26th January 2012

Strolled around The Rocks and Circular Quay to see how Australia Day was being celebrated.  It seemed to involve a lot of flags, a lot of alcohol and a lot of people looking for a good time.

I was taken aback to come across this tableau.  It reminded me of 19th century studio portraits, where there would be a backdrop of the Australian bush and a kangaroo skin.
Indeed, this tourist is sitting on a kangaroo skin, and ever so demurely, while her partner captures the moment.

There's a certain irony that 224 years ago today Captain Arthur Phillip raised the Union Jack very close to this spot.
I doubt these fellows would be celebrating Australia Day.  Like most aborigines, and many others, they'd be more likely to think of it as Invasion Day.  
They might however be celebrating the fact that they can make a few bucks from the occasion.