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| Generally, there are only two reactions to Canberra, Australia's national capital. People either loathe it or love it. Canberra was founded 100 years ago, in March 1913. It was a totally planned city, which is why people loathe it. They whinge that it has no soul, no colour, no character. It is a totally planned city, planned by Walter Burley Griffin and his wife, Marion Mahoney Griffin, both from the United States of America. In 1920, the Griffins moved their attention to Sydney, where they bought options to a swathe of land overlooking Middle Harbour. A rocky outcrop provided Griffin with the name of his holding, Castlecrag, as it reminded him of the ‘Castle Rock’ on which Edinburgh Castle stands. The main access road, running the length of the peninsula is Edinburgh Road. The Griffin vision was to develop an estate that was totally in-synch with its natural surroundings, which would attract like-minded citizens. Walter and Marion moved into their own house on the estate in 1925. |
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7 comments:
A good high school friend of mine from St. Louis, Missouri, lives in Canberra. She must be one of those who love it. Of course her career has been working for the government.
I lived in Canberra for a number of years. It is where I bought my first house. I really like the look and feel of the city. I go there only once a year now.
I love it.
I've never lived there though - that might be a different matter.
But there are so many beautiful things to love (my favourite - the National Library) and it's sooo pretty in Autumn.
Actually, this is the perfect time for a visit.
I visited Canberra about three years ago and found was really buzzing. It definitely ad a soul.
I did a 10 year stint in Canberra and liked it. I visit it once a month these days and just can't make up my mind ... I like what I liked about it and love its autumn colours but there is so much to not like about its orderliness and the sameness of the people.
Now for that sculpture thing ... I like it. Is that a Burly Griffin thing?
Oops ... I forgot the sculpture.
It is a memorial to WBG which was erected in 1965. But the plaque does not credit the sculptor ... just the mayor who unveiled it ... *groan* ...
What a fabulous sculpture (fountain ?)! You did a great job on the top shot. Love it! Great information on Canberra too.
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