My husband surprised me as we were heading to Sydney and made a turn to Parrametta. He decided to park here and take the rivercat ferry into Sydney for the day. I have a spiritual/nymphaic response to being on the water and this was a treat.

The dam at this port requires the cat to do a 360 turn in order to head back down river, it is amazing how those captains can make it turn on a dime. The Rivercat's inside seating is set like a movie theatre and very comfortable, we rushed for a window seat and I was thrilled that the windows open so pictures and fresh air could be obtained. The wildlife along the mangroves was few, there were a lot of industry buildings, was pretty disappointed so just stared at the water for the emotional rush. Once off the river it opened up into the Sydney coves and bays loaded with sails and yachts, I was in heaven.

The parade was astounding. The rain held off more this year so I was able to see more. The faces of the Anzacs full of smiles again touched my heart. There were more wheelchairs this year, a more men sitting in the digger trucks for transport that couldn't walk the length of the parade. Hormones again went into action with the men in kilts playing bagpipes. I don't know why my husband refuses to put one on, they don't look like dresses at all. The end of the parade surprised me, there was wave after wave of foreign served ex-servicemen also marching. The first I noticed, of course, were American marines, then Greek, Polish, Estonia, French and Hong Kong. What surprised me was the Turkish, Korean and Vietnamese troops that the Anzac fought against were also present. The Turkish flew a banner telling Australians to not worry about their fallen comrades that they are buried on now friendly soil and cared for with the upmost respect.  That is a great show of the Aussie "fair go" policy in action.

The walk around Sydney's the Rocks quarter was again filled with entertainers from around the globe. The most popular being the aboriginal family playing didgeridoo. I bought one of their CDs last year and it is excellent. He has his son with him playing now it was fun watching him try to mimic his father's actions. The flame juggling man on a unicycle 8 feet high off the ground was another crowd favorite. The Rocks is always entertainment central for performers of all kinds.

One act that caught my act and made me sick was a huffer sitting across from us in the wide open to all to see. His mouth was covered in silver paint as he over and over again sprayed into the bag then huffed it. When the can was gone he left the can and bag sitting there as a reminder that this is still a city filled with even the worst of human circumstances.

The ride back on the cat we sat outside on the deck for the full wind effect and great photos of the sails. We passed Cockatoo Island where Captain Thunderbolt escaped to begin is bushranging career. Brought back memories of our spirit trail following his paths. I felt like a kid again with the splashes of water and hubby holding me tight.

As we passed another point on the river, under a bridge there was a man sitting in a lounge chair watching TV. His entire home was set up under there with only one wall protecting his bedroom sight from passing boats. There was a dining room table, chairs, refrigerator and all. Another display of how the economy is hitting Australians hard.  

So much about one country's culture, good and bad, in one shot shopping was eye opening. The implications are still being processed through my brain, I came home and sketched out some writing, but now I have to get ready for Ironfest activities this morning and rushing a blog before we go. Off on the road again...whoooopieee.