Time for Afternoon Tea

The National Library is in a commanding position on Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. While spending a few days researching here you learn the feel of the place. With a brand new reception area positively brimming with i-Macs for searching the catalogue and very helpful staff, it’s a welcome haven for visitors and researchers alike. Especially at the Bookplate cafe where those who need to come up for some air, ie coffee and cake, frequent at regular intervals.

Can you believe my dismay after ordering the excellent raspberry cake, to find there were now scones on the menu board! Ahah! Upon further investigation, I discovered that scones are only available about 2.30pm daily, and only while they last. Of course, my watch was synchronised to scone time the next day and after many sconeless hours of research they were most welcome. There’s also an excellent free wi-fi connection throughout the library and cafe.

After so much brain exercise it’s great to spend an hour or so walking round the lake, at the moment you can even visit Floriade along the way. Otherwise, there’s always interesting exhibitions and the Library’s new Treasures Gallery is opening this week, here’s a preview. In the map room there’s a wonderfully light hearted but dodgy map of New Zealand by Geographix which I’ll have to get and theBirds Eye Guide to Tramping in NZ too, with 40 walks so there’s still plenty to explore, but I digress.

The National Gallery is nearby and the Carillon is always great for taking photos as it chimes the time or plays classical or pop tunes. Time to clear away the day’s cobwebs.