Sydney Day 2

Second day in Sydney sees me hiking the Botanical Gardens and city centre districts, once again I clock up the km’s and get to see a plethora of sites just some of which I can give you a taste of through the camera lens ;)
Walking along George Street it is possible to head directly into the city centre and down to the Anzac Memorial located at the end of Hyde Park - This is a moving and thoughtfully designed monument to remember the fallen of several conflicts throughout Australian history. The Victorian style façade is strong and overlooks a reflecting pool (wonderful to see the peaceful surroundings of the park and the monument mirrored in this pool). As you near the monument you start to see the details including soldiers sculptures, relief’s and glass panels decorated with poppies. However, it is not until you enter the cool interior of the building that you see the crowning achievements of the sculptors and architects - As it was built between 1932-1934, around the great depression, there was little money available to support this public work so stars were sold to the public, which remain to this day imbedded into the ceiling of the dome, these stars look down into a chamber where a soldier/warrior is lade across a sword and shield atop a sheltering/grieving/supporting sister, daughter and mother (who holds up his head with her hand). It is an immense undertaking and one which, in my humble opinion, pays a fitting tribute to those soldiers lost during conflicts.