Sydney Opera 3

The last part of our day was not with the tour.  The boat dropped us off right by the Sydney Opera House. 

There are dozens of restaurants along the water with thousands of people enjoying the day.  It was early for most to start supper but we needed to eat a light supper before a concert at the Sydney Opera House.  

We found a nice spot along the river and split a plate of tortellini with some sort of sausage ~~ and people watched.  The guys seem to dress down and the girls seem to dress up!  Don't know how all those young women walk on the 5inch heels and keep their buns covered with those short skirts!!

 We also watched one of those super big cruise 🚢 ships leave port and head out to sea.  What an amazing feat with just a narrow spot to back up between the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House.  Then it swings around using side thrusters and heads out.

After primping a bit and changing from my hiking shoes into sandals, we met up with our friends and attended an incredible concert at the Opera House.  What an experience!

We took a tour there yesterday and learned much about its architect and its development.  It took 15 years to build and cost over 100 million.  By a lottery they paid it off within the first 3 years of being open.  There are 5 venues in the building.  1600 programs a year...concerts, plays, children's programs....you name it they do it!  Arnold Schwarzenegger won a big bodybuilding competition there once years ago.  Anybody remember that detail!?!

The gal did a great job with the private tour..

I am running out of time.  I've included a collage of pictures....daytime ones are from the tour and night times ones are from the concert. 

Ceiling in one of the lobby areas.  They had about150 architects who submitted their ideas for the site.  A Finnish man won the hearts of those in charge.  Simple but interesting lines. 

 

View from the Opera House towards downtown...

View from downtown towards the Opera House...

You can see a smallllll section of the restaurants and crowds here.

  

Our friend Gordon was at the top of the bridge at this point!

  

The roofing is actually white ceramic tiles..

Our tour guide - in the large 2700 seat concert hall.  

  

One of the interesting walls in the lobby...

The stage in one of the smaller concert halls...

 

 

 

 

The night of the concert by the Sydney Symphony and Chorus.

  

Pam, Judith and Nancy

 

The tour and the concert were both fantastic.  So glad we were able to fit them in.  I was exhausted by the time our 'free to do what you want day' was over.  Still dragging a bit today...but loving the experience.