Good Sunday Morning All!
I know it has been a while since my last post. I've been avoiding politics and all the negativity in our world right now. So now I want to share some of the most beautiful places in the world with you.
I recently had a two week experience traveling in Australia and New Zealand. What a fantastic bucket list experience was crammed into those two weeks.
I guess the most iconic picture that comes to mind when we hear Australia is the Sydney Opera House. I know it was quite high on my bucket list!
And believe me, it was everything I had expected and so much more. The Opera House was formally opened in 1973 after having first been conceived in 1957. There was an international design competition, resulting in the choice of a Danish Architect, Jorn Utzon. Although there was question as to the feasibility of the design, due to the fact that Utzon had not consulted engineers on its construction, the feat was accomplished with the cooperation of engineers who decided the roof shells would be constructed of precast concrete and supported by steel ribs. No small task. Steel cables placed inside gave the comleted the skeleton the structural strength needed. Utzon insisted there be no holes in the roof. We were afforded a private tour led by a Maori decendant who share much of this history of the ground on which the Opera House is sitting. This property, Bennelong Point, is so named because of an Aboriginal man who was captured and brought to Sydney Cove in 1789.
Sydney has some of the best restaurants in the World. We climbed aboard a Sea Plane and flew to Palm Beach (yep still in Australia) and flew down the coast to Jonah's. The views and the seafood were both beyond compare.
By the way ALL the seafood in Australia is expertly prepared and absolutely delicious. Funny note here is that this Maryland girl actually ate her FIRST RAW OYSTER in Sydney!
There is so much more I want to share with you about Sydney! Join me again for Sydney Part Two.
God Bless and Happy Traveling.
I know it has been a while since my last post. I've been avoiding politics and all the negativity in our world right now. So now I want to share some of the most beautiful places in the world with you.
I recently had a two week experience traveling in Australia and New Zealand. What a fantastic bucket list experience was crammed into those two weeks.
I guess the most iconic picture that comes to mind when we hear Australia is the Sydney Opera House. I know it was quite high on my bucket list!
And believe me, it was everything I had expected and so much more. The Opera House was formally opened in 1973 after having first been conceived in 1957. There was an international design competition, resulting in the choice of a Danish Architect, Jorn Utzon. Although there was question as to the feasibility of the design, due to the fact that Utzon had not consulted engineers on its construction, the feat was accomplished with the cooperation of engineers who decided the roof shells would be constructed of precast concrete and supported by steel ribs. No small task. Steel cables placed inside gave the comleted the skeleton the structural strength needed. Utzon insisted there be no holes in the roof. We were afforded a private tour led by a Maori decendant who share much of this history of the ground on which the Opera House is sitting. This property, Bennelong Point, is so named because of an Aboriginal man who was captured and brought to Sydney Cove in 1789.
The structure contains SIX different venues and the main hall is home to the Sydney Opera. The Sydney Opera House Grand Organ is magnificent! It is the world's largest mechanical tracker-action pipe organ. Beautiful and amazing this hall has been host to performers from around the world. Sitting in this grand auditorium is an amazing experience in itself, I can't imagine what HEARING that organ would be like!
Of course, the Opera House is not the only attraction in the lovely, cosmopolitan city of Sydney. The harbor is amazing, teeming with sailing vessels every day. The Bridge is beautiful, and if you are so inclined, (and have $200 to spend) you can be escorted along the top rails to the middle! I'm sure the view from there is incredible, but I decided on a Sea Plan ride instead, not being quite athletic or adventurous enough to take on the climb!
Sydney has some of the best restaurants in the World. We climbed aboard a Sea Plane and flew to Palm Beach (yep still in Australia) and flew down the coast to Jonah's. The views and the seafood were both beyond compare. 
There is so much more I want to share with you about Sydney! Join me again for Sydney Part Two.
God Bless and Happy Traveling.
No comments:
Post a Comment