Day 2 : Sydney Opera House & Harbor

Our morning started with a backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House. The design of the opera house was open to a worldwide contest in 1955 and there were 233 entries from 32 different countries. The idea that was ultimately chosen was disregarded early on, but a late judge asked to see all 233 when he arrived. On the tour they stated it was not meant to represent oranges (what I have always been told), but rather the design was to be left up to interpretation. They host concepts of course, but also many other events including sumo wrestling and recently had a Bollywood wedding in the building. We asked the approximate cost to rent for an event and the guide said about $17,000. 

The exterior of the building is all off white tiles that are self cleaning. They Sydney Opera House was the first building in the world to tile a curved surface.

After our tour, we walked to an opal museum in downtown Sydney. Australia is home to the world's largest opalized fossil collection. Most opals are found in central Australia, an area that used to be under water thousands of years ago. Opal is Australia's national gemstone and they mine 95% of the world's opals. Black opals are more rare and therefore more expensive. Our guide told us about an opals he mined that was about the size of a football and the profit was $175,000. They shape opals by hand, no machine can do this job as they try to bring out as many colors as possible in there process.

The Sydney Harbor boat tour gave us a great view of the city. We had a buffet lunch and then spent much of the time on the top of the boat taking in the sights. The weather was perfect for the cruise, not too hot or cold. The homes along the harbor are HUGE and pricey. Much of the land is currently being developed into tall skyscrapers.

After the boat, the kids had some free time in an area called "The Rocks" which is the oldest part of Sydney. An Aussie couple approached us to ask about our group (this happens quite a bit), but this time there response was great. Upon learning we were from Wisconsin, the lady was so excited to tell us that she was there one and just LOVED Wendy's.

We made a quick stop at the New South Wales Art Gallery to see aboriginal art before dinner and a glimpse of the opera house at night to end our day.