Thursday 5th March 2015
It felt like I was a small child on Christmas morning as I woke up early, before my alarm and at around 5am, unable to go back to sleep. I didn't see any reason to hang around in the apartment so left for the airport, clutching a bunch of roses and glad that it was beginning to get light so it felt less like the middle of the night. Now I know how Mum and Dad feel when they wait for me to return from far flung trips. Even though I knew Mum's plane had only just landed and she wouldn't appear for ages, I was still apprehensive about going to the toilet - just in case I missed her! Having said that it was quite a while, verging on an hour before Mum appeared. During the wait I was sure I'd seen her on several occasions, adamant that everyone with brown hair was her, only to realise on closer look they were the wrong age, gender or race! Finally I recognised her coming round the corner and we exchanged lots of hugs and shed a few tears!
After we'd gathered ourselves together we took the train back into the city and Mum settled into the very swanky apartment. Our family friends, Janet and Clive were at the end of their latest trip to Australia so before they caught their return flight we enjoyed a delicious brunch together at Macchiato on Pitt Street.
Keen to begin sightseeing with Mum, but also aware of the long and tiring journey she had just undertaken, I decided to leave 'the walk with the stunning view' until the next day. Instead, we walked up George Street to the Queen Victoria Building where Mum was suitably impressed with the upmarket shopping arcade. I realise this isn't the most flattering photo but it does show how tired Mum must've felt and it was the beginning of our selfie collection!
From the QVB we wandered down to Darling Harbour and over Pyrmont Bridge. By this point, Mum was absolutely whacked, stopped mid-step and declared 'I need to go back now!' Luckily we weren't too far away but I could tell when I continued to point out landmarks and there was no comment that we just needed to get back to a bed!
After an hour's sleep, some rest, and a couple of games of Yahtzee we had enough energy to get some dinner so, with a short walk and the prospect of sweet potato chips in mind, we went to Grill'd.
With a long wait but a short bus journey, and instructions for Mum not to sleep before 8:30pm, I made it to choir rehearsal which finished early for the Sops and Altos. Aware that I'd let Mum alone on her first evening, I headed home to find her fast asleep and myself wide awake!
Still full of excitement, I was awake early again and after a Facetime call to Dad (feeling strange having two my side of the camera!) we prepared ourselves for 'the walk' so named by myself because of the amazing view of Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
We set of through Hyde Park, past St Mary's Cathedral...
...and into the Domain where we stopped for morning tea from the kiosk opposite the Art Gallery of NSW. Mum became enamoured with the ibises strutting around the park and determindly tried to photograph them! From here we continued through the Botanic Gardens, along the water opposite the vast ships of Woollomooloo Bay and past the outdoor swimming pool until we reached Mrs Macquaries Chair and the fantastic view across the harbour.
After all of the necessary selfies and photos, we followed the path round the Botanic Gardens to Circular Quay, cutting through the gardens for part of the way. I'd initially thought the diversion was because there were workers deconstructing the Mardi Gras Harbour Party but we later discovered they were in fact setting up for a series outdoor of performances Aida by Opera Sydney. Continuing past the Opera House we stopped next to the Museum of Contemporary Arts for our pre packed lunches.
After our energetic morning we had a quieter afternoon, wandering round the MCA and the food market in The Rocks followed by an ice cream back at Circular Quay.
Back at the apartment we took advantage of the pool and jacuzzi before relaxing and making dinner. In the evening we returned to Darling Harbour where they were showing a (not very enthralling) film at the outdoor cinema which we deserted halfway through in favour of the fireworks which never cease to amaze me! This was the last weekend of Darling Harbour's Month of Love so as well as the heart shaped fireworks, there were other heart shaped attractions around Cockle Bay.
After an action packed couple of days, and knowing we'd have a busy evening, we had a leisurely morning, enjoying chats over breakfast. Late-morning we took the free shuttle bus up George Street and wandered round Angel Place, admiring the bird cage street art, and Martin Place taking in the photographs of the floral tributes left after the Lindt Cafe Seige.
We indulged ourselves for lunch at Jamies Italian and Max Brenners and felt utterly stuffed as we returned to the apartment through Pitt Street Mall.
This evening it was time for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Maedi Gras, an event which had been on my must do list before I left the UK. Of course, I was planning on watching it but I was lucky enough to take part in it. The excitement had begun a few weeks ago but during the day we found ANZ's GayTMs and I'd photographed the signage preparing drivers for the upcoming road closures.
Feeling at ease that Mum would have company with Steph, we headed together along Albion Street and I left them on Flinders Street to find themselves and good viewing spot. As I walked up Flinders Street and Oxford Street, I could see the crowds growing and the excitement building. I did smile as I saw this group cross on front of me and lead me up the road - it reminded me of myself and the Sambassadors heading to a gig in the UK. I got chatting to them at a crossing and they were impressed that I was a fellow sambista and one had even heard of the Sambassadors!
Arriving at the steps of Hyde Park, I was one of the first SGLC members to appear. While we were waiting for the other members and for our meeting time, lots of costumed paraders passed us and we whooped and hollered when our float half finished float passed by.
After our meeting time we headed into the high fenced area of Hyde Park and there even people photographing the queue! Once inside there were groups of paraders having a last minute rehearsal amongst the other bands and dancers.
When we were warned up we were escorted to Taylor Square. Apparently, last year they were taken up the parade route to cheerig crowds but this year we were taken a back route.
In Taylor Square, there was quite a bit of waiting around, but we waved and cheered as the Dykes on Bikes rode past and back. We were especially excited when members of SGLC whizzed by. Then we were covered by a huge rainbow flag which would be hoisted as we sang.
Surrounded by crowds, microphones and cameras, we sang Somewhere Over The Rainbow as the flag was raised and as we finished, a wave of emotion came over me and I had to grin to hold back the tears!
Returning to Hyde Park, we were quite a sight - a pack of choristers dressed in black on a high!
Back at Hyde Park, the 10,000 paraders we mustering between Hyde Park and the Australian Museum in 3 columns. Music blared and everybody was dancing in extremely high spirits. This was by far the best part of the day and the atmosphere was amazing.
Behind our float we changed from our uniforms into black with red ribbon and boogied to Dolly Parton and Shania Twain amongst others.
Before we knew it we were tango-ing along the parade route and it was over in a flash! It only took about 45 minutes to complete the whole route which seemed a she after all of the hard work we'd put into the choreography.
We ended up near the SCG and it seemed to take forever to get to Central Station with a group of the other girls. I can only imagine how far I'd walked during the day with all of the to-ing and fro-ing! I'd fully intended to go to an after party but it was just so hot that I ended up drinking in the apartment when I'd only intended to get changed and pick up my drinks! Mum arrived back quite a while after me and we stayed up chatting until about 12:30am!
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. - Oscar Wilde
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