Raj's Round The World Trip

Sydney Opera House

I've been looking forward to seeing Sydney Opera House for a long time. How does it compare to the Lotus Temple in India ?

Queen Street is the main street running through Sydney and leads up to Sydney Harbour. I catch my first glimpse of the Opera House as I cross the road and walk towards the sea. Yes, it's really impressive. It's a warm sunny day and the famous white, ship's sail-like features of Sydney Opera House are unmistakable. It takes about 5 minutes to walk up to it, but this takes longer as Sydney bridge is in view too.

A long line of about 30 steps are just in front of Sydney Opera House and you need to climb these to get closer. I walk closer and closer almost expecting to be stopped from touching it by security or somebody. No problem. Compared to the Lotus Temple it is on a grander stage. Where the Lotus Temple is one big arena, the Opera House has more levels inside, more rooms, has the functions of a concert hall and is bigger over all. It has cafes shops and restaurants around. Clearly, the Lotus Temple design has been influenced by Sydney Opera house, but it doesn't surpass it in splendor. I'll be back to see it a few times.

Sydney Tower

To see a high 360 degree view of Sydney you need to buy a ticket to go up Sydney Tower. There's also the opportunity to buy a ticket to do a walk outside the building over a glass floor, which didn’t really appeal. There’s a third thing you can do here and that is to see a short 3D show about Australia’s main attractions: The Great Barrier Reef, Outback, etc. The 3D show which is followed by a simulation ride through Australia is interesting but not unmissable. The view from the top of the tower is definitely worth doing and gives a you an idea of what a nice place Sydney is. It beats the view from the Empire State building of New York (a trip I did last year) easily.

Early evening, I go back to Pat’s and have a home cooked meal again - bonza!