October 15, 2006
We follow the diplomat plates to....
(while I focus on driving on the ri..left side)
...the Swedish Embassy in Australia!
We gather up outside for drinks and mingling
...together with the Swedish Ambassador, Karin Ehnbom-Palmquist.
The dining room is ready
photo by Anders
these Swedish plates are not made anymore, so quite unique
my table
the ambassador and Christine
coffee and dessert
our ambassador also hosted a visit by the big man
We're back the next day for more discussions on "promoting Sweden in Australia"
morning tea on the patio
The Swedish embassy was one of the first ones built in Canberra, why they have a huge chunk of land surrounding it. These days, there are hundreds more embassies, and a shortage of land...
today's discussion topic
Karin is leading the discussion
...as well as our visit to the Australian Parliament!
the big dining hall
The House of Commons Chamber
The chairman's throne, the party leader's chairs, and their despatch boxes
the rooftop flagpole (which features a Swedish elevator for reaching the flag)
view towards the war memorial
taking the elevator down from the parliament roof...
During lunch, we had selected members of parliament speak about their various fields of interest.
Christine's table with the ambassador and four members of parliament
the highly symmetrical view towards the old parliament building and the War Memorial
photos by Christine
We hop in the car and head over to The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI
[Anders, me]
Brent tells us all about the skills shortage in Australia, and how to immigrate and get work visas.
He sure makes it all sound sooo easy...we almost feel like giving it a go! :-)