Australia

Eric was able to make another trip to Australia for work. He arrived on ANZAC day, which is essentially Australia's 4th of July. He arrived from Hawaii at midnight, and then had a friend pick him up five hours later so he could attend the ANZAC dawn service in the nation's capital, Canberra. Here are several pics of his trip.

Australian War Memorial in Canberra just after sunup

Poppies on their Wall of Remembrance.

Dome inside the Hall of Memory

Eric said the whole service was among the most reverent and sacred national holiday celebrations he'd ever attended.

Atop Mount Ainslie, overlooking Canberra below. Several months back, we were very close to moving to Canberra for a few years. I've never been, but Eric says we'd have loved it.

ANZAC parade. Being the capital, Canberra hosts the nation's main ANZAC parade and events.

Later in the day, Eric's friend took him to a rugby match. Russel Crowe's visiting South Sidney Rabbitoh's came back in stunning fashion to defeat the Canberra Raiders. Hey NFL: pads are for sissies

Later in the week, Eric was able to spend a few days in Sydney. I've never been there either, but he insists it would be one of my favorite cities. He loves it.

Eric stayed right across from the Opera House. Lucky punk.