDonald's for lunch and it was my first time here in Australia going there, the food there seemed healthier, especially since they serve sandwiches there. I think that's part of the explanation of how people stay so fit here, that and the fact that everywhere you go, you see people running. Overall people here are healthier and have a better lifestyle than Americans who constantly consume fattening fast food.

The bus driver stopped to show us Lake George, which no longer has water. There was a small puddle, so there was some water left but overall it suffered from a major drought. The fact that a lake has no water reminds me of home and the irony of the fact that my home county has both a drought and flood warning at the same time.

After we dropped off our stuff at the Wattle Lodge, we headed up to Mount Ainslie and saw some beautiful landscape. From the lookout point we saw a current brush fire, which is believed to be a controlled bat fire. Since the tree trunks were blackened near the lookout we thought it was safe to assume there had been a fire, especially since there were no bushes or small trees in the immediate area. Prior to the English arrival, the Aboriginals used signals to warn people that they were starting a controlled fire.

From the lookout point we were able to see the artificial lake, Lake Burley Griffin, the overall layout of Canberra which was inspired by our capital Washington DC, and the Captain Cook memorial jet.

Even though we didn't do a lot today, it was an enjoyable day since we're in a new place with things to explore and learn. I like moving around because there is always something new to see. The only thing I don't like about traveling around is not being familiar with the area. As soon as I was familiar with Sydney and knew my way around, we left for a new place where I feel lost all over again but I guess that's all part of this great experience.