traveltales: Fabulous Opera House

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Fabulous Opera House

Sydney's most Unique Building

I have seen a lot of historic and beautiful buildings, but I was intrigued with one of the most notable landmarks in the world---the Sydney Opera House, touring it both times when in Australia.

Standing the height of a 22-story building and facing the harbor, the sailed structure has quite a history. Enormous controversy and debate existed in 1959 with the inception of the idea for an opera house. The dazzling and dramatic design of Danish architect, Joern Utzon, won an international competition. The technology did not exist in the 1950s to build the sails that form the roof and walls, B U T

Built in three stages, the original cost estimate was $7-million dollars with a projected construction time of four years. But as most often happens, the cost actually was $102-million and construction took 15 years! A special lottery paid the additional bills and the opera house was completely paid for by mid-1970, just two years after opening.

One day while peeling an orange Utzon had the inspiration to construct the shells from rib sections forming the skeleton of the building, then prefabricated and joined together with 217-miles of tension steel. In 1966 Utzon resigned from the project and a team of Australian architects took over the project, completing stage two in about a year. The 1,056,000 white Swedish tiles covering the roof appear as a mosaic.

The term Opera House is really a misnomer as it is actually a performing arts center housing 1000 rooms including the opera theater, concert hall, reception hall, drama theater, five rehearsal studios, four restaurants, six theater bars, many foyers and lounge areas, 60 dressing rooms, library, admin offices and extensive plant and machinery areas.

The power supply, adequate for a city of 25,000, involves 400 miles of electrical cable run from 120 distribution boards. There are 12 miles of air conditioning duct. How would you like to trouble shoot those systems.

It is truly a fantastic building and one that is recognized around the world.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.