Photos from Anzac Day - a really important holiday to Aussie’s and New Zealanders. It is a national day of remembrance for them commemorating all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.” It is observed on 25 April each year, originally honouring members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in the Gallipoli Campaign, their first engagement in the Great War (1914–1918). Very much like the U.S. Memorial or Veterans Day holidays.
The ANZAC Day March begins at the intersection of Martin Place and Elizabeth Street. It travels down Elizabeth Street and finishes at the end of Hyde Park at Liverpool Street. At the conclusion of the parade a commemoration service is held next to The Pool of Remembrance at the ANZAC War Memorial in Hyde Park South.
Hyde Park is Australia’s oldest park, divided by Park Street, the southern section contains the ANZAC Memorial building and pool of reflection while the northern section features the iconic Archibald Fountain and various gardens. It is a must-see if you ever visit Sydney. So beautiful and grand. The park contains around 580 mature exotic and native trees including the historic central avenue seen here of Hill’s Figs which line the central pedestrian avenue leading to the fountain and St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Heading North up this grand walkway takes you to the Archibald Fountain and St. Mary’s Cathedral, the awe-inspiring architectural wonder of Sydney. Like many structures here it is constructed of local sandstone in the ‘Gothic Revival’ style like the great medieval cathedrals of Europe. Started in 1866 and completed in 1928, it stretches 107 metres in length with the central tower rising to 46 metres. The spires were built in 2000, soaring to 75 metres. The cathedral continues to play a vital part of the spiritual and cultural life of the city and all of Australia.
And what would an Australian scene be without their unique wildlife…. even this giant White-Tailed spider enjoys the peaceful surroundings of Hyde park and St. Mary’s. ;-)
A humbling experience to see this impressive structure, no matter your spiritual beliefs.
Martin Place, the heart of the city.
I have no idea what game they were playing but they sure where enjoying themselves!
A quiet day, Jim was working from home and I, editing photographs. We learned of some very sad news back home. A good friends of ours, Tom Jakubiec, passed away of cancer at only 59 yrs old. Devastating loss and even sadder that we could not be there for his family. Sending our condolences through an on-line memorial page and donated to a fund for his surviving son.
In spite of the locals complaining of drought here in Australia and the risk of fires in the bushlands, I find it to be very rainy here in Sydney. I walked in between the raindrops into North Sydney CBD to do some food shopping at Aldi’s. I found these really cozy flannel pj’s for $7.99 - unheard of prices in a very expensive city! As I waited in a downpour at the crosswalk, waiting for the walk light to turn green, a very kind stranger walked up to me and offered her umbrella. She had a foreign accent, not Australian, more like southern or eastern European accent. She could not speak much English but kindness knows no particular language.
I returned home drenched but in one piece. What else to do on a rainy day? Back to more photography and editing time….
Attached is a very popular brand of Aussie soft drink that Jim & I really enjoyed. Also attached are a few pix taken recently around our gorgeous neighborhood.
The “Blue hour” settles over the amazing Sydney skyline.
Our neighbor’s painfully shy but beautiful long-haired cat.
Here we are posing across the street from our apartment in Clark park. Yes, this really is our front yard view. Down below is Wendy’s Secret garden. The Sydney CBD and Harbour bridge in the distance.
Well I waited - AGAIN - all day today for Jemena to arrive between 8-6PM to read the gas meter. The original date was last Friday, 10 April - a no show then. Called Energy Australia & Jemena - where are you?! My appt was changed to Monday 13 April but no thought to call the customer - me. Not sure if my U.S. followers can follow this since it’s confusing and frustrating beyond belief.
Back to today, Monday, I learned the retailer did not arrange for the appt with them. They simply suggested I just take a pic of the meter and email it to them. If only they suggested that in the first place. lol Screwy system indeed.
Well off to the shops and a walk around the neighborhood.
Aldi’s North Sydney, Note that fresh eggs are stored at room temp here as opposed to refrigerated in the U.S.
Just next to our busy street and sidewalk is a brick wall that borders our apartment building. This is where we pick up our daily mail. Next to it is this ever-growing pile of dead palm leaves. As they die and fall off the trees, they are much heavier than you would think as they crash onto the side walk and front garden. So the clean-up crew neatly places them here until they are overflowing. Before long they seem to take over the property but eventually they do get removed.
