Oct 28, 2009: Sydney Harbour Bridge

[xoxoxoBruce]

Sydney Harbour Bridge, like the Opera House, has been a famous icon recognized around the world, since 1932.



I've not been there, but having driven other famous bridges like the Brooklyn, Golden Gate, or Chesapeake Bay, experience tells me when crossing that bridge, people probably wouldn't have a chance of seeing much, except the cars & trucks around them.
But Sunday that changed. No cars or trucks, just green grass, a few cows, and 6,000 people.

The aerial view of the bridge a scene like never before with freshly laid grass, grazing cows and hundreds of families enjoying a picnic breakfast.
The forecast rain was thankfully held off and people turned out to enjoy croissants, sausages, bacon eggs and coffee - with a stunning view across the water to the Opera House.
Many who were not among the lucky ticket-holders drawn from a ballot of 190,000 people to take part in the unique gathering still turned up at each end of the bridge.
They gaze at the spectacle of cows grazing on 10,000 square yards of turfed grass that had been laid over the tarmac.
It was such a historic event that local man Sid Elias used the occasion to propose to his girlfriend. And they have agreed that if the 'Breakfast on the Bridge' became an annual event they'll return each time.
To add to the occasion, musicians strolled among the families - who included one couple who brought their four-week-old baby along - playing accordions and trumpets, while a honky-tonk piano player bashed out happy melodies.
New South Wales government officials estimated the cost of laying on the unique event cost around £400,000 - but agreed it was worth it.

Hmmm, £400,000, and 4.2 million people inconvenienced (it's a long way around). I think more importantly, even though only 190,000 tried to win tickets, actually 4.2 million people were excluded from the festivities. Seems like 6,000 (plus probably 1,000 politically connected) is a pretty small group to benefit from all that work and money. Instead of 6,000 picnicking and chatting with each other, let more people walk across, enjoying the views and taking pictures for a half hour... or something.
Wonder what they did with that 10,000 square yards of turf?
Thanks, BeltNah.

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