Thankful to Love where I Live!

Yesterday I posted about taking my little man to Questacon, A science museum/exhibition for kids. I have just been reading through the lovely comments that have been left on that that post (thank you J ) about how people love Questacon, or would like to go there and that got me thinking….

I feel really thankful that I live in Canberra.

I realise that Canberra cops an awful lot of flack from the rest of the country. It’s name has become annoyingly synonymous with the politicians who fly in and out for sittings of Parliament. I am the first to admit too being confounded by the city’s circular streets and befuddled by the monstrous (ugly) concrete buildings that dominate many parts of Canberra. It has been said that Canberra doesn't have a soul….and if you confine yourself to these areas than I guess this would be a fair assessment!

I admit that Canberra does not have the coastal scenic beauty of Sydney, or the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Melbourne, but I actually really like it here!

For a young family, Canberra is full of great places to visit. Some of my favorite places to visit with the children  are Questacon, Tidbinbilla Nature Park,  The National Museum, The National Botanic Gardens, The War Memorial, The National Art Gallery, The Portrait Gallery and Telstra Tower. Today, my daughter is at a school excursion at the National Zoo and Aquarium!

I love how Canberra has distinct seasons….I had never experienced the stunning colours and beauty of autumn until arriving in Canberra. The trees are just starting to turn at the moment! In Spring the blossoms are beautiful and the bulbs in Floriade, Canberra’s annual spring flower festival, every year are just spectacular!

...As for winter... I do remember having to attend 8am lectures at Uni after riding my bike in -8 degrees Celsius....When the cold room in the lab was warmer than the outside...I wondered how anyone could possibly live in a place like this…But you soon learn the value of central heating and thermal underwear!!

My other favorite part of living in Canberra is that it really is the Bush Capital. Wherever you are in Canberra you are very close to the bush. The nature parks are fantastic for walking and there is a comprehensive network of cycle paths. There are lots of interesting and well designed playgrounds I also love the beauty of Canberra’s lakes. I love to run, walk, cycle or scoot around them with the kids.

For me, a really important part of living in Canberra is the wonderful schools and the access to top sports training facilities like the Australian Institute of Sport, Swimming and gymnastics clubs, for the kids sport.

Personally, Some days I really miss the beach and the Rainforest.. I image what it would be like to live closer to the coast and I almost wish Canberra was located a little closer! I would also love to have a more rural lifestyle with more space….

But for all it’s faults and all its benefits I have to truly say that I am thankful to be living in Canberra and I am also thankful that I love where I live!

For Thankful Thursday I'm joining in with Kate Says Stuff. Come and see what other inspirational bloggers are thankful for today!