I’ve had a crazy day, running between meetings in Sydney. Actually, running is a misnomer. I’ve actually spent a major part of the day sitting in taxis, stuck in terrible traffic. Like most big cities, particularly one with lots of bridges and tunnels, Sydney’s traffic is never very good. But the impending final of the Rugby World Cup has brought this town near gridlock.
I did meet some excellent people, however, about which more later. But the one thoroughly joyful experience today was in the principal quadrangle of the University of Sydney. It’s standard collegiate gothic, although very well done. But in one corner of the quad there was a completely stunning tree in full flower. I asked the receptionist what it was. Jacaranda. This has to be the jacaranda to end all jacarandas. Worth a detour at this time of year.