Few people may know that the original plans for the Sydney Opera House, one of the most architectural and aesthetically spectacular structures in the world, were fished out of the reject bin. In 1957, when Sydney held its "design our next Opera House" contest, Danish architect Jorn Utzen's entry #218 was not even in the running as a finalist until one of the judges stumbled across it and declared it outstanding. I guess the lesson out of this is that some things are worth a second look.That said, I'm glad I returned to Sydney for a second look.
Went to Sydney, one of the most beautiful big cities in the world, over the weekend. Though I was there just last year, there were several things I was not able to see and do, and was happy to get back with my Australian friend, Renae, for more. Following are some of the highlights of the trip:
- Attended a symphony in the main concert hall of the Sydney Opera House, Mahler's 5th: Tears and Ecstasy (or "E" as it's known on the street). Attending an event at this venue, like spitting into the Grand Canyon, is one of those life experiences you really must have before you die. It was outstanding both in experience and performance, and a definite highlight of this trip. (See photo of venue above).
- Toured the Blue Mountains: A beautiful countryside getaway roughly 100 kilometers outside of Sydney, I snuck out of the city to take a guided day trip here. Called the Blue Mountains because of the way the light is refracted by the eucalyptus oil in the air casting a blue shadow on to the ranges, it's most fun to see on a rickety bus with a bunch of young Dutchees. Our tour guide, Jim, one of the most friendly and affable persons you will ever meet, was a retired Greek Fire Captain, which, on the scale of people who like to tell stories, pretty much maxes him out. Jim talked the entire nine hours of the trip, sharing with us the detailed history of everything, and as a bonus, threw in a point-by-point comparative analysis of how the Sydney 2000 Olympics were superior in each and every way to the following Greek Olympics in 2004, which he spits on. Sometime around when we were covering the Neo Pleistocene era, the bus arrived at Katoomba, where we took a hike down into a canyon to see waterfalls and the "Three Sisters" rock formation. We took the scenic railway, the steepest inclined railway in the world (it was more like a roller coaster than a train) back to the top. On the way back, we toured the Sydney Olympic Village, an elaborate maze of arenas, train stations, and living quarters, the venue that hosted the Olympics here a decade ago. ANZ (zed) arena can hold up to 90,000 people and is mostly used for footie now.
- James Squire Brewery Restaurant: Darling Harbor, where our hotel was located, is also the home of JSBR. James Squire is my Aussie Karl Strauss (Brewing Co), and an Amber Ale is a great way to end a long day of sight seeing.
- Bondi Beach: Bondi is one of the most famous beaches in Australia, and home to "Bondi Rescue," the reality show following the harrowing efforts of the Bondi Surf Life Savers, San Diego "Beach Patrol's" Aussie cousin. Bondi reminds me a lot of Mission Beach. We also visited Manly Beach, which in my opinion is a better beach, maybe just not as flash.
- As always, good to see old and meet new Sydney mates, they are the ones that really make the trip worthwhile.
Well, this is likely my last post from Oz. I leave next Thursday, and after a stop in New Zealand, will be home. Any last requests, let me know.
Did you know?? After the project was beset by huge cost overruns and construction delays, Utzen resigned and left in 1966 before the Opera House was completed. He did not attend the grand opening with Queen Elizabeth II in 1973 and never returned to see his finished masterpiece before his death in 2008 at age 90.
Did you also know?? Danish architects are superior grudge holders.
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