On Saturday 5th of March evening, people from all strata of society flocked to the city of Sydney for a very interesting event. Yup, it's the 2005 Sydney Mardi Gras! For those who are unfamiliar, Mardi Gras is an festival staged by the LGBTs (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgenders) and also a demonstration of freedom and equal treatment. We (Lee Yoong, Hui Hoong and I) had no plan for that weekend, so we took the opportunity to experience the parade held that night. It would also be our first visit to the city at night.
As planned, we gathered t 5.00 pm to take the bus to Queen Victoria Building (QVB). There was a group of people I had not met before, but we later got acquainted. We arrived at QVB after 45 minutes of bus ride. After the delay caused by some confusion over the place to dine (which is a norm if you go out in group) we walked to Chinatown to have dinner. Yeah, Chinese food finally! So we began to scan the menu for spicy food! It was a hearty meal, but definitely not a match to the food at home.
It was about 7.45pm when we got to Oxford Street, the place where the parade would begin. We had to stand at the back because the roadsides were all packed to the brim. Some even resorted to climbing trees to get better view! Then the parade started!
The parade kicked off with paraders carrying the flags of countries that condemn homosexuality and such. Yes, I could spot the Malaysian flag amongst them! Then, more and more contingents emerged, all with different style and theme. The themes were witty, often associated with the organization they represented, but some featured mundane issues such as AIDS and the environment. Bright, ornate floats, scantily-clad paraders with their well-choreographed moves (but some just went about having fun), and the excited crowd transformed the street to a sea of colours. Towards the end, the sky was illuminated with the glitter of fireworks, but most people (myslef included) were just too busy watching the parade. The Mardi Gras parade came to a closure after the last contingent marched past. All the pomp and gaiety subsided, but love was in the air, as homosexual couples in the crowd started kissing. That concluded one of the most fabulous events in Sydney and the experience in the public event is surely not the same as the previous tours around the city. It was a time well spent and trip worth making.
As planned, we gathered t 5.00 pm to take the bus to Queen Victoria Building (QVB). There was a group of people I had not met before, but we later got acquainted. We arrived at QVB after 45 minutes of bus ride. After the delay caused by some confusion over the place to dine (which is a norm if you go out in group) we walked to Chinatown to have dinner. Yeah, Chinese food finally! So we began to scan the menu for spicy food! It was a hearty meal, but definitely not a match to the food at home.
It was about 7.45pm when we got to Oxford Street, the place where the parade would begin. We had to stand at the back because the roadsides were all packed to the brim. Some even resorted to climbing trees to get better view! Then the parade started!
The parade kicked off with paraders carrying the flags of countries that condemn homosexuality and such. Yes, I could spot the Malaysian flag amongst them! Then, more and more contingents emerged, all with different style and theme. The themes were witty, often associated with the organization they represented, but some featured mundane issues such as AIDS and the environment. Bright, ornate floats, scantily-clad paraders with their well-choreographed moves (but some just went about having fun), and the excited crowd transformed the street to a sea of colours. Towards the end, the sky was illuminated with the glitter of fireworks, but most people (myslef included) were just too busy watching the parade. The Mardi Gras parade came to a closure after the last contingent marched past. All the pomp and gaiety subsided, but love was in the air, as homosexual couples in the crowd started kissing. That concluded one of the most fabulous events in Sydney and the experience in the public event is surely not the same as the previous tours around the city. It was a time well spent and trip worth making.
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