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“Posted by George” |
As mentioned in 'Apologies and Explanations', we are currently in Sydney and therefore we want to tell you what we are doing now! But still look out for blogs before Sydney being added as well as after. We'll let you know when we have caught up!!
After Wednesday night on the goon, we mooched about slowly in preparation for what would be a long afternoon climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It promised to be the 'climb of our life' and we had heard very good things from our Lonely Planet guide (cheers for that book btw Julian!!), fellow travellers and t'internet. There is also a celeb wall in reception and it turns out we were following in the foot steps of Sir Richard Branson, Will Smith, Nicole Kidman, Prince Harry and The Olsen Twins. They all looked happy, how could we not have fun?
So after rushing to get there on time (we are always late, mainly due to make-up issues but mentioning no names) we were ushered into a room where we met the 7 others doing the climb with us and were asked to do a breath test. Luckily we passed it (I think I was most in danger of failing it after the night before) and we were declared fit to climb!!
The whole experience took about 3 and half hours, but most of the first hour was spent putting on the equipment and going through the safety guidelines (yawn!). Our tour guide, the very amusing Darryl, was very much in touch with the banter flying around at this point and we knew it would be a good tour with him at the helm.
After going out on the street and facing the public in a fetching grey jump suit, you approach Dawes Point on the Eastern side of the river and climb the stairs before coming out at the road/rail level - 6 lanes of traffic and 3 railway lines. This is the first time that you really appreciate the height of the bridge and the climb you're going to do. From down there it really does look impressive. After a few sets of ladder (one at a time!) you reach the start of the arch and are able to start the walk over the top of the bridge.
The sight here is truly magnificent with the Sydney Opera House stealing the show (but the skyline of the CBD is still very impressive). You continue your climb over the arch stopping at certain points for chats with Darryl and group photos with the backgorund invovled. You're not allowed to take your own cameras but Darryl took some for us to buy at the end.
We finally reached the top (standing tall at 134 m or about 415.4 feet). Where we able to see all sides of Sydney. The Opera House, The CBD, The Western side with Lunar park at the foreground, Bondi Beach, the quays and the many sail and jet boats sailing around in the harbour. It truly was a magnificent view and one I shall remember for a long time.
The descent was bit quicker but not rushed. Again we were able to stop and ask questions. Amongst other things we found out 16 people died in the making, there are 6 million rivets holding the bridge in place, it is made of silicon steel and the money used was borrowed from British banks.
After we finished the climb, we were able to buy our photos at a ridiculously high price, probably the only negative aspect of the whole experience. We received a free group picture and a certificate for our troubles.
It is defintley an experience I would recommend. I'm not wonderfully comfortable with heights but I felt safe throughout and didn't really have any nerves during the ascent or descent. It is one of the pricer things we have done but also one of the most breath-taking.
previous travel blog entry
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