Patience is a virtue" is a proverbial phrasereferring to one of the seven heavenly virtuestypically said to date back to Psychomachia, an epic poem written in the fifth century.
business: the queue / global
Patience is a virtue - Monocle
Good things come to those who wait. And wait. But is that old adage the reason why we’re all too eager to form an orderly line in anticipation of some hitherto unavailable luxury – a new phone, say, or even a particularly moreish bagel? It’s a question that has occupied the minds of a surprising number of thinkers – and probably everyone stuck at the end of a line. So why do we wait? And is it really worth it?
- By
- Annabelle Chapman,
- Gunnar Gronlid,
- Fiona Wilson,
- Lara Olszowska
- Photography
- Stephanie Füssenich,
- Yoshitsugu Fuminari,
- Harry Mitchell
The queue endures. Back before the misery of coronavirus, there was a spate of people getting in very long lines for fashion drops, over-logoed skatewear and even covetable buns. But then – phew – the pandemic killed the queue. It was replaced by text messages telling you when your time was up (not in grim reaper style, rather that your table was ready). But now?
Otherwise sane folk are queueing for loaves of bread like it’s the USSR in the 1970s.
People are voluntarily spending whole mornings in formation just to gobble a cream puff. Generation instant gratification has discovered a yearning for a very delayed payoff.
This waiting game has even ensnared the worlds of academia and psychology as people ponder what the hell is going on. Not wanting to miss out on the action, or inaction, MONOCLE gets in line to find out how lust and restraint are intertwined.
Explore the newest swimming spot in Sydney!
is beautiful and sheltered spot located at the northern end of Barangaroo Reserve and is 700 square metres. Native flora and sculpted sandstone line the Cove.
In January 2023, the NSW Government opened a swimming enclosure at Marrinawi Cove, located at the northern end of Barangaroo Reserve, as a way to revive swimming in Sydney’s famous harbour waters. The enclosure has safety netting to enclose the swimming area, railing, signage and a shower.
Please be aware that this is a natural environment with slippery and uneven surfaces, oysters, algae and other marine life present. Swimmers are encouraged to take care at all times, follow safety signage and use suitable footwear.
Frequently asked questions
What amenities are available?
Near the Cove at the Towns Place entrance is the Former Sewerage Pump House, a small brown building which has toilet facilities and shower.
How will the water quality be monitored?
Ahead of opening the enclosure we completed periodic water quality testing to ensure this is a safe place for the community to swim. Ongoing monitoring of water quality will remain in place. The NSW Government is investigating appropriate systems for the longer-term monitoring of water quality in the future.
Will the area be patrolled?
Similar to other small swimming locations on the harbour, the Marrinawi Cove area will not be staffed by swimming lifeguards or an equivalent level of monitoring.
Visitors swimming in this space will do so at their own risk.
The wider area will be monitored as an extension of the existing monitoring systems at Barangaroo to provide a level of management and response by the Rangers team in the event of an incident.
What type of safety is in place against sharks and predators?
A shark net is an integral part of the design for this location given the proximity of the location to the deep waters of Sydney Harbour. The shark net is anchored to the floor of the Cove and fully encloses the swimming area.
How will oyster growth be managed?
The Cove will be periodically cleaned (scheduled) to minimise the growth of oysters, algae and other marine life. Please note the following dates Marrinawi Cove will be closed for cleaning. Dates will have a contingency of the day before and the day after in most cases, weather pending.
Monday 1 July 2024
Tuesday 20 July 2024
Monday 19 August 2024
Monday 30 September 2024
Monday 28 October 2024
Monday 25 November 2024
Monday 23 December 2024
Are dogs permitted to swim there?
Yes, but when walking in Barangaroo, dogs need to be on a leash at all times.
Can we fish there?
No, fishing is prohibited at Barangaroo.