Travelogue - Sydney

 "I like to be on the edge of possible" - remarked Jorn Utzon, who designed perhaps the most iconic landmark of Australia - The Sydney Opera House. Opera House is a wonderful testament to another of Utzon's quotes - The architect's gift to society is to bring joy to the people from the surroundings he creates." . True to that, just like other global landmarks, the Opera House brings in various groups of artists round the year and bring tremendous joy to the people.  

Harbour Bridge from Opera House

 Indeed, the Opera House and the associated stories made me think about the limitations of traditional assessment models of urban infrastructure. Apparently the initial estimate of Opera house was $7 Million (back in 1959) and it took about $102 million by the time it completed. All Government officials would have been shit-scared to approve such a project and approve the cost escalations of about 14 times. How can someone foresee such a success and value add to the city's overall economy and culture and take such a decision ?  Interestingly, the Opera House recouped its investments in about 2 years post completion and today, its overall  social value to the Australian economy is assessed to be about $11+ billion  over the past decade, with the immediate surroundings generating about $1.2 billion annually.  

Inside of Opera House

This unique trait of being able to foresee such a futuristic business potential was evident in this place called 'Scenic World' in Blue Mountains area outside of Sydney. A company acquired a closed coal mine , made good facilities and converted into a great tourist environment which houses world's steepest railway ride as well. 

Sydney is perhaps the most thriving metropolis in the Southern Hemisphere with a dynamic business and cultural scene. The city has become a magnet of talent across the world with many of my talented friends relocating here for better careers. Sydney is currently one of the most expensive cities in the world to live.  Newer suburbs are getting established as the city is expanding. Inspite of the large and growing urban sprawl, the public infrastructure investments are really stellar. You can safely drink tap water from anywhere, and there's large well connected urban transit network. 

Lara - Tendulkar Gate @ SCG

The state of New South Wales, in which Sydney is situated is famous for the Merino Wool as well with sprawling grasslands which are dotted with sheep, which is indeed a beautiful sight , The state seems to be spending a lot on clean energy, ecological conservation and agriculture.  

The city holds a special place in the hearts of Cricket lovers.  Two iconic players of our lifetime Brian Lara & Sachin Tendulkar have had their major career highlights here. Lara named his

Don's cricketing gear @SCG

 daughter 'Sydney' and Sachin has apparently remarked that SCG is Sachin Cricket Ground !.  SCG has honored both legends with a special 'Lara -Tendulkar Gate' as well.  Many stories of lucky charm / superstition are abound at SCG dressing rooms with many legendary players preferring to sit only at certain places 

Sydney left a feeling of incompleteness in me. Maybe its the story of Utzon, who couldn't see his best creative design after the completion of construction.. Maybe that I missed seeing the Bondi Beach...Maybe that I spent only limited days here.. Something makes me think that I'll be back here again later !  

  

Read my Travelogues

Melbourne,  Taipei, Doha, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi,  Barcelona, Silicon Valley,  Siem Reap, 

New York, Washington DC,  Amsterdam, Brussels, Osaka,  Hiroshima,  Cyprus, Budapest , Rome, 

Bali,  Hamburg, Berlin,  Prague, Cairo,  Alexandria,  Hallstatt,   Salzburg, Vienna,  Dachau,  St Petersburg,  Moscow, Istanbul,  Seychelles, Vizag