So today I boarded the train not sure again where I wanted
to go. I have come to the conclusion that I could look at the Opera House every
day for eternity and not tire of it. I don’t honestly know what is so neat
about it. I have a feeling (really my mom pointed this out) it is that most
other things I have seen that I have wanted to see for a long time have been a
bit of a letdown (ie Big Ben, Leaning Tower, and don’t get me started on the
London wax museum..) I think the Opera House just really exceeded my
expectations in every way. So basically every time I board the train knowing I
will get off somewhere that I can see it:). Bradfield Park at Milson’s Point is
supposed to be the best vantage point to see the Opera House and yep they are
right! Not crowded at all either…really that wasn’t sarcastic.
Luna Park is also at the Milson’s Point stop. As some back
story, Wendy had sent me a tin of cookies awhile back and it had the Luna Park
entrance on it. After I saw it for some reason I was mesmerized. So on the
bucket list it went. Today I ticked that off the list. It was everything I
thought and more actually. I really really liked it. I will probably go back. I
took a bunch of pictures of the entrance. Then I walked through to see what
attractions they have there. I didn’t go on any rides for two main factors but
it’s okay. I don’t think it took away from the feeling. Just being there was
enough for me. Another surreal experience.
It started out in the 1930’s. It was one of several Luna
Parks, we even had them in the US. It is originally based on “our” Coney
Island. Coney Island is the grandfather of Luna Parks actually. Luna Park means
amusement park in many languages because these parks exist on every continent
except Antarctica (courtesy of my friend Wikipedia). Most of the parks have
closed because as humans we always want bigger and better, no? This particular
Luna Park has went through periods when it wasn’t operating and had fires, etc.
Eventually the people of New South Wales pulled together and it is now a
cultural icon. I just like how they stayed true to the history of it. It isn’t Six
Flags and it isn’t supposed to be. It is about the nostalgia of what a place
like that meant to the community in war time for instance. Almost like a simpler
time that wasn’t simpler at all but a Park like this could at least offer a
slice of happiness. Lots of vintage pictures are on display. Here are my pictures from today.
After that I went over to Bradfield Park and sat on the
bench for about an hour looking at the Opera House and listening to the water.
By then there was a nice breeze so the heat of the day was forgotten. I decided
today that you know how people say “It’s all fun and games until someone gets
hurt”? Well, it is all fun and games going down the hill but going up is a
different story. Wow, I really wanted to die…holy cow. Anyway I made it back to
the train station where I took it north of Sydney because I wanted to see the
views and then came back. I walked to the flat the back way since it was light
out and found where the free shuttle bus picks up from and where it goes. Also,
I forgot to mention that by exiting on level four of the mall, I no longer need
to go out the parking garage way…yep another personal accomplishment that doesn’t
involve a hill.
Alright, I hope you guys are appreciating the paragraphs! Later gators!
