Editor’s Note: G’day mate! I write you after my long haul to the land down under, where I spent my holiday with the Aussies and roos. It was an experience, so, come on, have a go! Join me for my three week Australian series, Adventures of Oz. (2 of 3)

The very first time you see something is always the best. Well, it is at the very least the most emotive. That first sight, the very first glimpse of something truly amazing, is a rollercoaster of emotions. You’re stunned, awed, captivated, ecstatic and overwhelmed all at the same time. That’s how I felt when my cab emerged from the underground tunnel and followed the curve of the street toward the harbor to expose one of the world’s grandest masterpieces in all its glory.

I landed in Sydney the night before and had to make a tough decision. I only had 12 hours in one of the world’s most beloved cities before jetting up the coast to my final destination. What can one intrepid traveler, accompanied by a ferocious case of jetlag, accomplish in just half a day? Sydney’s top ten list danced in my head: Bondi Beach…Harbor Bridge…The Rocks…Olympic Park…The Opera House…The Opera House…YES…The Opera House!

Even without experiencing the other must-sees on the list, I knew the instant I caught my first peek that I made the right decision. The abstract building is truly a work of art, and it only took a split second to know exactly why it’s on the voting ballot to become one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. (Cast your vote before July 6! The winners will be announced on July 7.)

It’s a marvelous sight, with its glossy white shells reaching upward into the sky, surrounded by the waters of Sydney Harbor. Its history dates back to the 1940s when music enthusiasts lobbied for a venue to suit large theatrical performances. The plans didn’t take off until 1955 when international innovators began to submit their ideas. Today, visitors from around the world see the work of Danish architect Jørn Utzon, whose design beat out more than 230 others.

Knowing that my visit to the Opera House would be a short (and early) one, I crawled into bed when I arrived at my hotel during my first hours in Sydney in an attempt to get a good night sleep and beat the jetlag. Like an anxious kid, my excitement kept me up, and I was out of bed before the sun even had a chance to crash its way through my window.

I only spent two short hours with The Opera House before I had to catch my flight up the coast. I explored its grounds with early morning joggers and peeked into its windows. It’s a stunning masterpiece, and I wouldn’t have spent my 12 hours in Sydney any other way.