Sydney, NSW, Australia - day 1

Sydney, Australia’s largest city, is a vibrant mix of history, business and art. We managed to fit in a walking tour before the matinee concert at the Opera House and boy did we walk, about 7 miles for the day. Sydney has its own, beautiful Hyde Park. Its first hospital was built by laborers who were paid in rum. It was constructed so poorly that it had to be rebuilt this time by sober workers. Upon reaching the theater of the iconic Opera House in Sydney Harbor, we overheard comments like: “I can’t believe I’m in the opera house; “WOW!” It was a very festive atmosphere; not as reserved as our orchestra . Everyone was taking selfies, us included! The performance of Rossini’s last two pieces of his life (in Paris), included a rousing rendition of William Tell (theme to the Lone Ranger) followed by a 450 member chorus, 5 soloists, and an organist suspended 30+ feet above the stage, who we’re told needed to take motion sickness meds to get up there. It was quite a spectacle.Read more