Sydney, Ho Hum

2/7/2011

 
Don't get me wrong Sydney is beautiful, but we just didn't quite get the appeal, certainly compared to Perth! We spent a few uneventful days here checking out the city and the Harbour. We especially enjoyed the fantastic museums: the Australian Museum, the Powerhouse Museum where we saw a colorful ABBA exhibit and the Art Gallery of NSW which is currently exhibiting The First Emperor, China's Entombed Warriors. 

This exhibit was so fascinating! discovered by villagers in 1974, this vast underground army was created to protect the tomb of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shihuang (259–210 BCE) in readiness for the afterlife. It took 100s of thousands of craftsman to manufacture the 8000 plus life size soldiers and their transportation (i.e. horses, chariots). It is believed that he invited all who worked on the terracotta statues to a big party in the massive tomb then locked the door behind them for good. 
http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/first-emperor/