The tram depot that was demolished to make way for the Opera House was far more useful than its successor and a building that fitted its surroundings much better.

The Opera House may have many halls but the toilets were woefully inadequate, don't know what the women's were like but the Gents had the spectacle of five or more desperate men all using a single bowl (seat up of course) at the same time to urinate and with a queue in front of each crowded cubicle.
Things may have changed as it's a few years since I was in the ghastly building, I'm told that there are now lifts to the upper levels.

The Opera House ought to be sealed up like the Pyramids, it would still be a tourist attraction and it could be left to moulder away and cost the taxpayer virtually nothing.

Who really believes the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids, certainly not me!

Too much superb engineering and the logistics just don't add up, perhaps a rethink is necessary?

It is interesting that with all the recorded history the Ancient Egyptians left, including details of flood years, harvests, conquests, treasury records, life stories of the elite, etc., there is no mention of constructing the pyramids. It's also interesting there are no ruins of any elaborate palaces.

5000 years from now people will still visit the pyramids but the Sydney Opera House will be a forgotten heap of dust.

You are right of course Foxy.

What is it about us Ozzies, that we celebrate, & become famous for our greatest mistakes? Anzac, the opera house, & the Melbourne cup.

Dear Hassie,

That's because we've got a name for ourselves
of toughness, bravery, and above all endurance.
When decisions are made for us over which
we have no control -
We make the best of things - and simply get on
with it. It's our nature.

"What can a little chap do
For his country and you?
He can fight like a Knight
For the Truth and the Right
He can shun all that's mean
He can keep himself clean
His soul he can brace
Against everything base
He can look to the Light
He can fight the great fight
Though his years be but few
He can march in the queue
Of the Good and the Great
Who battled with fate
And won through -
That's what he can do."

John Oxenham ...

And that's worth celebrating!

This is a lovely article that lends itself to beautiful controversy.

First, I think the whole topic should be cast in the context of "Skyscraper economics". They were, after all, the world's first true skyscrapers and their construction was followed shortly after by the collapse of the Old Kingdom.

Second: The currently degraded condition of the pyramids is largely due to human activity and despite that they probably have the capacity to last at least ten times their present age. If they are so relatively young should we not then restore them to their full original glory

Finally, is the current push into space not the new pyramid building?