We took the Circular Quay train route, getting off at Circular Quay. The view of the bridge and the Syney Opera Theatre was quite magnificent. By the time we had got to Sydney Central the day had warmed quite considerably.
We took the Circular Quay train route, getting off at Circular Quay. The view of the bridge and the Syney Opera Theatre was quite magnificent.
A short walk took us right into the Rocks area where we had a very nice lunch at the old Orient Hotel... built on the original store sooms erected by Unwins Stores in 1844 by convict labour. From where we ate our Scotch Fillet steak we could look out on the old stone walls marvelling at the history the two story high construction must have behind it.
Vivienne enjoyed the markets at the Rocks with little stalls and bargaining being the order of the day... it was a place of contrast with high property values and images of great wealth being contrasted by the poorest of the poor sleeping on benches in the heart of Australia's premier tourist destination.
The fellow on the bench was oblivious to the hustle and bustle of the crowds as he slept off the night before....
So sad.... but this is but two sides of the many facets that is Sydney.
The Cadman building is recognised as one of Australia's oldest buildings, right on the edge of the harbour in The Rocks it has been fully restored in the shadow of some of the country's latest and largest sky scrapers.
Yes Sydney is a place of contrast, peoples and culture...
Before leaving The Rocks we had one last walk down the main street which was full of tourists and tourist shops... horse driven carts and Mercedes Benz.... rich and poor.... all wrapped up in the entrancing atmosphere of age and history overshadowed by currency in the corporate symbols of success rising into the sky.
Before moving to the cultural and highly rated Powerhouse Museum near Sydney's Central Station we returned to the Circular Quay where we met, briefly, a real character who's outfit was perfect for the mixed up flavours and atmosphere of the area. Jana Wendt is recognised as Australia's leading current affairs reporter who hosts Channel 7's Witness program.
The writing says the rest....
The Powerhouse Museum was, to be quite frank, a big disappointment. There were some fascinating exhibitions, like the train on the right, and interactive things to do, but most of the interactive computer programmes on the second level were more often than not either faulty or out of order.... not a good reflection on a country claiming to be at the forefront of technology.
The highlight of my visit to the Powerhouse Museum was, without any doubt, the Treasures of the Kremlin from the world of Faberge.
The exhibits were quite stunning and included everything from the famouse Faberge eggs to the silken outfits of the religious ministers who tended to the needs of the Czar.
Most of the works were by Russia's most famous jeweller, Peter Carl Faberge..
At about 5pm the family left the Powerhouse museum and returned to Central station... the train trip back to Toongabbie was uneventful... we arrived back at the house at about 6pm and have spent the rest of the evening reflecting on the day's events and relaxing.
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