Today we experienced a change in the weather - down to 20 C (68 F), cloudy with a few showers. This was a welcome change after 38 C (88 F) in the interior yesterday. In the morning we walked to the harbour and booked our tour of the Sydney Opera House.
When the project was awarded in 1957 by an international jury to Danish architect Jorn Utzon, the prediction was that it would take 4 years and 7 million dollars to complete. The opera house was opened in 1973 at a cost of over 102 million dollars. It is comprised of three groups of interlocking shells covered in ceramic tiles which roof two main performance halls for concerts and operas. These shell structures are set upon a vast platform. Beneath the main halls are three smaller theatres.
The tour promises 200 steps and they are not kidding. Only the most recent renovation of the opera hall provided elevators to assist those unable to climb steps.
Our next adventure was a harbour cruise with Captain Cook.
Our two hour cruise with Elizabeth at the microphone gave us an appreciation of the history of the harbour from aboriginal times to present day. The harbour's 240 km shoreline is lined with golden beaches, gardens, vibrant neighbourhoods, historic buildings and vast treed areas of national parkland.
We walked to Darling Harbour for dinner. An Australian prawn (shrimp) is a meal in itself!
1 comment:
Ruth and Jack it is easy to see that this trip is such a wonderful way to celebrate your 50 year together. Thank you for sharing.
Post a Comment