Good Friday, Great Friday.

Both Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays in Australia, so it's a four day weekend for most people around here and nearly everything is closed.  Unfortunately, not for Reid... too much work to do.  But he's going to take Anzac Day, which is next Friday, off.  After this the next holiday is in June, when New South Wales celebrates the Queen's birthday.  (Not consistent throughout the states--in some parts it's celebrated in October.)

We learned that just like picnics and barbeques go with July 4 and Labor Day celebrations, camping goes with Easter around these parts.  A lot of stores were advertising earlier in the week sales for Easter camping.  It's too hot throughout most of the summer so there's a lot of tourism and travel around the holidays.  We thought we'd be the ones who were inappropriately dressed for the weather--as anything will feel warmer than the Michigan winter we came from--but I saw many people enjoying themselves in short sleeves today, when I was in pants and long sleeves.  It was 20 in the sun but felt pretty cool in the shade.  The air cools off so quickly as soon as the sun starts to dip behind the trees.

It's strange to see so many flowers and bushes blooming next to the changing colors.  It feels like both spring and autumn at the same time.  If I didn't know I was in Australia or the southern hemisphere I would just think some of the trees were unusual.

I feel a little conflicted about the long holiday... in some ways it's nice that everyone can relax and the whole country can take a little breather.  But I'm also a little annoyed that we'll be sitting on the floor.. sleeping in sleeping bags.. not getting the laundry done.. until next Tuesday.  But we did move out of the caravan park into our apartment yesterday!

Why would you ever buy a chocolate bunny when you can buy a chocolate bilby?