Back from Oz.  We wonder why real estate is so expensive on the opposite side of the word?  Well the view for one reason is absolutely spectacular from almost anywhere in Sydney.  It's certainly hard not to fall in love.  But you sure need to want to go there - 19 hours from Chicago.  Brutal! 

Sydney Harbor and Darling Harbor in Sydney, seperated by a penninsula called the "Rocks" are breathtaking.  The Opera House was built using the sections of an orange as inspiration.  The architect Jorn Utzon never actually saw the finished product due to being driven out of the country because of drastic cost over runs.  Rather unfortunate, as it is a spectacular structure.  In the foreground you see the Sydney Harbor Bridge, that many endeavor to climb on a regular basis, which takes approximately 3.5 hours to go from one side to the other (using tethers).  Back behind the Opera house lies the GORGEOUS and lush botanical gardens, and across the harbor is the Zoo.  Spectacular views from everywhere - tend to escalate the price of real estate.