The Fortress

I'm in Sydney this week -- one of the world's most beautiful cities. Even more amazing, I'm staying in an apartment right on the harbour's edge, with beautiful views.

But even as I write this entry, Sydney is going into lock down.

The threat of violence during the APEC summit has made strict security measures necessary.

With the exception of war, security arrangements for the APEC conference are the biggest ever mounted in Australia.

Activists claim Sydney is being turned into a fortress.

Steel and concrete barriers have been erected around the city. For the past two days I've been walking through them into a different world. But then again, Sydney is a different world this week.

Its a little unnerving, but at the same time, I do feel safer.

There are 3,500 police on the beat. Sitting in the media centre today I saw a troop of officers walk past. I don't think I've ever quite seen anything of this magnitude before.

I haven't seen any prostesters, but my cab driver this morning told me they are around. All I've seen are throngs of tourists, enjoying the emerald city's early spring sunshine.

I went out to dinner this evening on the King Street Wharf where a festive atmosphere prevailed. We ate seafood, drank wine and enjoyed the vibe.

What a city of contrasts Sydney is at the moment.