Sydney has been brought to a standstill this week by APEC – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation – which is taking place in the city, much to the disgruntlement and sometime anger of our residents. A number of key world leaders, including the leaders of Russia, China, and of course the US of A, have parked their fleets of jumbo jets in Sydney’s airport, and are swanning round having meetings with the Australian prime minister John Howard. (Incidentally John Howard’s nickname here is Bonsai – ‘Little Bush’, a moniker particularly fitting if you look at this morning’s press photos.)
I’m in two minds about this – of course it’s terrible how much money my city is pouring into this debacle – building a wall round the CBD and disrupting everyone’s working weeks to the point where many people have taken the week off work and gone down the coast. This can’t be good for business, surely?!
However, I do get a free day off work – this Friday is a public holiday in Sydney because it’s easier to tell everyone to skip town for a long weekend than it is to sort out the debacle that is the public transport system to cope with all the road closures and security alerts. So it’s not all bad. I shall enjoy my free long weekend courtesy of George W.
Rather irritatingly, I can’t spend Sunday at the beach because the ‘spouses’ of these world leaders are having dinner in my local, Bondi Icebergs (they do a great Martini and I’ve begun to frequent this particular establishment for its fantastic views over the ocean and its excellent cocktails), thus ensuring Bondi will be gridlocked and ridden with security personnel… Grrr…
At least it’s causing the media endless amusement. Reporting on how George Bush praised John Howard for his ‘leadership in climate change’ brought many a guffaw, and there’s some great speculation as to what will be chosen for the Australian National Dress in the obligatory themed day. Perhaps John Howard will make like a joey and jump into George’s kangaroo pouch. Ah, bless…
cx
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