Blurred Vision

I wonder if the occupants wondered why they couldn't get a clear picture.

Sydney Heritage (7)

This is the shopping arcade in the Queen Victoria Building. I think its the most beautiful in Sydney. The building, which I will show you another day, has a chequered history being at various times used as an office block (with false floors between the levels) and a library. At one time it was even slated for demolition but was saved by public outcry. There were various proposals for its use including as a hotel or a casino. I am extremely glad that it was fully restored to its original glory and in a form that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Australiana

Australians call these thongs. As you can see they are quite different to the garment that North Americans know as a thong (which we call a G String). I spotted these in a souvenier shop. They are emblazoned with "Strine" - G'day, bonzer, ripper, beaut, streuth. Who can tell me what they mean?

Spider

I'm not sure what sort of spider this is. Big, probably harmless, possibly an orb weaver.

See how they run

Not a marathon, just city workers keeping fit at lunchtime.

Street Art

I have no idea what this is meant to be.

Sky Watch Friday

Sunrise in the city.

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Sydney Heritage (6)

The sandstone Department of Education building, constructed between 1912 and 1914 and occupied by the Department in 1915, with its neighbouring modern office towers.

Barracks Cats (5)

Nutmeg

Did you HAVE to wake me up?

Feelings

I'm not sure whom this ad is targetting. Is it telling men that if they drink this particular lemon soft drink it will stop them getting those non manly feelings, or is it telling women if they buy it for their man he will develop some feelings. Maybe its both. Surely its not telling men that if they buy it they'll develop feelings.

Go Home!

This is beneath my office window. They aren't supposed to be there, they are supposed to be going home.

Apparently between 30,000 and 50,000 pilgrims decided to hold an unannounced vigil. At the time of this video they were being moved on from Hyde Park to the Domain, where they still are. We have just been told (4.30 pm) to leave before the vigil finishes at 5.30 this evening if we don't want to get stuck in the building for hours.

A Woman's Strength

This statute was commissioned for the Bicentennary of Australia in 1988 by the Women's Pioneer Society of Australia in recognition of the courage and endurance of our women pioneers and their vital role in the development of this country. It was sculpted by Alex Kolozsy and sits in Jesse Street Gardens in Loftus Street, just back from Circular Quay.

WYD (11)

WYD (10)

In praise of volunteers.

My camera has decided not to cooperate (fear I may have a corrupt card) so I can't post the photo that I intended to, or upload any of the shots taken yesterday. This is a photo taken earlier in the week of a volunteer sitting in the cold at the top of Martin Place directing pilgrims. She had just started her shift and was rostered on till 11.00 pm. She didn't think anyone would be bringing her a hot drink.

Skywatch Friday

In keeping with World Youth Day week. This is St Mary's Cathedral, focus of many WYD activities.

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WYD (9)

WYD (8)

WYD (7)

Sometimes I feel trapped.

WYD (6)

Early morning roadblocks and the gathering hordes.

WYD (5)

Pilgrims beflagged, bedaypacked and dressed in all the colours of the rainbow, volunteers in purple and blue or red and yellow, and the sign on a workmate's desk. It was surprisingly quiet in my part of town yesterday. The workers seem to have disappeared, leaving the place to the pilgrims. This is terrific for the WYD merchandising tent which is going great guns but not so good for the small businesses such as coffee shops who are missing many of their regular customers and not seeing any trade from the pilgrims. Going to be interesting to see how the road blocks affect us.

WYD (4)

More World Youth Day annoyances. The Domain is now completely closed to the public and the art installation which I featured a week or so ago is completely overshadowed by marquees and fencing.

Graffiti

Not its not, its Art. The exterior of the Art Gallery of New South Wales has been graffitied as part of the Sydney Biennale.

Little boxes

Very expensive little boxes, all with harbour views.

Skywatch Friday

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WYD (3)

Bonus photo for today. Spot the contradiction.