Sydney - we made it! (Thanks to Tom Tom)

We arrived in Sydney on Friday, 18th March, after negotiating the Hume Highway, the M5 Motorway and finding our way to Kristy and Josh's house in Wattle Grove. This is near to the Holsworthy Army Base, where Josh is stationed at the moment. It was great to see some family!! We had a lovely time, staying at their home, despite the sunshine disappearing and the rain setting in for a couple of days. It was nice to spread out, pack the dishwasher, watch 'telly', have a bathroom 5 steps away, instead of a hundred metres

away, and a room to ourselves.  

Kristy and Josh

It was also really good to get to know Josh a bit more and chat over some dinners and glasses of wine etc. Probably the most memorable moment with them, was Cate, nearly getting 'thrown out' of their local Sport's Club! Not really, it's just that I'm an innocent, country South Australian... and for ease, when we went out to dinner, I decided not to take my backpack with me, or wallet, or anything - just chucked my phone in my pocket! Jon had his wallet, so what else would I need?? Anyway, they nearly didn't let me in, as I wasn't carrying any ID. Josh kindly did some sweet-talking, as they are members, the Manager was called and finally once convinced I wasn't going to cause any "incidents", we were allowed in and had a lovely meal! Some people, you can't take them anywhere, can you?? I'll know now, to take my wallett with me at all times when we go out.

We also got to know their "family" too: (in no particular order!!)

Chubs

Kita

I hope Kristy & Josh excuse any spelling errors with their names!

Minty

Lewis

 I didn't get a photo of the fish - sorry "Blacky"!

We chilled for a day or so and then ventured into Sydney City on the train - about 50 mins travelling time. (Except for the weekend 'track-work', where we had to get off the train, on to a bus and back on a train. But we are clever little munchkins and manged this without getting lost)!

Our first stop was Central Station - what an eye opener! Wonder of wonders, we found our way to the correct exit for a courtesy bus to take us to the City Campus of the Hillsong Church. This was fantastic, with it's 1000 or so people present (and one of 6 services for the day!). And the very upbeat music and techno equipment. I was prepared to be a bit 'cynical', in that they might focus too much on the "High - flying" service components and that it would all be a big production ( this is just my cynical , questioning nature!). However, it was very obvious from the first few personal welcomes we received on arrival, to the biblical focus of the service, the spirit- led worship and the Christ centred message, that they are 'ridgey-didge' and they have a relevant and appealing style of service that meets the needs of many, many people. The message for this day was from a visiting speaker, who was in Sydney for a Hillsong Women's Conference - Colour. Her name was Lisa Bevere, and she presented an excellent message on claiming God's answers boldly, for Him to work in our lives.

The Colour Conference would be great event to attend, so if anyone is interested in next year's, in March, let me know.

 Following the service we were ushered out one door, while the attendees for the next service were piling in the original door. A logistical nightmare! Rumour has it, that they are looking for larger
premises! They have a great "process" for "welcoming" newcomers and we were greeted by a congregation member following the service and invited to join her for cappacino/lattes etc. I guess, in this way they can touch base with "newies" that may need a follow-up, be directed to specific areas of the church ministry etc. We were, undoubtedly a big disappointment to them, as we were just 'passing through'. But it was interesting to chat about 'how it all works' at Hillsong, with their 400 employees, many more volunteers, different areas of ministry that people take part in etc. It was pleasing to, that in this time Jed & Lily each had someone, relevant to their age group come up and talk to them as well.

 Next Stop: back to Central Station, and we caught a "Hop on, Hop Off'' double decker bus to see some of the sights of Sydney.

First "Off" was Darling Harbour, where we marvelled at the people, the eateries and different things happening all around us, and after much discussion, we finally decided on a venue for lunch!! Fuelled up and ready to go, it was time to split company - Jon to the Maritime museum and Cate, Jed & Lily to the Aquarium. We saw fascinating displays of water creatures from all types of water habitats. And the three large walk through tunnels were incredible.
Jake, my most dedicated 'Lego' child would have loved the added extras, of having Lego dioramas and huge models of creatures, fiction characters (eg King Neptune, Moby Dick etc) throughout the Aquarium centre also.

Cruising over top of us in tunnel

 






All lego, even the picture behind!



Everyone's favourite fish!



Hopped back on the bus, and cruised past a few other points of interest in the city - the Rocks, Town Hall, Pitt Street, Queen Victoria Markets, and got off to go up the Sydney Tower. 

Sydney Tower - from Market Street (??)  ( I think!?
I got a bit hazy about what street was what, after
a bit. I needed Francene with me!!  Next time!?

 

Can anyone tell us if this wharf area is where Dance
Academy (on ABC), is filmed? Lily thought it looked a bit familiar.

We could have taken the stairs of course, but.... time was getting on, and the lift only took about 3 mins to get to the top! Much more efficient! We had a bit of a wait for a lift tho', as one of the three wasn't working. It had been flooded!! I think central Sydney had about 2 or 3 inches quite quickly, during the night, prior to our ride. I just hoped
that another one wasn't going to stop, while halfway, down
that "skinny- bit", with us on board!!


View to the east, from the top of the tower.
Beautiful! So much water, in most directions.

It was nearly the end of the afternoon and we had fitted a fair bit into one day, so we decided to call it a day, even though we had only just 'glimpsed' the Bridge and the Opera House. We would just have to come back into Sydney another day. see "Sydney - part 2"