A lovely morning to be out.
July 18, 2008
July 17, 2008
Sydney goes mad for the pope
It's World Youth Week in Sydney. Hundreds of thousands of mostly young Catholic pilgrims from Ausralia and around the world are here in Sydney to celebrate their faith. And of course, the pope is here to take part in the proceedings. As a result, popemania is raging through the city.
No rock star celebrity could possily be as idolised as Pope Benedict XVI. He arrived in the city today to the most extraordinary outpouring of adoration and excitement I have ever witnessed. And guess what? I was there to capture the moment - and yes, I was as giddy as any young Catholic pilgrim. For Popemania, it turns out, is a most infectious condition.
Here is my first view of the pope as he arrived in the city via boat which hugged the shore via Circular Quay so the massive crowds thronging the harbour could catch a glimse of him. As you can see, he was surrounded on the boat by hundreds of excited supporters. If it hadn't been for my 400 mm lens, it would have been hard to pick him out...
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No rock star celebrity could possily be as idolised as Pope Benedict XVI. He arrived in the city today to the most extraordinary outpouring of adoration and excitement I have ever witnessed. And guess what? I was there to capture the moment - and yes, I was as giddy as any young Catholic pilgrim. For Popemania, it turns out, is a most infectious condition.
Here is my first view of the pope as he arrived in the city via boat which hugged the shore via Circular Quay so the massive crowds thronging the harbour could catch a glimse of him. As you can see, he was surrounded on the boat by hundreds of excited supporters. If it hadn't been for my 400 mm lens, it would have been hard to pick him out...
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After addressing his followers at a massive "rally" close to Darling Harbour, the pope gave us another opportunity to see him close up by doing a city tour in his famous popemobile. It is both bullet proof and bomb proof but still gives you a good view of him.
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My predjudice of Catholicism as being a rather dull, conservative and old fashioned religion has been dispelled by the excitement and exuberance and joy of the hundreds of thousands of young Catholics in Sydney. Here are some portraits of them in action...
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Thousands of excited pilgrims flocking back into the city after attending the Pope's address at Barangaroo (close to Darling Harbour).
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The city was a madhouse and the only way to get back home was to walk accross the harbour bridge. Thankfully, it was a beautiful evening.
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July 16, 2008
Trying out our new park on Sebastian
Ingrid came for a visit and we decided to try out the new park on Sebastian. It was a beautiful sunny day and we had a great time on the swings. Even dusted off my juggling balls and tried my hand at some juggling much to Sebastian's interest...
July 16, 2008
July 15, 2008
A sneak peek inside our new home
We were allowed a sneak peak today to measure the rooms for furniture. Bear in mind the furniture isn't ours. We don't have a stick of furniture so will need to go on a furniture buying spree soon. If you get confused about which bedroom is which, refer back to Ally's masterful floor plan. I am glad to say we didn't have a single twinge of buyer's remorse on this, our 3rd view of the house. It's as wonderful as we remember it!
Front of house
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Front porch
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Lounge and dining room area
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Kitchen
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Rear porch (for our barbecue)
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Main Stairs
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Main bedroom (floor 2)
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Main bedroom balcony (floor 2)
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2nd floor landing (where our study will be)
Front of house
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Front porch.
Lounge and dining room area
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Kitchen.
Rear porch (for our barbecue).
Main Stairs
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Main bedroom (floor 2)
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Main bedroom balcony (floor 2)
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2nd floor landing (where our study will be)
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Spare room (floor 2)
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Main bathroom (floor 2)
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Guest bedroom (floor 3) - notice the balcony
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July 15, 2008
July 14, 2008
July 14, 2008
July 14, 2008
Gadgets make even mundane things fun.
One of our few extavagances (apart from our super dooper mattress) was this Dyson vacuum cleaner. I must admit I poo pood paying $350 for a vacuum cleaner when we could get one for $80. Ally stuck to her guns.
Well, I can now admit (after giving it a test run around the house), that Ally was right. It has three times more suction than I am used to and manouvres around like a pro. And it looks ultra cool - like something James Bond would use. It made vacuuming almost fun! From now I'll be actively asking to vacuum. So now I know the real reason for Ally's insistence.
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Well, I can now admit (after giving it a test run around the house), that Ally was right. It has three times more suction than I am used to and manouvres around like a pro. And it looks ultra cool - like something James Bond would use. It made vacuuming almost fun! From now I'll be actively asking to vacuum. So now I know the real reason for Ally's insistence.
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July 14, 2008
Our bed arrives
After a night or two of sleeping on our handy blow up mattress, our bed has finally arrived. We splurged on a good mattress and I can honestly say its the most comfortable thing I have ever lain on. Can't wait for our first proper test of it tonight (in all senses of the word!).
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