Sydney

This might be the easiest Where in the World yet. The iconic building in front of which Ethan and Siena stand was designed before the technology was developed to complete it. It was supposed to take 5 years and $4 million dollars, and ended up taking 15 years and over a $100 mill. The young Scandinavian architect got so fed up with the bureaucracy that he finally threw up his hands and left in disgust. We are told he has never returned to see his completed masterpiece. This is the Sydney Opera House.

We spend 3 fabulous days exploring this wonderful city. Sydney is very much a harbor city, and we take ferries from cove to cove. The ferry out to Manly beach was particularly exciting. The 20’ waves washed over the front, and the boat pitched and rolled. The passengers all treated it like an amusement park ride, and there were laughs and shouts as each wave hit. One gentleman, who bravely stayed on the bow deck for the entire voyage, told us that he had been coming out here his whole life and had never been drenched by the waves before today. How lucky for us, I guess… The beach at Manly was closed because of the waves, but it was a beauty anyway.

We wandered around the city, taking way too many pictures of the bridge and the Opera house. Fellow engineers might find it interesting that the two concrete pillars are there just for looks, and to instill confidence in those who cross it. It is the arch that supports the bridge.

Sydney is gorgeous in the day and truly special at night. The smell of the salt water, the gentle lapping of the waves, the ferries ferrying around, lots of people walking, the reflection of the lights in the water—just fabulous! The Australians are friendly and outgoing. We strike up conversations on the ferries, in restaurants, on the beach and in pubs. This is another place we feel perfectly at home. Kim was even asking locals questions regarding the job market, he of no job at home…

One rainy afternoon, we went bar hopping in the Rocks, the oldest section of Sydney. After several cozy places, we happened upon a new favorite bar in the world, The Lord Nelson. Having had friends and relatives recommend it to us, we were not surprised to find we liked it. The home-brewed beers were excellent. I had the Three Sheets (although I wasn’t) and Kim had the Trafalgar. Mine had a hint of citrus to its nose, almost like a weiss beer with lemon, whilst the Trafalgar was more of a bitter. We both like ours much better than the other, and finished them off quickly. They weren’t cheap—like $5.75 for a pint—but very tasty!

No Worries~!
The Beatties