I love Sydney. I was born here, studied here, married here and still living here. Our home is in the outer suburbs surrounded with eucalypts which aredaily invaded by parrakeets and great, white, squawking cockatoos.
But if I need to get away from the computer and deadlines, I hop on a train and in 25 mins. I am in Sydney's CBD. This is an exciting place with all its wonderful old buildings. And here's a quick cyber tour.
Just up the hill from the famous Opera House, is Government House, and nearby, the Sydney Conservatorioum of Music. This used to be the govt. stables.
Walk up Macquarie St and Hyde Park awaits. Dedicated for public recreation in 1810, it's the green lungs of the city. The magnificent Archibald Fountain with its bronze statuary is near a huge canopied tree walkway...wonderfully cool on a humid day. At its southern end is the Cenotaph, the very moving War Memorial. Surrounded by more of this gracious architecture we see the Great Synogogue, St. Marys Cathedral, the old army barracks, and the colonial St James Anglican Church.
To view Sydney from the heights, Centrepoint Tower will show you the reaches of our beloved harbour and its well known "coathanger" bridge. And looking closer you'll spy the great verdigris copper domes of the Queen Victoria Building. After falling into disrepair, craftsmen from Europe were imported to faithfully restore it to its previous splendour. Its winding marble staircases and colourful mosaic floors sparkle on several mezzanine floors. Prices are aimed at tourists here, but it's well worth a visit.
Darling Harbour nearby, is another wonderful area with its various parks and a magnificent Chinese Garden. And of course, Chinatown is only a hop, step, and a jump away. A must see.
So, when are you coming Down Under? We're waiting for you.
Rita Galieh
http://www.ritastellagalieh.com/ & FACEBOOK
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