Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Ferry & Opera House & Bridges, Oh My!

Sydney is a magical place. Standing by the ferries at Circular Quay and looking out at the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House is like walking into the pages of your favorite travel magazine. It is hard to believe that the sights you are looking at are not large photographs. It is like the feeling I get at MOMA when I swear I am standing inside my college art history book.

As we approached the harbor the first things we saw were the ferry boats. And the first one we saw was the Shane Gould.


This ferry has a special meaning for our family. Shane Elizabeth Gould was a 15 year old Australian swimmer who participated in the 1972 Summer Olympics winning three gold medals (setting a world record in each race), a silver and a bronze. She is also the only swimmer in history to hold all freestyle records, 100m, 200m, 400m, 1500m and the 200m individual medley relay at the same time. She retired from competitive swimming at age 17. Our daughter Shayne Elizabeth is named for her (with a little "y" added).


The next moment of wonder came with our first glimpse of the Sydney Opera House. It is truly a sight to behold.


One of the best ways to take in this beautiful structure is on a ferry ride. It is the best way to see it from all angles.




And from land there is nothing like an up close look at all of the angles and roof lines and reflections.







And if that wasn't enough, there is the Sydney Harbor Bridge.


The bridge is a favorite photo spot and we did not let the opportunity pass us by.



And if posing with the bridge is not enough, you can always pose ON it. Yes, there is the famous bridge walk. Adventurous tourists can harness up and climb along the top of the arched span to the mid point of the bridge, cross the width of the span and walk back down the other side.



For a while Ken wanted to do this. But I pointed out that he has always had a fear of heights and once you start there is no turning back. He reconsidered. Whew!

And with all of this amazing scenery along the harbor, there is quite an impressive skyline view as well.


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