2006-03-01: Opera House
After settling into our hotel we headed down the hill two blocks to the harbor and Circular Quay. The Opera House is Sydney's most famous architectural masterpiece and is often described as the 8th wonder of the world. It is a stunning building!
2006-03-01: Friends
We met up with Sheila, Chris, Nancy and Bob while we were wandering around the Circular Quay. We decided to eat at one of the open air restaurants where we could enjoy the view of the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge.
2006-03-02: Mrs. Macquarie's Chair
Our first stop on our city tour was the hill across the harbor where, in 1810, Mrs. Macquarie (the first governor's wife) like to sit and admire the view. Her chair is long gone, but here you can capture the beauty of Sydney Harbor including the Opera House and Harbor Bridge.
2006-03-02: Sydney Opera House
Our next stop was the Opera House where we had a guided tour. The Symphony Hall has seating for 1500 and is beautifully built of native woods. Richard got to sing for us here - he has an amazing voice which sounded incredible in this hall. The Opera Hall was in transition when we got there - the set was being changed and the piano tuner was doing his thing.
2006-03-02: Flower
We've seen some pretty flowers on this trip. This one caught my eye because of it's spider like features.
2006-03-02: Old And New
Here in Sydney we continue to see the old mixed in with the new. This Victorian was tucked in between two modern buildings.
2006-03-02: Bondi Beach
Joe and Tryna enjoyed a stroll on Bondi Beach, one of Australia's most famous surf beaches. The white sand is as fine as talc.
2006-03-02: Pub
Neat little pubs are intermingled with skyscrapers. This one is in an old bank building which is kind of unique.
2006-03-02: Convict Children
As we arrived back at the Quay to board the harbor cruise boat we saw these school children who were obviously involved in a history field trip. Anyone who is of Australian descent has a convict in their family tree since this country was started as a penal colony.
2006-03-02: Ibis
How amazing to see ibis walking free in the parks. The only place we had ever seen them before was in a zoo!
2006-03-02: Aboriginals
We had heard the didgeridoo played in stores but today we got to hear it played by native street performers. There was dancing, chanting and didgeridoo'ing - what fun!
2006-03-02: Harbor Cruise
Our Harbor Cruise gave us an opportunity to see this unique bridge called Madonna's Bra...
2006-03-02: Opera House
...the Opera House from another vantage point...
2006-03-02: Us
...and to be photographed.