Sydney - Day 2

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Wednesday, February 17, 2023 – Sydney – Day 2 

We started the morning with an included tour of Sydney. We had a great driver/guide. He has lived in Sydney his entire life. We drove through many different neighborhoods of Sydney and out to the headlands before a bit of time at Bondi Beach. He stopped for a photo op at a spot in the botanical gardens that are across Farm Cove from the Opera House. The view from this spot also included the Harbor Bridge behind the Opera House and is a pretty common postcard shot. It was a very enjoyable ride with one of the more entertaining guides that we have had.

An original, that seems to be growing. Lots of weeds growing out of the bricks.

Iconic shot of the Opera House and Bridge

Same spot, no trees and the whole bridge

One of the largest neon Coca Cola signs anywhere.

North Head, see yesterday's post for what this looked like before sunrise.

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach - other end

 

 

 

Back to the ship in time for lunch. Then I went back out to do some exploring. I took the shuttle bus to Kings Wharf, then took the ferry from Barangaroo to Circular Quay which put me pretty close to the Opera House. As you approach the Opera House, you begin to feel just how big these buildings are. You climb a whole lot of steps up to the platform for the shells. They are amazing. Concrete and glass and over 1 million tiles. The tiles are high gloss white and a matte ivory and are set in a chevron pattern. A whole lot goes on under this level. I couldn’t explore the interior without taking one of their tours and I didn’t feel I had time for that. After wandering around for a while, I headed back to the ship. I’m so glad I took the time for an up-close experience with this amazing structure.

Lots of stairs

Close up of tiles. Only two colors high gloss white and matte ivory

Only two colors of tile make this beautiful pattern. Well over 1 million of the tiles.

This shows the ribs of the buildings. Pre-cast concrete.

 

We sail away this evening heading on to our next port of call.

Viking Neptune at dock, White Bay Cruise Terminal, Sydney, Australia.
The black boat snugged up against Neptune is a fueling vessel. It has been there all day.