Didn’t realized APEC was on over this week until I arrived. Over the past week, the city’s security was significantly beefed up and a huge fence was erected from the area where the VVVVIP were staying to the Opera House where the summit will be held. Police were also deployed all over city to step up security. Even alot of dustbins were sealed, yes with police tapes and all to, presumably to reduce chances of bomb attacks.

 

Here are some images,

 

    

Intercontinental Hotel (the background), which houses some of the most important people for this summit, including Mr. Bush. The fence covered all roads leading to the hotel, including those to the Opera House. Snipers were also deployed on some rooftops of nearby buildings.

 

The fence stretches across the roads at Circular Quay. Traffic were diverted, including buses.

 

A wharf at Circular Quay. Nothing to do with APEC, but after looking at all the barricades and security fences, can’t help but take a shot at another. Ferry services were also changed or disrupted for security reasons.

 

An onlooker watching the dozens of helicopters that circled the city constantly, while the sounds of their whirring rotors resonate throughout the entire city. (can’t they use helis with more rotor blades?)

 

I think most travelers here are like me, not knowing the inconveniences, especially when the Opera House is being blocked for the rest of the week. People were seen taking photos through the fence, some even approached the guards and asked them to help them with the pictures. Should’ve just engaged a photographer there:P

 

 Amid all the money ($250million) and efforts put into beefing up it’s security, the Police were dealt with a blow when a TV crew, disguised as Canadian president’s motorcade managed to sneak past 2 security checkpoints to Intercontinental Hotel. They were only busted when they decided to turn back and the TV comedian, dressed in Osama Bin Laden got out of the car and said something like, ‘I’m an important world leader why don’t I have a seat at the APEC table?‘ (click for references from news.com.au). (Click for photos from abc.net.au). I can tell why the chief of police is mad… it may well be his last term as chief when Johnny hears this.

 

Here’s the end of my little update on APEC 2007. Pity I’m too sick to walk out of the house today, else I think it’d be interesting to catch some demonstration today before the full blown one tomorrow. Read the news the expected turnout is about 5000 – 10000 people. Sounds like a big party to me!  I shall be patient, tomorrow I’ll go have a look:) 

 

[tags]Photography, Sydney, 2007, APEC, Opera House, Travel, Security[/tags]