Pilgrims

If you haven't heard about World Youth Day then you've been living under a rock (apologies to international readers) as Sydney is swarming with hordes of wide-eyed youthful pilgrims. Last night I came across a Mass congregation from St Mary's Cathedral milling on a forecourt which resembled a rock concert venue.

This group was one of the unusual sightings around town last night. They were spotted early in the evening carrying the US flag along Bayswater Road to their lodgings in Kings Cross. Most surprising was hearing the sound of gentle song emanating from the group. Given the location I surmised it was a hymn to ward off local evil. Later I came across a bunch of Pharisees wearing flowing robes, headpieces and carrying staffs, lurking on the steps of the NSW Art Gallery. In the Domain opposite a group of Centurian soldiers in full regalia huddled together in the evening chill. Yet the prize for the most hardy performers went to a troupe of aboriginal dancers rehearsing on a pontoon in the middle of Darling Harbour, wearing only loincloths, at 2am! A real test of faith.

Posted in On the job | Comments (3)

You don't need too much faith when you have 40000 years of culture behind you.

Posted by: Rainer the cabbie | Jul 14, 2008 9:43:35 AM

My ancestors may have eaten thistles and waded through the frozen marshes of Scotland warding off Romans whilst dressed in little more than blue paint. But I still like a warm jacket.

Posted by: unique_stephen | Jul 14, 2008 10:20:58 AM

Jokes aside, I hereby welcome any Youth Day visitors to this fair City, our home.
We went on our annual pilgrimage to Taronga Zoo today, where I saw and met pilgrims from Italy, Germany, USA, NZ, England, Sweden and Norway. Also a huge group of Aboriginal Christians from the Kimberly's.
To tell you the truth, I am an atheist, but I take my hat off to anyone declaring their faith, believes and nationality in the wonderful and colourful way these young pilgrims did.
Have a great time, and don't forget to catch a Cab.

Posted by: Rainer the cabbie | Jul 14, 2008 3:41:59 PM