For my first proper night in a hostel I actually slept really well, all be it I probably kept one eye open all night. The fact my room was at the back of the hostel, and that no one snored helped too! Everyone was asleep when I woke up, and I was again in complete darkness which meant I couldn't really access my big bag without waking everyone up. After going to the local off license for breakfast and just being left open mouthed by the price, it was off to the harbour bridge to do the bridge climb.
The thing I have noticed about Sydney is the large Chinese community. Along with this there are so many people in suits. I think Sydney must be the main business area of Australia with it's stunning skyline to add to this. After a quick look at the morning market at the rocks, the area with all the little shops and food places, it was off to the bridge climb. After booking in I was given the chance to look round a small exhibition which gave a detailed history into the whole bridge, which was very interesting. There was also a little cinema and I saw an interesting film which featured footage of its opening in 1932.
I had booked the 10.15 climb prior to leaving the UK, and I was soon ready to start, first thing to be done all the paper work and a breathalyzer test, which I passed! We then preceded into this room where we had to change into these overall suit things. The guide suggested we go bare under them, but I didn't particularly want to! After a short safety talk, and walking through a metal detector to check no one was taking cameras or phones up, we went to a room where we prepared for the climb. First thing was to put a harness on, and then we got kitted out with a radio and headphones to listen to the guide up top, and also a handkerchief and a cap for the weather, although it was only mid 20s today.
After getting fully kitted out, we had to practice climbing up and down the steps on a mini little staircase thing. It was easy enough. It was then onto the real thing. On our harness we had this tube thing which slid onto the wire on the bridge. We were to be attached to this for the full duration of the climb. We started out by walking along these mesh walkway's below the road, getting views of the building site and some of the nearby hotels and villas on the harbour. Apparently they cost around 7 million dollars, and the hotel next to the opera house costs over 1000 dollars a night. Lady Gaga stayed there once as well.
We then had to climb these ladders to road level and above to the start of the arch. It was here we started our ascent of the arch, which was basically one big staircase. After getting many photos taking by our guide en route up top, we reached the summit. Our guide was brilliant because you could tell he just loved his job. He showed us this small clock tower in the skyline, which was apparently the tallest building when it was first built, how times have changed!
After taking in the panoramic 360 degree views we started our descent down another staircase on the other side of the arch. Despite not being the longest bridge of it's kind in the world, it it by far the widest with 8 car lanes, a railway and public paths. After going down the staircase, and then these ladders, we continued back along the mesh walkways back to the start. There was this toilet below with no roof you could see into! We finally reached the end of the wire about 3 hours after starting, and after getting unchanged and debriefed, I collected my photos which I purchased back in the UK. I guess that makes them more money, because 50% of the money they make goes to the government as a condition for them opening. I was then finally back on solid ground after one of the greatest experiences of my life!
As part of my bridge climb ticket, I got a free ticket for the pylon lookout. This was the chance to climb over 200 steps to the top of one of the brick structures at the end of the arch. So after having chicken schnitzel and rice for lunch at the rocks and I headed up and got further views of the harbour, and also the climb I had earlier completed.
En route back to the hostel, I stopped off at the Sydney Observatory which was a free attraction. It was interesting seeing all the space and geographical related stuff on show. I also liked the fact there were lots of hands on things to do! I then proceeded down to Darling Harbour which was a smaller area just off the main harbour. Here I passed attractions like the zoo, aquarium and Madame Tussauds, and after crossing the bridge over the harbour saw lots of military related ships docked in. There was also a shopping centre selling things at more reasonable prices to some places I've seen. It was still more expensive than home, though apparently people earn more in Australia which is why its more expensive.
It was then back off to the hostel after such a busy day! I also got the chance to sort out my stuff properly as I was on my own in the room, although a Swiss girl came in at one point. I haven't really had a chance to properly get to know anyone yet as people are all doing different things and heading in different directions. This evening I headed to a travel centre to try and book some firm dates on a few trips so I am not just aiming for Cairns on the 16th March. I am returning on Monday morning to finalise the details. It was then straight off to bed after another busy day, although the light was still on which meant I could talk to the guys from London for a bit, and also met a girl from Sheffield, and a Japanese pair who had poor English, before going to sleep.
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