Sydney Opera House

Today was the big day for me – I had planned a guided tour through the Sydney Opera House while Sigi was at conference. He left early again, I shortly thereafter for a quick bite at “Dendu’s” for breakfast, then on to the # 555 free shuttle bus from Central Station to Circular Quay. I had to walk on foot first down Harris Street to George which turns into Pitt Street then right into Eddy to the bus stop. No problem, I found my way and waited patiently for about 20 min. for our bus. Arriving at the Circular Quay I got a ticket for the 1 hour tour at 11 am and paid the price for an “International Senior” (over 60)… Our guide James handed our group of about 25 people earphones and explained the “ins and outs, do’s and don’ts” of the tour. We all had to park our bag packs in cubby holes and weren’t allowed to take pics inside the various theatres. He made us aware of the roughly 200 stairs we had to climb, in case anybody wanted to bow out… Then the tour began. What a marvellous architectural structure – inside and out. Everything is super modern, Danish in design with light birch wood, steel and concrete. The seats in the theatres were super comfortable but looked hyper modern, being made from light wood and red upholstery. Very ergonomical indeed!! One can imagine sitting in those for hours on end.

James explained the history of the Opera House, mentioned the Danish architect Joern Utzon who won the design competition for the opera in the late fifties, the problems along the way of construction and the millions of budget overruns. In the end, Utzon was released from the contract, he resigned, and a team of Australian architects and engineers finished the project. It took almost 14 years to do this, and in 1973 the Queen officially opened the Sydney Opera House.

I can very well imagine to see Puccini’s “La Bohème” opera or “Swan Lake” ballet in these grand theatres. Unfortunately all is sold out and has been for months.

Back at the hotel I met Sigi – we rested up for the conference banquet at 7 pm. This was a very well organized affair with a champagne reception and a very delicious dinner. Entertainment was given between courses by engineering students who had artistic talents of piano playing and opera singing. Very animated and professional!! We were all delighted by the charming performances! After dinner a competition was held for the location of the next conference in 2014 at either Brisbane, Wollongong or Byron Bay (Southern Cross) Universities. All conference participants had one vote, after each presenter introduced the high academic achievements and particular benefits of their university as well as the superior recreational possibilities of their region. In the end Southern Cross University in Byron Bay won.

Another entertainer, hailing from Hawaii, took to the stage and warmed up the crowd with rock, blues and jazz songs that didn’t keep Sigi and me on our chairs. We got up and danced, very much to the pleasure of the others… I got a lovely fragrant lei from the singer as a small thank you for livening up the show!

It was a great day with many interesting events and fascinating people. We got ‘home’ to the hotel at midnight.