I know I’m being bias, but really I live in one of the best cities in the world. Although travelling is my passion, it’s always a pleasure to return to the sight and sounds of home – Sydney.

01/01/11 On top of the Harbour Bridge thanks to my family’s birthday gift.

No doubt, Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the world’s most well known and photographed landmarks. It is the world’s largest (but not the longest) steel arch bridge with the top of the bridge standing 134 metres above the harbour. It is fondly known by the locals as the ‘Coathanger’ because of its arch-based design.

The Tyne Bridge in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England is a much smaller version of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, its length measuring 397 metres and the main span 161 metres. There is much controversy surrounding the two bridges and which one may have been a model for the other. Although the Tyne Bridge was opened in 1928 – four years before the Harbour Bridge was opened – the tender was submitted and contract signed for the Sydney Harbour Bridge in March 1924.

Driving over the Harbour Bridge.

On January 26th, the inevitable question arises: Just what does it mean to be Australian?
The environment many of us enjoy today – the open wide spaces, the pristine waterways – all should stand as a reminder of just how lucky we are with a multi-cultural influence of fabulous cuisines, language and values. As for our blue skies, I call it blue on blue. I don’t know anywhere else in the world where it’s so divine to look at anytime of the year (except when it’s cloudy).

So, too, the freedoms we enjoy – to speak our minds, choose our governments and travel. These are just some of the things about being Australian.

Enjoying a day on the Harbour with the Queen Mary 2 coming to dock sent enthusiasts into a frenzy.

A day in the life of a travel agent. Ship inspections and luncheons are part of the job …

Take a ride back into history aboard an historic Steam Train. A 50 minute experience from historic Thirlmere station to Buxton station and return is just south of Sydney.

One of my favourite buildings, although contemporary in design is Australia Square. And yes I know, it’s round …

At the domestic airport stands a restored AVRO by volunteers which shows the humble beginnings of Qantas Airways Ltd – Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services.

Fergus McMaster was a wealthy grazier who took little convincing about the benefits of aviation. He was crossing the sandy bed of Queensland’s Cloncurry River when his car broke an axle. Paul McGinness helped repair the vehicle and the two struck up a friendship. Back in Brisbane, McGinness and Fysh outlined to McMaster their plans for an air service, beginning with joy rides and air taxi trips. McMaster, fired with enthusiasm, convinced business acquaintances to invest with them. (www.qantas.com)

In 1921 the Qantas fleet consisted of two biplanes – an Avro 504K and a Royal Aircraft Factory BE2E

Australia’s Qantas Airlines named by AirlineRatings.com.safest air carrier in the world after going more than 60 years without a fatal crash.

A little bit of African cuisine in Newtown.

Or just brunch across the road on a Sunday morning is a tradition of mine.

I’ll admit this doesn’t look like the most enticing coffee, however I will say Australia generally does a great coffee and beats most other countries hands down. Except Turkish coffee in Turkey of course.

The Esmeralda docked in the Harbour, just had to try out those Chilean wines and food.

My local area and being an Inner Westie, find it’s groovy and funky with lots of street art which is encouraged by the local Council. Although this mural ‘I Have a Dream’ wasn’t commissioned, it was created during a weekend in August 1991. Ms Pryor and Andrew Aiken, who later served a jail sentence in the UK for murder and now lives in Canada, had twice asked for permission to paint it but were refused. So they decided to do it anyway. Now it’s been heritage listed by the local Council.

You would’ve been forgiven if you thought you woke on 23rd September, 2009 to ‘The Day of the Triffids’ arrival for a takeover.

However, a red dust storm enveloped Sydney and shrouded the eastern sea board after gale-force winds ripped into the drought-stricken hinterland.
Walking around Circular Quay 23/09/09 at 8:00 am

Every child’s favourite playground in Sydney – Luna Park. Oh yeah for adults too.