In order to orientate ourselves in Sydney, Steffen and I decided to do a city sightseeing tour, including the Bondi explorer. It was the best introduction to what is where in the city and surrounds. It was fascinating, to say the least.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge
However, there were also some interesting sites like St Mark's Anglican Church in Darling Point where Sir Elton John married Renate Blauel on 14th February 1984. The church was also used for the filming of Muriel's wedding.
Bondi Beach was just as beautiful as was described with lots of activity all around.
We were disappointed with the limited amount of Aboriginees seen in Sydney but we did manage to get a pic of one near the harbour.
Aboriginal entertainment
A tour of the Sydney Opera house was a "must see" on our to-do list... and we weren't disappointed. It has a fascinating history.
The Sydney Opera House is a masterpiece of late modern architecture. It is admired internationally and proudly treasured by the people of Australia. It was created by a young architect who understood and recognised the potential provided by the site against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Denmark’s Jørn Utzon gave Australia a challenging, graceful piece of urban sculpture in patterned tiles, glistening in the sunlight and invitingly aglow at night. But there was much conflict and controversy during the building period - still incomplete but the final phase is at least in operation.
Due to major costs overruns, much public criticism and a change of government, Utzon resigned from the project in 1966. Local architects were used to complete the glass walls and interiors. Her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II offically opened the Opera House in 1973 and didn't mention Utzon at all in her speech. The Australians are still embarrassed about this omission and Australian history books have been blemised forever. However, in an act of reconciliation, Utzon was ask by the Australian goverment in 1999 to complete his original works and to consult on all future plans for the Opera House. He accepted but refused to put a foot in Australia. So, through the help of his son, Jan, he continued to consult until his death in November 2008 (aged 90) - 5 months after we had visted the Opera House.
The reception hall has been renamed the Utzon Room in honour of it's original architect
The interior of the Opera House is carpeted in purple. Now, we were told that when the late Luciano Pavarotti performed in the concert hall, he first did the tour of the Opera House and when he saw the purple carpets, he let out an enormous shriek as the colour purple is seen to be an unlucky colour to performing artists. In true Aussie style, the carpets have remained purple!
The steps outside the Concert Hall
Sydney, and in particular St Mary's Cathedral and surrounds were abuzz with the preparations for Pope Benedict XVI's visit for World Youth Day. I attended daily mass at the packed Cathedral where up to 10 visiting priests from all over the world concelebrated. It was a very special and spiritual gathering.
The front entrance to St Mary's Cathedral
The side entrance at night
Only 8 days to go!
We experienced a delay in our flight back to Johannesburg, so we were booked into the Hilton Hotel in Sydney for an extra night - nothing wrong with that...
Until my next blog, see ye later, mate.
Shaun
