Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh are at this moment winging their way to Western Australia for a State visit. The Queen will officially open the 2012 CHOGM (pronounced "choggum") meeting. CHOGM, which stands for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, has brought heads of state from as many as 54 member countries and of course their entourages. The better known members include Canada, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, Uganda, many of the Carribean Islands, Nigeria and many other African nations. For a complete list, follow this link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Member_states_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Nations
Perth feels like the center of the universe, or the police universe anyway. Security is tight and police presence is highly visible. Streets are blocked off and the airport has been chock-a-block since the weekend. CHOGM 2011 has been billed as the largest ever gathering of world leaders in Australia and the biggest international event to be held in Perth for almost 50 years. There is a feeling of excitement in the air, and many local business are getting a boost - florists, caterers, limousine drivers, hotels, restaurants, and my favorite - fireworks providers. We've been treated to a sparkly show at least 4 times this past week!
CHOGM isn't all that exciting to the average Perthian. Every two years, Commonwealth leaders meet to discuss global and Commonwealth issues, and to agree on collective policies and initiatives. All of this will take place in the Parliament building and other venues which are closed off to the public. They'll have their meetings and finish with a leadership retreat. The festivities begin this Friday, October 28th and last through Sunday the 30th.
Thanks to the publication Perth Now! for these photos of the Queen's arrival in Australia. She began her visit in Canberra, Australia's capital.
The Queen, however, arrives tomorrow, and all Perth is aflutter. 1,000 people are expected to be at the airport to cheer for her. While she is here she will host a garden party on Thursday, attended by invitation only. On Friday she is hosting a "sausage sizzle" (Australian for barbecue) and the whole town is invited. We will be able to see the festivities from our balcony, and that will probably be as close as we get. Over 20,000 people are expected to attend.
Our mahjong group has decided to join in the fun. Since none of us received an invitation to the garden party, we have decided to throw our own! Invitations were sent and on Thursday while the invitees are dining on cucumber sandwiches and tea, we will be partying as well, although I imagine our fare will be slightly more pedestrian than theirs. One little twist : everyone attending our party is requested to dress like the Queen. I have raided my wardrobe for a frumpy dress, sensible shoes and of course, a strand of pearls. I bought a hat and some fancy trim to add to it, and am looking forward to toasting Her Majesty with some of my favorite ladies. Pictures and details to follow on Friday!
Perth feels like the center of the universe, or the police universe anyway. Security is tight and police presence is highly visible. Streets are blocked off and the airport has been chock-a-block since the weekend. CHOGM 2011 has been billed as the largest ever gathering of world leaders in Australia and the biggest international event to be held in Perth for almost 50 years. There is a feeling of excitement in the air, and many local business are getting a boost - florists, caterers, limousine drivers, hotels, restaurants, and my favorite - fireworks providers. We've been treated to a sparkly show at least 4 times this past week!
CHOGM isn't all that exciting to the average Perthian. Every two years, Commonwealth leaders meet to discuss global and Commonwealth issues, and to agree on collective policies and initiatives. All of this will take place in the Parliament building and other venues which are closed off to the public. They'll have their meetings and finish with a leadership retreat. The festivities begin this Friday, October 28th and last through Sunday the 30th.
The Queen, however, arrives tomorrow, and all Perth is aflutter. 1,000 people are expected to be at the airport to cheer for her. While she is here she will host a garden party on Thursday, attended by invitation only. On Friday she is hosting a "sausage sizzle" (Australian for barbecue) and the whole town is invited. We will be able to see the festivities from our balcony, and that will probably be as close as we get. Over 20,000 people are expected to attend.
Our mahjong group has decided to join in the fun. Since none of us received an invitation to the garden party, we have decided to throw our own! Invitations were sent and on Thursday while the invitees are dining on cucumber sandwiches and tea, we will be partying as well, although I imagine our fare will be slightly more pedestrian than theirs. One little twist : everyone attending our party is requested to dress like the Queen. I have raided my wardrobe for a frumpy dress, sensible shoes and of course, a strand of pearls. I bought a hat and some fancy trim to add to it, and am looking forward to toasting Her Majesty with some of my favorite ladies. Pictures and details to follow on Friday!
