It was a strange start to my camino, almost a test.  On the train heading for Martin Place Station a man to the right of me was getting irritated by the minute and vocalising it.  Behind me was a man who was on the phone speaking quite loudly.  The irritated man, who happened to look homeless going by no shoes and well-worn dirt feet, started to raise his voice sarcastically.  He described how mobile phones are a must and we can’t do without them.  Leading on to other topics he began to describe how the modern world has taken people away from what is real.  Communicating and being.

Crossing Paths

The phone man secretly agreed to me that he was right.  The irritated man began to talk to me as he noticed I listened patiently.  This continued until the time to get off at Martin Place Station.  He muttered how we are always rushing to go somewhere and then added what about if you just came one more station with me.  I paused and decided to go our separate ways.

Now, this is where it gets a bit tricky. I wasn’t in a rush. No schedule that had to be followed.  There was a plan sure, but this could easily be altered. The concern was the consequence if the plan was altered and the knock on effect.  So this was deemed a responsible decision.  Although not sure if this appeared that way to my homeless friend. Continuing on with a feeling of disappointment overwhelming me for missing an opportunity to exercise the essence of the camino.

Then a second chance was presented in Martin Place where two people were selling The Big Issue.  Here I spoke to a man that was well dressed and not what many have been accustom to associate with homelessness. He was young, good looking and nevertheless struggling. He explained because of his appearance people didn’t believe he was homeless and needing of assistance.

On my way after a long chat I meandered through the bustling city. Stopping to help a joyful old lady with some parcels and a couple of dogs as she tried to open her apartment building door.  From there heading across the bridge to Darling Harbour and along the Pyrmont wharves.  

Digester relic Waterfront Park Pyrmont

How has Sydney CBD living grown and it was great to see how the harbour side edge towards Anzac Bridge had been regenerated with parks to enjoy for all.  Some points of interest was the work completed in the Waterfront Park. Formerly used by CSR limited for a major sugar mill, sugar refinery and associated industries.

Anzac Bridge

Once on the Anzac Bridge the structure left me in awe.  This 8 lane cable-stayed bridge spans the Johnstons Bay between Pyrmont and Glebe Island.  The bridge felt like a giant octopus looking up at this 32.2 m wide and 345 m long structure with cables enveloping it. Enjoying  the stroll on a wide walk and bicycle way occasionally concerned by some serious bike riders that flew by at high speed. 

Anzac

At the end of the bridge was a sculpture of an Anzac solider of which the bridge was given its current name.  It is to honour the memory of soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (known as the Anzacs) who served in World War 1.

The razzmatazz of Sydney CBD was left behind and derelict factories came into view.  Possibly to be converted into residential zones, no doubt due to its location and views. Further on came the White Bay Cruise Terminal which had been there since 2012 and I only just really stumbled upon.  There by the gate I was greeted by an official who opened a high window.  Continuing along the terminal path was allowed but it lead to a dead-end. So I opted to turn back and follow the foreshore as closely as possible till presented with a not so pretty park looking down towards the terminal.

Soon the landscape changed to cute little cottages.  They sprang up like daisies in a field. Traditionally the Balmain area was a Blue Collar worker area.  Here was the industrial roots of the Trade Unionists and where the Australian Labour Party formed back in 1891.

Walking around tight streets in East Balmain while enjoying the quaint little homes tucked closely together East Balmain Wharf arrived sooner then expected.  While waiting for the ferry I followed a path along Illoura Reserve that lined the shore.  Looking across the water to Sydney with its high rise buildings at Bangaroo. I could see the places I walked past that day and in previous Caminos. Finally, as usually, I enjoyed a beautiful ferry ride back to Circular Quay putting my legs to rest and letting the wind freshen me while looking out to the clear blue sky and harbour hues. Wondering where the irritated man of this morning ended his journey.

You may have seen in your travels through Australia people selling The Big Issue magazine. The Big Issue is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and creating job opportunities for homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people.  A percentage of the sale of the magazine is retained by the seller.  The Big Issue is helping people to help themselves.

Find out more about The Big Issue here 

I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which I walked the Eora People of the Cadigal and Wangal Clan. I would like to pay my respects to the Elders past, present and future.

View route map for Camino de Sydney | Martin Place To East Balmain on plotaroute.com

What is the Camino de Sydney?

I had heard of many pilgrimages around the world, like the Camino de Santiago in Spain.  People walking for 7 – 8 hrs a day for a month or more, walking on a route that had been laid out for many years.  Here you would soul search, ponder life, make friends and connect. I liked this idea but I also like the idea to discover what is close to you as well.  And that is why I thought of simple walks around Sydney where I live. My objectives would be to:

• Walk to different spots around Sydney
• Use this as a time to reflect
• Speak to people along the way
• Help anyone that needs assistance
• Observe, inquire
• Well be a bit of a pilgrim – Sydney style

For more Camino de Sydney blogs click here