Sydney – final day

We have had two days of very rainy weather which limits the choices for outdoor activities. The locals tell us that it has been unusually rainy even for late summer. Yesterday, it turns out that while we were at the zoo, four people were hit by lightening at the Botanic Garden. All survived but were in critical condition. 

We took a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Totally recommend doing so if you find yourself in Sydney. Joe read yesterday that Sydney is the in the top 15 most visited places in the world. The opera house was an open lottery for architects in 1956 with 250 entries. Danish architect, Jorn Utzon, was chosen as the winner. The opera house was started in 1959 and ultimately finished in 1973. There is quite a story behind it’s construction. Most notably, for us, (scared of heights…the both of us) is that not one casualty resulted during construction while they worked without harnesses of any kind. There were many pictures of workers hanging in the air that were remarkable. The Opera House is on Bennelong Point and I’ve included a black and white picture taken inside yesterday that shows what it looked like prior to the construction. Queen Elizabeth was present for the opening of the Opera House and enjoyed it’s first performance along with Prince Phillip. So many amazing photos inside that depict it’s inception, construction and performers that have graced it’s stages. One fun fact, is that Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth was docked in the harbor yesterday and it was a sight to see.

We returned to the hotel and readied ourselves for the Gala that was arranged for us by Seabourn to meet and greet other travelers. It was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art. We were welcomed by the President of Seabourn, Natalya Leahy. Between courses we were entertained by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Absolutely stunning music…to say the very least. Lots of history of each musician was shared prior to each piece. We met some of the people we will sail with and look forward to meeting more. As I write this we are getting ready to check out of the Four Seasons Hotel and catch our transport to the ship.