Celebrating 11 years of Canberra and Nara being sister cities, I went expecting it to be low key but was blown away by the packed crowds. With all of the Japanese stalls offering a taste of traditional flavours, we found it amusing seeing a long queue to some Dutch pancakes. It was also reassuring to see Mee’s Sushi (from Manuka and notably the best Sushi in Canberra) present too.

I was conscious of eating festival food, especially before attempting Fitz’s 105km cycling challenge the next morning – but I’m a sucker for food (particularly the yummy kind…) so I had to experience some things. Happy to report I was fine for the event and completed it in under 4hrs (not counting the 10min pitstop at Tharwa).