Return To Parramatta, NSW

I used to work there, having figured out its initially unique one way roads and grid lay out.

Like with Kuala Lumpur, I have mixed feelings about Parramatta and the way it has changed and developed.

It holds a special place in recent Australian history, having been the first inland settlement for the colonising Brits after they established themselves at Port Jackson, now known as Sydney's Rocks district.

Parramatta the name is based on a reference to "where the river ends" but today serves as the administrative centre for the New South Wales State Government and has demographics NSW Governor Macquarie in the late 18th century could have never imagined. The regional centre rivals some other Australian capital cities in terms of business, tax contribution and variety of cultures.

(Image above shows how to create captivating bouquets out of lollies in a Parramatta business near the Church Street Mall).

The Town Hall in Parramatta on a cloudy July Sunday in 2010.

All images in this write-up were taken on the run with an I Phone concurrently with a shopping frenzy chill out

by the author of this website. Shopping in Parramatta is centred on an extensive Westfield centre, but amazingly some shops do more than survive along its original CBD streets.

Innovative display window from Gymboree.

Image above taken at the Hype DC store near the cinemas. I could not resist getting one of the Pointer canvas casual shoes, assisted by Mark.

The Ed Hardy outlet, a rare find in Australia, along Church Street Mall.

Spanish inspired chocs found in an ambient cafe along the dining strip of Church Street.

South Indian influenced mee rebus from the main Malaysian restaurant along George Street in Parramatta. The dish was spicy, had fresh cut chili bits and depends on a tasty potato-based stock for the essential gravy. Deep fried soya bean cakes, hard boiled eggs, Hokkien noodles, prawns and aromatic herbs are added for body. Rebus means simmered.

Hmmn, I wonder what they sell - this unusual sign is found along George Street.

Another version of the ice kacang, this time from southern peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.

How will the primary Anglo-Christian culture in Parramatta accommodate and share the space with other influences and religions? What is being transformed in this area has significant impact on the socio-political landscape of New South Wales.

(Image above - Sunset at St John's Cathedral)