The Capital, Canberra

     From his base in Hawaii, Siegfried Ramlerhops around the Pacific. He has just come back from Australia:
     "Having just returned from Australia, including a few days in Canberra, I read the postings on national capitals with interest. Canberra is a fascinating example of an artificially created capital with wide streets, attractive foliage and modern buildings. The new Parliament House, with its impressive design and beautiful interior, ranks as one of the world's greatest government structures. Peopled predominantly by public officials, embassy staff, and service workers to support government activities, with virtually no business enterprises, Canberra's streets seem rather empty and almost antiseptic. I learned that the prime minister spends more time in Sydney than in his official residence in Australia's capital. While Canberra's lay-out resembles Washington, D.C. in many respects, it lacks the vibrancy of sections like Georgetown. On the other hand, Canberra is blessed by a pristine, pollution-free and safe environment."

Ronald Hilton - 5/25/00