Travel is still one of the best ways to expand one's horizons. Personally, I can't get enough of it. And it was my good fortune in September of 2000, to travel to Sydney, Australia for the last week of the 2000 Summer Olympics. What a great way to see Sydney for the first time (Figure 1).

On this trip, however, the fascinating sights almost took a back seat to the marvel of the Australian people. They are kind, cordial, generous and full of humor, eager for you to enjoy and appreciate all their country has to offer. As hosts, they surpass anything I have ever experienced.

It was on my first day at the Olympic Village that I was exposed to that special brand of Aussie hospitality. The Sydney 2000 Olympics (Figure 2) was assisted by 47,000 eager volunteers who managed ticket booths, security stations, information kiosks, vending stations, janitorial services, and a myriad of other services needed to ensure the Games ran smoothly. Because of a serendipitous meeting, I was able to gain access to the Press Center for one day. My task was to report on what happened there, and to interview people involved in press activities. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the Press Center gates, I was told by the two volunteers that I had the wrong credentials. It seems the color of my pass indicated I was supposed to be escorted at all times.

The volunteers, however, found a way to make the best out of a bad situation. One of the two security people offered me her personal mobile phone and said, "Go ahead and call your contact so you can arrange for an escort." This with a pay phone only a few meters away. I made my call, and was told I would have to wait for awhile. I was a bit ill at ease. I started to pace around on what had become a very warm spring day, about 82 degrees F. Sensing my temporary discomfort, the other security person invited me to sit down in a chair, under a big beach umbrella. It didn't seem to matter that this would mean they would be forced to stand under the hot sun. My concerns for them were met with, "No worries, mate. We have to be on our feet anyway to look at the passes," and, "By the way, want a bottle of water?" To think these people were not even getting paid!

My second experience with the Australian way came on my rare outing away from the Olympic Village. Prior to leaving home, I had done some research on Sydney, and had discovered an interesting Web site describing the Quarantine Station at Manley (Figure 3). It is only thirty to forty minutes from Sydney, and is known for some of the most beautiful beaches within Sydney Harbour, as well as a selection of intersting restaurants and quiet suburban living. I decided to take a day away from the Games and play tourist. I found out which ferry to take to Manley, had a pleasant ride across Sydney Harbour, and within minutes of debarking from the ferry, I was taxied to my final destination.

The Quarantine Station is now a park (Figure 4), with guided tours of the facilities which were used until only a few years ago to inspect and certify the health and well-being of arriving ship's crew and passengers. There I was, trying to orient myself, when the Park Ranger came out of his office and asked if he could be of some assistance. As if anticipating my problem, he gently informed me that everyone is required to make reservations with an official tour guide before coming to the Station. Oops! Another tourist oversight. My taxi had already left, and I was about to look for a phone to call another one. The Ranger anticipated my need once again, and invited me into his office to use his phone. "Here's the telephone number for the tours, sir. Please feel free to place a call." None of the expected phrases like, "You'll have to leave," or "How did you get in here?" or the under-the-breath muttering of "another crazy Yank." Instead, I was greeted with a friendly face and kind words: "No worries, mate. I can answer any questions you may have until the tour gets here."

I waited in his office for ninety minutes: ninety minutes filled with lively conversation about the Quarantine Station (Figure 5), it's history, it's current use, and more (Figure 6). In the end, his greatest concern was that the Park is in danger of being overrun by developers who want to build a hotel and other commercial facilities. His one request was that I let anyone and everyone know that such a move will downgrade the significance of the Station and what it means to Sydney.

What started out as a traveler's faux pas, turned into a wonderful learning experience that no official tour could have provided. This Ranger demonstrated to me, a total stranger, the passion and zest for life that I had found with so many other "Sydneysiders." But the day was not over yet.

After a long, hot, five hours of touring the Quarantine Station, and talking with the staff, I hopped onto the local bus that takes visitors to the quay for the ferry back to Sydney. While waiting for the boat to arrive, I struck up a conversation with an Australian couple. I conveyed how happy I was to be in Sydney, and complimented them on what a wonderful job everyone was doing. They actually seemed to blush with embarrassment. The ferry arrived, and we went our separate ways.

As the boat tied up at the dock back in Sydney, I found myself standing behind the same couple I had chatted with in Manley. I suddenly remembered that I had two tickets to the women's semi-final basketball game that evening, and that I would not be able to attend. So, I walked over to see if this couple would be interested in using the tickets, instead.

I re-introduced myself, and asked what their plans were for the evening. The wife explained that they lived in Manley, and had come over for dinner in Sydney. Their next question took me totally by surprise: "Would you care to join us?" They did not know my name, they knew nothing about me, but they were more than willing to share their meal with a visitor to their city! As I had another engagement to attend (Figure 7), I had to decline their generous offer.

As I flew home to San Francisco (Figure 8), I knew I wanted to return to Australia. All I would need was an hour's notice to pack, and I would be ready. I can't wait to see more of this enticing country. But as much as wanting to see the beautiful scenery, I look forward to once again feeling the warmth of the Australian people (Figure 9).

By the way, that couple from Manley? They gladly accepted the tickets to the basketball game. The smiles on their faces made me feel I had at least partially repaid the hospitality they had shown me.

©2007 Rick Oldano
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