Aussie word of the day: torch = flashlight.
Sydney was stunning. Of course there were throngs of people visiting for the New Year's Eve holiday, but despite the abundance of people the lines to get into places were still reasonably short and the streets were uncrowded. After the big New Year's Eve night - did I mention it was surreal being in Sydney on New Year's? - we began our site seeing at the Opera House. This was an interesting tour, mostly historically based on the design and development of the building and the amount of time and money it took to build. The Opera House is comprised of two main stages; the Opera House or theatre, which is housed in the smaller of the two buildings that make up the Opera House and the larger of the two buildings which hosts music concerts, generally of the classical genre. Of course, there are more theatres/ stages housed within the Opera House than just the two main stages, one of which is used as the site for which the whole fireworks display on New Year's Eve is controlled via computers.
Our next tour was on a harbour cruise around Sydney Harbour which provided much relaxation, morning tea, and a glance at some of the wealthiest real estate in Sydney including Nicole Kidman's and Russell Crowe's harbourside digs. Then it was on to the great Bridge Climb! A nerve wracking experience when looking up at the groups of people climbing up the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but after much preparation that included full body windsuits, climbing gear, and a climb simulator, we were on our way to the top! It turned out not to be as scary as it looked from below. At the top, we stood 440 feet above the water and had amazing views of the city and harbour, which made it well worth the climb.
At night we dined in The Rocks, one of the oldest areas in Sydney that runs adjacent to the wharf. Quaint eateries and boutiques are nestled among the souvenir shops in The Rocks where you can choose from a variety of dining options. We had German schnitzel and spatzel and beer and ate gourmet wood-fired pizza.
Unfortunately, we were unable to visit the world famous Bondi Beach or local favorite, Manly Beach, as they were closed due to rough tides from the weather. I can easily say that the few short days we were in Sydney were not enough, but an amazing time it was nonetheless. Finally, my luggage arrived the day before we left Sydney... just in time for the Whitsunday Islands.
Sydney was stunning. Of course there were throngs of people visiting for the New Year's Eve holiday, but despite the abundance of people the lines to get into places were still reasonably short and the streets were uncrowded. After the big New Year's Eve night - did I mention it was surreal being in Sydney on New Year's? - we began our site seeing at the Opera House. This was an interesting tour, mostly historically based on the design and development of the building and the amount of time and money it took to build. The Opera House is comprised of two main stages; the Opera House or theatre, which is housed in the smaller of the two buildings that make up the Opera House and the larger of the two buildings which hosts music concerts, generally of the classical genre. Of course, there are more theatres/ stages housed within the Opera House than just the two main stages, one of which is used as the site for which the whole fireworks display on New Year's Eve is controlled via computers.
Our next tour was on a harbour cruise around Sydney Harbour which provided much relaxation, morning tea, and a glance at some of the wealthiest real estate in Sydney including Nicole Kidman's and Russell Crowe's harbourside digs. Then it was on to the great Bridge Climb! A nerve wracking experience when looking up at the groups of people climbing up the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but after much preparation that included full body windsuits, climbing gear, and a climb simulator, we were on our way to the top! It turned out not to be as scary as it looked from below. At the top, we stood 440 feet above the water and had amazing views of the city and harbour, which made it well worth the climb.
At night we dined in The Rocks, one of the oldest areas in Sydney that runs adjacent to the wharf. Quaint eateries and boutiques are nestled among the souvenir shops in The Rocks where you can choose from a variety of dining options. We had German schnitzel and spatzel and beer and ate gourmet wood-fired pizza.
Unfortunately, we were unable to visit the world famous Bondi Beach or local favorite, Manly Beach, as they were closed due to rough tides from the weather. I can easily say that the few short days we were in Sydney were not enough, but an amazing time it was nonetheless. Finally, my luggage arrived the day before we left Sydney... just in time for the Whitsunday Islands.
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