Image via WikipediaJuly 15th 2008 marks the beginning of the biggest gathering in Australian history. World Youth Day, an international Youth Festival organised by the Catholic Church will be held in Sydney, Australia this year. From July 15-20 nearly 150,000 international visitors will converge on Sydney for this event. The final Mass is expected to attract crowds of up to 500,000 making this easily the biggest gathering of people ever in Australia.
As you can guess, I'm pretty excited about this event. I will be attending along with most of my friends. The Pope will be coming to Australia for World Youth Day, so hopefully I'll catch a glimpse of him too. :) Others who can't visit the events live will watch on TV.
Over the 5 days international visitors are expected to bring over $120 million in revenue to Australia, so it's going to be a big economic boost for Sydney as well. Some Sydney residents are concerned though, due to the transport difficulties with the huge numbers of people. In fact, Randwick Racecourse was chosen as the location for the final Mass due to the crowds - this is the only stadium which can accommodate enough people, and even with it's size 350,000 will have to overflow into Centennial Park!
I'm going to be leaving for WYD on the 10th, and probably only arriving back at the end of July. I have scheduled some posts for the meantime, and will also try to blog about World Youth day as it happens, thanks to the new mobile phone. For updates, check my new blog: http://david-worldyouthday.blogspot.com. For those who have given me awards - I haven't forgotten you, and will try to post them after I get back.
As you can guess, I'm pretty excited about this event. I will be attending along with most of my friends. The Pope will be coming to Australia for World Youth Day, so hopefully I'll catch a glimpse of him too. :) Others who can't visit the events live will watch on TV.
Over the 5 days international visitors are expected to bring over $120 million in revenue to Australia, so it's going to be a big economic boost for Sydney as well. Some Sydney residents are concerned though, due to the transport difficulties with the huge numbers of people. In fact, Randwick Racecourse was chosen as the location for the final Mass due to the crowds - this is the only stadium which can accommodate enough people, and even with it's size 350,000 will have to overflow into Centennial Park!
I'm going to be leaving for WYD on the 10th, and probably only arriving back at the end of July. I have scheduled some posts for the meantime, and will also try to blog about World Youth day as it happens, thanks to the new mobile phone. For updates, check my new blog: http://david-worldyouthday.blogspot.com. For those who have given me awards - I haven't forgotten you, and will try to post them after I get back.
I really like your pictures, and will certainly come back to look at more. I will add your site on my favorites blogs.
ReplyDeleteHi David!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is simply the best. As it is in my favorite list, so I'm in regular touch with it. I'm waiting for your old camera as you are collecting money for your new camera.
All the best
David: I hope you get your wish and see the Pope. It's wonderful when the ecomomy gets a boost.
ReplyDeleteHey David I attended one few years ago when John Paul II visited Toronto, Canada. I waited since 1 am to see the pope to pass by, but of the huge croweds I only saw top of his head, but it was worth it. Thanks for sharing, it is in fact a great event. Anna :)
ReplyDeleteHi Andre,
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for your encouraging comments. I'm glad you like the photography here. I will try to get around to your blog soon and see what you've got.
Cheers,
David
Hi Birdy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your supporting comments too. I didn't know there were so many people that kept my blog favourited! I also wasn't sure whether anyone actually saw that donation button so far down the page, so thanks for the feedback on that too.
Hope you have a lovely day.
Cheers,
David
Hi fishing guy,
ReplyDeleteThis wish certainly was fulfilled, even better than I had hoped. But I'd better leave the details to my next post! :)
Cheers,
David
Hi Anna,
ReplyDeleteWow, that must have been a great experience. I know this WYD has been totally awesome and inspiring, thanks also for relating your experiences. I think it was great here in Australia as it was smaller than in Toronto.....but more details in my post!
Cheers,
David