"World Class Class...... that's ..." a Sydney Travel Page by pchamlis

I looked over many of the VT Sydney pages, and not surprisingly many had the Opera House and Harbor Bridge photo(s) as their centerpiece. It's no wonder, the view of the two, especially from across the harbor at MacQuarie's Chair, is spectacular.

But, I wanted to be different. So, my opening photo is from INSIDE the Sydney Opera House. Now, you're not allowed to actually photograph in the performing halls for some sort of copyright reason, but... you CAN photograph the waiting areas and smaller meeting rooms.

The photo accompanying this chapter shows the Utzon Room, a reception area that is part of the Opera House complex. Dedicated to Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the Danish designer of the Opera House, it is the only honor bestowed upon this talented man within the entire edifice. And this was Utzon's wish.... He didn't want a statue or bust. When pressed, he finally agreed to let them dedicate a room to him, and he even helped design it. The colors on the wall are meant to represent the lands and peoples of the world coming together. The rest of the room is very Scandinavian, in keeping with Mr.Utzon's heritage. The floors are simple birch, and are unstained/unfinished. The view from the Utzon room is spectacular, returning the glance across the harbor to the MacQuarie's chair/point area. (In other words, if you stood where I was taking THIS picture and turned around)

And last, I wanted to make a statement with this choice of photos. Australia is beautiful and scenic, a treasure to the eye. But to appreciate and love her true beauty, you have to look inside. Meet her people, share her customs and learn her past.

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is the largest city in Australia. Home to some 4 million inhabitants, she offers every amenitiy one would expect from a first-rate, world class city. And, there's something else that's sometimes missing in other cities.... a liveability factor. Sydney is large, but has greenspace. There is hustle and bustle, but there's civility and consideration. And it's so very clean when compared to cities of similar size throughout the world. In many ways, Sydney reminds me a bit of Seattle or Portland in the USA, at least in appearance.

Summing up, Sydney is a classy world class city, with a very human heart. And sharing that heart with visitors seems to come so easily for the Sydneysiders.

Many people will tell you of Sydney's incredible beaches. And, I'm sure they are truly world class. But, my pages won't have any real coastal flair, as I'm just not a beachin' kind of guy. First of all, I live in Florida.... so all I hear about, with regard to tourism, is BEACHES. They just don't interest me that much.

I'm not a great swimmer. And, I'm not swim trunks material, either, although my wife likes my legs. I've never longed to be digested by a great white shark. I don't like having sand in my shoes and clothes. I don't like salt water drying on my face. I'm not a beach guy.

So, I hope you'll be happy with my Sydney pages that concentrate on restaurants, culture, quirks and people. I'll let some of the other VT folks tell you all about the beaches. : ) I'll take you to the pubs, red-light districts, botanic gardens and impromptu markets. I'm living proof that Sydney is so much more than just a great set of beaches.