Saturday – November 17, 2018
We’re having a great time in Sydney we and love exploring this dynamic city. It’s too bad Australia is so far from home. It’s a wonderful city to visit. Our hotel is located in the historic “Rocks” district so we learned about the redeveloped waterfront neighborhood. High-end modern shops and restaurants in the old buildings:
“The Rocks” was the original 19th century port of Sydney filled with commercial sailing ships, whaling vessels, and ferries. It flourished with warehouses, chandleries, and houses for dock workers. One side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was built in 1932, is anchored in the Rocks.
Everyday, we saw people climb the steps to reach the top of the Bridge in all kinds of weather. There are 1,332 steps to the top. Climbers wear special suits and harnesses. It must be a fantastic view! We were NOT tempted to do the climb.
Climbers are not allowed to take any personal belongings with them, including cameras. Guides take photos of the adventurers at the top of the bridge. I would be very frustrated not to have my camera.
On Saturdays and Sundays the end of George Street was closed to traffic and a fun weekend market was set up. They sold everything from jewelry, masks, juice, food, soap products, craft beer, tee-shirts, corn on the cob, clothes, and tourist souvenirs.
Face painting at the market:
It was spring in Australia so the beautiful blue Jacaranda trees were in bloom everywhere. This one was in a narrow alleyway between buildings in the Rocks:
There were many good restaurants, cafes, and boutiques in the historic buildings:
Warm weather brought out musicians working for donations:
People rested on comfortable bean-chairs on the ground while they enjoyed the music:
This fellow always attracted a crowd:
This is a birds-eye view of the Rocks along the approach to the bridge:
Sunset beyond the Sydney Harbour Bridge:
