Today was a travel day to Melbourne, the 2nd largest city in Australia.
The city is growing exponentially at a rate of an additional 1,500
persons per week. Melbourne is expected to eclipse Sydney as the
largest city in Australia in less than a year. Currently Melbourne has a
population of nearly 4 million inhabitants, and Sydney, 4 and half
million.
Before we left Sydney, several of us walked
to the Sydney Opera House early this morning. Although we have seen the
Opera House many times from afar, we had never walked on the grounds or
even entered the venue - the symbol of Sydney and Australia in many
ways. As one approached the opera house, the structure seemed more
impressive than from afar. It is an interesting note that the acclaimed
Denmark architect, Jorn Utzon, never saw the completion of this
incredible structure. This costs of this huge feat was accumulating
daily. The original estimate of the construction of the Sydney Opera
House was over $7 million in 1957. The final costs of the venue was
over $100 million. Due a change in Australian government and politics
regarding the competence of Utzon and/or the feasibility of this
project, Utzon resigned and vowed never to return to Australia
again. We were able to enter the building, where the pubic buys tickets
and also purchase a few souvenirs with the coveted trademark name of
the Sydney Opera House on the selected items.
We
left at 10 AM for the airport. We have generally had a great
experience with the Australian airline Qantas. When we arrived to the
Sydney International airport, we did not have to go to the general
customer counters for our group. Rather, we all entered a room
designated for large groups. We were the only customers. We placed our
luggage in front of the counter and received a claim ticket for each
item. Since we were in a group, we did not have to weigh our luggage
individually. Since the group had some luggage that was under the
weight threshold, the carrier assumed that underweight luggage would
balance out those that may have been overweight. All boarding passes
were ready to be passed out to individuals. We immediately proceeded to
security that had absolutely no lines. This certainly was the easiest
group check-in that the Morgan State Univeristy choir has ever had! Upon
arrival to Melbourne, all luggage was present and accounted for! We
typically have someone whose luggage is lost in transit, but not to
Australia. Quantas airline we conclude is a extraordinary airline.
After
loading the bus, we proceeded to downtown Sydney. We immediately
noticed a different feel in this city. Sydney was much more
business-like. After business hours, downtown Sydney virtually
shut-down. However, Melbourne we could tell was different. As we
walked through the streets of Melbourne, we felt as though we were in
Europe. There were many side-cafes and boutique shops all around.
Small side streets (alleys) with many restaurants featuring virtually
any popular cuisine of the world. The stores had a feel of New York
City, without all the large numbers of people on the streets. There was
music making in the streets. Street performers singing and playing
their instruments. Mime artists performing for whatever contributions
the public thought was reasonable. This was much more of a city for
performing artists - like the Morgan State Univeristy Choir. Our lunch
was found among the downtown shops and restaurants.
Our
hotel, another Travelodge is perfectly located for tourists. We are
beside the tallest apartment building in Australia, with the penthouse
condominium selling for 7 million dollars. We are two blocks from the
main river in Melbourne. We were told by our guide, that the best place
to change money was at the casino next door, which does not charge any
commission. As long as we are disciplined enough not to gamble away our
money, we should come out ahead.
Tonight we
then took a short walk to dinner at La Camera, an Italian Restaurant.
The restaurant was only a few blocks away from the hotel on the Yarra
River. The meal was served in traditional Italian fashion, with several
courses. We must leave tomorrow morning to get started on a tour of
Melbourne sites. All are tired and should turn in as early as they are
able.
More to come . . .
Dr. Eric Conway
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