I've arrived in Sydney on Friday, Jan. 13th. Although the dear citizens of Sydney obviously weren't as reluctant to demolish old buildings than the Tasmanians, there is still a lot to see. Therefore I will split my last post into 2 parts.Thanks to all the blog friends for their advice and tips.
Part 1 (Jan 13 & 14, 2012)
Sydney seems to me a fantastic city. The need for space and the power of money have prevailed however sometimes over the preservation of some of the historic buildings. Still, at closer look, they are still there. However somehow overshadowed (literally speaking) by lots of skyscrapers and highrises. Errol would have problems recognizing the city at all today.
Just imagine, that the construction of the Harbour Bridge just began in 1926 and wasn't completed before 03/1932. Surely Errol has seen the construction in its earlier stages. From the Museum Of Sydney I have some historic film footage about the construction of the bridge. I hope I can put it on the You Tube channel soon.
The attached photos show “Lady MacQuarie's Chair” (by special request from Steve Randell 
) at the Sydney Domain. Errol states in MWWW, that he took “refuge in a cave”. That must have been the close area, although I didn't find a full or deep cave there, but some sort of overhanging rocks.
The other photos's show Circular Quay then and now. And there is a actual photo from former hotel Ushers. Today it's a fashion shop or similar (Bulgari). Errol frequented the bar quite often ( in MWWW he says he once met Freddie McEvoy) and he snitched counter lunches from there.
— Volker
Anonymous
January 16, 2012 at 4:00 pm
Hi Vplker;
Again, thank you for sharing these very interesting and beautiful pictures! Sydney must be a beautiful city!
The now and then pictures of the Circular Quay are fascinating to see the changes of time and the accomplishments of men!
I should read up about “Lady MacQuarie's Chair!”. It must be you in the picture?
I wonder how much of the actual building of the Usher's Hotel is still left within the walls, as it doesn't look like having been torn down – just renovated? It is nice to see that it houses such an upscale department store like BVLGARI.
I very much look forward to your next reportage – Tina
Anonymous
January 16, 2012 at 4:13 pm
Hi Volker, don't forget to visit other sights in Sydney as well.
It always made me sad when things from the past are destroyed. Like the first time I went to Paris, I was so disappointed that the famous architect Haussmann had destroyed practically all the medieval parts in the city. Had to think of it when I read your post about the destruction of old places…
Anonymous
January 16, 2012 at 8:54 pm
Thank you Volker for the pics. But where is the Errol Flynn shirts on this occasion??
Anonymous
January 16, 2012 at 9:30 pm
Hi Tina,
it looks like the store is running business only on the ground floor. The upper floors look kind of untouched, that is to say…desolated.
yes, it's me on the photo. I couldn't resist
Anonymous
January 17, 2012 at 12:04 am
Hi Volker;
I think I was lucky – I found an old picture of Usher's and of the time Errol hopped in and out of there!
You are right Volker, the building is still the same that is amazing – how wonderful – you made a great picture of Usher's, thank you so much!
Anonymous
January 17, 2012 at 7:42 am
in the laundry
Anonymous
January 17, 2012 at 7:45 am
Tina,
great! you're quite the detective