December 29th Sydney

December 29th

Sydney

Today the kids got up a little before six despite going to bed late.  Since we are staying in one small room, once one of them was up, they were all up.

We ate breakfast at our hotel and it was awesome.  They had a juicer so we all got our fruit and veggie fix for the day.  When we were finished and lathered up with sunscreen, we hit the pavement.  We walked down to the Sydney Tower and the day was nice enough to go up and see out the observation deck.  Next we headed over to Hyde Park and walked all the way through it until we came to the ANZAC War Memorial and reflection pool.  The people working there were incredibly proactive and welcoming.  It seems to us that both OZ and NZ go out of their way to remember those who served with respect.

Walking in Sydney.

Fountain break.

Tara, Dad, and G-man.

Syndey Tower

4-D movie before we go to observation deck.

Hyde Park and St Mary's from Sky Tower.

Darling Harbor and the Aquarium.

Hyde Park relaxation.

St. Mary's, a view from Hyde Park.

Brody and Tara in front of the statue representing Earth, Wind, and Fire.  

What?  You don't see it?

ANZAC War Memorial and reflecting pool.

The Australian Museum was next.  Even though we spent several hours there, we only scratched the surface of this enormous museum.  We were able to learn about the native bugs and animals (living and extinct).  The last part of our time here was spent in the Indigenous Australians section (formerly known as Aboriginals-I guess that term is passé).  Everyone learned a lot.

Australian Museum entrance with someone looking out the window.

Gabe and Tara with Koala.

Blue ringed octopus

Croc

Cool interactive table of the deadly OZ creatures.

Giant wombat.

Demon Duck?

Tasmanian Tiger, the last Thylacine (now extinct)

Poor Tara

Giant, multilayered hall on Australian insects and creatures.

Indigenous Australian section. 

On the way back to our hotel we found the Rocks Cafe and everyone ordered something great.  As an extra, we ordered a kangaroo burger (the waitress assured us there are a lot in the outback).  Gabe and Tara were horrified and I am not sure they really even tried their part.  The rest of us thought it was a relatively mild flavor and a little dry, but overall good.

Kangaroo Burger-the bottom entry.

There it is, a Kangaroo burger!

A tour of the Sydney Opera house was next and everyone enjoyed the hour long tour.  It was fun to hear some of the background information about the Opera House.  They showed us some of the rejected designs and they were mostly square buildings with dated looks.  It was the American judge who arrived late to the selection process who pulled Jørn Utzon’s design out of the reject pile (his was one of 233 and was only little more than a very rough sketch)!  Thank goodness it got pulled out.  Can you imagine a square Sydney Opera House.  

The Sydney bridge reflecting in the overhanging glass (I am shooting straight up).

The largest concert hall (there are five theaters here).

Utzon's original art-he had synesthesia (saw colors when he heard music).  

It is the only art work in the opera house-he said you didn't need art if you bring the 

outside in.

Tara and her new hat!  She loves it!

Tara says, "I look cuckoo!"