Super Thursday

Sydney has descended into a "mass" (ha ha get it) of young people. Nearly half a million pilgrims have arrived to celebrate World Youth Day 2008. The publicity surrounding the event has been at the front of the City council's communications for months now. Road closures, parking restrictions, plea's for City workers to take holidays all leading up to this week.

We are now on what has been dubbed "Super Thursday" and Brad and I are sat in the house. He has had to work from home as he can't get across to North Sydney (and I just sit at home anyway) as the Pope's official welcome and tour of the City start today. We have just watched the live scenes from the City Centre where the Pope will parade in the pope mobile later today. He is also visiting the tomb of Mary MacKillop (who could be Australia's first saint) and then leading a cavalcade of boats around the harbour before getting into the Pope mobile and touring the City.

I ventured into the City yesterday afternoon to take in the atmosphere (and nosiness got the better of me) and there was a carnival type atmosphere wherever I went. From the South American's dancing in the Hyde Park to the African Gospel Choir on the steps of the Opera House, the City is awash with colour and song. Everyone is friendly and there are many shouts of "where you from?". There are flags from nearly every country in the world proudly on display although I have yet to spot a Scottish flag. ( I did see a lone guy wearing a SRU top but I left him alone as he looked a bit weird!)

I was extremely skeptical of World Youth Day, questioning what benefit it would or could bring to the city but half way through the week, it seems that I am being turned and agree with the view that Sydney can only benefit from hosting such an event and the City types that are complaining should have taken a weeks holiday!

Mass in Barangaroo