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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Strolling Along Sydney’s Writer’s Walk

Sometimes the path you walk along is as interesting as what it is leading you to. . .

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Sydney Harbour ferry
As we made our way along the busy Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour’s transportation hub – buses, trains, ferries and taxis converge here -- we noted directional signs for the “Writer’s Walk”.
So, as any inquisitive traveler and writer would do, we set out to explore . . . and ‘met’ some interesting scribes along the way. . .

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And pondered their observations . . .

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And through the eyes of these writers, learned a bit more about Australia and  its history. . .

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The Writer’s Walk, a series of 47 metal discs the size of manhole covers embedded into the sidewalk, celebrates the lives and works of writers – both Australian natives as well as others who visited or relocated here. 

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While the lighting on Elizabeth Jolley wasn't the best, I am including this because I found her own story inspiring. Her first novel was accepted when she was ‘almost sixty’ – and she had  nearly two decades more during which time she produced 22 more works. 

If You Go:

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The Sydney Writers Walk at Circular Quay


The Writers Walk plaques of honor are embedded at regular intervals along the Circular Quay stretching from the west, at its Overseas Passenger Terminal (near the bridge) along the train station walkway, then east to the Opera House forecourt. (Notice the one in the walkway above).

For a look at all 47 plaques: http://goaustralia.about.com/od/cultureandthearts/ig/Sydney-Writers-Walk/

Note: November 2013 marks the 15th year of the annual National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo.com). Its a time when amateurs and professionals challenge themselves to write 50,000 words. Whew! ~ this post is only 295 words, so you see what they are up against. Good luck to you all.

We are linking up to and then doing some armchair travel at these blogs this week:
Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox,
Friday’s Oh the Places I Have Been at The Tablescraper

16 comments:

  1. Thanks much for stopping by today! I appreciate the visit.

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  2. How cool, Jackie! Reminds me of Library Way in NYC.
    Very thought provoking inscriptions.

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    1. I should have made it a point to stop at each one but guess I just got carried away with the atmosphere of the Quay -- over sensor-stimulation! Thanks for coming by today, Marcia!

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  3. Hi Jackie, very fascinating plaques and inscriptions. I didn't know that Darwin was in Australia. I found his observation interesting. I actually like the lighting in Jolley's plaque; it's very dramatic. I'm glad you included it; I found her story fascinating and inspiring.
    I must admit I missed this plaque while in Sydney. Keith and I were probably in awe of the sights that we failed to look at what we were stepping on.

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    1. I understand that completely. The two of us were 'sort of' looking forward to that 10-hour flight to Honolulu from Sydney so that we could 'chill' -- we were simply on sensor overload after five nights in that fabulous place!

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  4. How interesting! is this new along Circular Quay? I don't recall seeing them when we visited - but that was a few years ago now. One of these days I hope to get back to Sydney.
    Have a wonderful weekend ahead, happy travels, and thank you for stopping by my blog this week.

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    1. Well I tried to find out when it was started but the best I could do was find an on-line press release that talked about the new addition to the walk (Jolley included) back in 2011. They all seemed to be in front of the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Thanks for the visit today -

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  5. Welcome to my part of the world! Next time we do this together! Fx

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    1. Loved your part of the world, Francesca! And yes, next time we walk that walk together~
      J. x

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  6. Definitely going to look out for this on my next trip to Sydney - how fascinating. Yes, Elisabeth Jolley's story is interesting and she was a WA resident too, so all the more interesting for me and a friend of mine knew her well and used to teach with her!

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  7. That is so cool! I would like to read some of her 22 writings, now that I've discovered her through that Writers Walk. I know you would enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by today!!

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  8. I really like the inscription on the first plaque. This kind of walking tour would definitely be of interest to me.

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    1. And Leigh compared to most of your hikes, this one would be a piece of cake: short and flat! Thanks for stopping by!

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  9. Hi Jackie! This walk didn't exist when I was in Sydney in 1980. What a great reason for me to go back :) I am writing in the nonfiction challenge, and it is that!!

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  10. It -- along with a zillion others -- would be a good reason to go back! I could return in an instant (or a 17 hour flight). Hey, I gathered you were writing in something similar. . .did you already write about your challenge on the blog or FB?

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  11. I didn't know this existed. Too bad I missed it when I was in Sydney last January or else I think I would have sought it out. Thanks for including Elizabeth Jolley's story as I agree that it is indeed inspiring.

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