"You can dance, You can jive, Having the time of your life..."

Yesterday was Sydney's annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. It is a HUGE cultural event in Sydney... there were hundreds of thousands of people there. Mardi Gras involves many other events, such as a gay and lesbian film festival, but the parade is the 'jewel in the Mardi Gras crown.'

The parade was a ton of fun. I can't say I've ever seen a parade quite like that before. There were many activist groups, social clubs, the fire and police departments, and other groups that participated in the parade. There were a ton of fun costumes, and a lot of dancing!

Sydney is a very open and welcoming city, to all people. This is one of the many reasons why I love Sydney. I was amazed at how many children, older adults, really old adults, young people, gay, and straight people took part in the parade. It really was incredible to see such a celebration of diversity.

The City of Sydney has developed a Sustainable Sydney 2030 plan to ensure the future success of the city. On a Mardi Gras brochure I read about how the event is tied in with this plan:
"The City's Sustainable Sydney 2030 vison embraces a culturally diverse and vibrant city. Mardi Gras adds to our vision for a global city by cementing Sydeny's reputation as a positive, welcoming, and open society." That's my kinda society.

If you are interested, I posted some photos from the parade on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2060693&id=15508583&l=70299

Tomorrow starts the second week of lectures, and the first week of tutorials (smaller sized, discussion-based classes). I got bit by a mosquito 7 times in class last week, so I am hoping that does not happen this week! I've always been a target for mosquitos though... guess I have sweet blood!

I am going to see Watchmen this Tuesday with the Film Society. Being able to watch movies has helped me keep my sanity considering I have no TV, no radio, and limited internet use. Then, this coming weekend IES is having a 'field trip' to the Opera House - we are getting a tour of the inside and we will also get to see a contemporary theater performance.

I hear that the weather is getting warmer at home! I didn't expect this, but I miss the change of season. I kind of swtiched from winter to summer, without much time to adjust. The thought of a nice spring-like day after a long winter makes me smile :)

Love,
Becky