Had a bit of an explore around the harbour before picking up our tickets for a performance at the Opera House. We listened to 4 soloists performing famous arias from operas including Carmen, Madam Butterfly and La Boheme. They were all excellent and were accompanied by an equally excellent pianist. Really enjoyed it all and at the end we all joined in the chorus of 'Brindisi' from La Traviata. We have both sung in the Sydney Opera House!
Day 2:
Still love Sydney! Today we went on a walking tour of the city. We were told the history of the Rocks, the location of our hotel. This was the area where the original convicts were housed and was a rough area. Now it is full of chic bars and resturaunts and is a protected area of Australia's history.
We went on to see other areas and buildings of historical significance. Saw a statue of Flinders, the explorer who circumnavigated Australia with his cat, Trim.
Then went on to the Botanic Gardens where we met Genny and Mike Noglik who are here visiting their son! Michael and his family. We spent a pleasant afternoon in the gardens and then on a boat trip to Milson(?) point where we left them and walked back over the Harbour bridge.
Lovely views of the opera house. What a stunning building! The original estimate to build the Opera House was £7M, which rose to £102M on completion, puts the Orchard into perspective eh? The architect, Jorn Utzon, never saw the completed structure, how sad.
This evening we met up with a couple who are holidaying in Australia. We went for aperitifs on a bar in Australia Square. This has a revolving resturaunt/bar on the 47th floor, with stunning views as you can imagine.
Our time in Sydney has been too short. We would love to come back if we get the chance.
Aaagh! Such fond memories! Our Concert on New Years Eve was wonderful too. A great finale to our trip. Read in the paper Rory Mcilroy proposed to Wozniacki under the Bridge on New Years Eve - we were in the Opera House!
ReplyDeleteSydney definitely has an aura all of its own. The Rocks and Circular Quay have so much atmosphere. There was a huge Japanese Liner moored there on our last day! We could see the Open Air Cinema! Sorry you missed QM2 whilst in Melbourne. You can buy a photograph album with a wooden cover and Australia and New Zealand in relief on the cover. You can buy online and will send it home. I have one but haven't made it up yet - a rainy day project!