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S Is for Sydney

Next stop in our A to Z Challenge tour around the world, Sydney, Australia

Please excuse yesterday's hiatus, but I've reached the point in the A to Z where I came to a block in my blogging. It's my norm for the A to Z and I'm pleased that I've been moving along and only came to my blogging block at "S." In an effort to get back on the travel road I've made a sudden itinerary change and flew 10,000 miles from Rome to beautiful Sydney, Australia. We'll return to Europe for "U." 

I loved visiting Sydney in 2018. I didn't think I could love a harbor as much as I do New York, but Sydney was easily as breath-taking. At the risk of being disloyal to New York City, Sydney may have perhaps the most beautiful harbor I've ever seen. The jewel of the Sydney harbor is the magnificent opera house. I've seen many pictures of the Sydney Opera House, but seeing it in person was breathtaking, whether during my tour of the Opera House or at a distance. 

  The Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge at sundown...

...And at night

Inside the Opera House

The Sydney Opera House was begun in 1959 and completed in 1973. The project was originally estimated for four years, but the complexity and the vision of the architecture posed many challenges during the construction. When Queen Elizabeth dedicated it on October 20, 1973 her remarks spoke to these challenges, and she observed, "The human spirit must sometimes take wings or sails, and create something that is not just utilitarian or commonplace."  

In the last while I've been watching a number of video performances and have found some interesting and enjoyable programs. I'm always on the lookout for new venues and was happy to see the programs listed on the Sydney Opera website.What shows have you found that you've especially enjoyed?

I've been closing posts with information about our next destination, but I've got two very different places in mind for tomorrow's "T." We may go 4600 miles to Thailand or we may fly 9800 miles to Turkey. Which would be your  choice?

We had a beautiful spring day in New York today and I enjoyed seeing tulips all over the neighborhood. So grateful for everyone who thoughts ahead last fall. Tomorrow I've got a Zoom get-together with  friends and then catch up with Pink Saturday and go blog visiting.  What are your plans for the day? 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. Much love and wash your hands!

11 comments

Chatty Crone said...

I have always wanted to go to Australia - long flight. I have seen that music house before. I would go to Thailand and Turkey.

Dorothy In PA said...

What a lovely post. I have just found your blog.

Tomorrow I will update my Peapod order. I was happy to get one in a reasonable time. I will also chat with some doll collector friends.

I vote for Thailand as the next destination.

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Lovely trip to Australia! Would love to visit Sydney's Opera too.
Thaïlande is ok for you? See you tomorrow ;)
Quilting Patchwork & Appliqué

Richard B said...

Very Nice, Australia is on our list and hopefully once we all our safe. Thailand, Vietnam too. We so miss traveling. Be well and stay safe

Mevely317 said...

Wow. Photo #2 just gave me goosebumps! I can only imagine the thrill to see that harbor in person. Next stop? My vote's going to Turkey.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

That harbor and the view is beautiful. How nice to have been able to see it. You are a world traveler for sure !It is truly wonderful to see some Spring flowers finally in bloom. My neighbor has daffodils, tulips and hyacinths blooming.

R's Rue said...

Beautiful

Ginny Hartzler said...

Both Thailand and Turkey sound equally exotic to me! Oh my, your photos of the opera house are beautiful! And I have never seen the inside. Queen Elizabeth's speech really nailed it.

LC said...

Your travels are amazing. We have been abroad I think only 5 or six times to at least a dozen countries. We had planned on more travel, but after my hemorrhagic stroke our last overseas flight was painful for me. Our tours in the Baltic Sea countries were exhilarating but challenging. Hubby didn't complain, but he was physically challenged pushing me in a transporter on cobblestones and up and down inclines. We both are thankful we made that trip, but five years have passed and more health and physical challenges confront me and him. You can see why I appreciate your alphabet tour so much!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

And now I hope even more to get to Australia and to se that harbor and opera house. Thanks for the introduction to both. The night view of the opera house was quite spectacular, Buttercup.

Alana said...

I've never been off the North American continent but Australia has been on my bucket list (such as a child could have a bucket list) since forever. I just retired so...now I can't go anywhere! But I am going to get to Sydney. One day. I grew up in New York City and I can't imagine something more beautiful than New York Harbor, so now I can't wait. Thank you for visiting my A to Z blog.