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Have i got a few days to tell you about or what?
Guess i should start with surf camp. Drove from Byron to this gorgeous beach called Arrawarra where we would spend the next two days catching the waves - narly! Didn't have much time to get settled in before they whisked us off to the beach, squeezed us into some wetsuits and threw us into the water with some surfboards. I have never drank so much salt water in my life let me tell you. Really difficult to get up on that board, actually come to think of it just paddling out was hard enough as the waves were pretty high for a beginner and the current was really strong. But we persevered and started falling in less and less. Only managed to get onto my knees on the first lesson and was so exhausted was glad when they told us to come in. Had a great evening round the campfire hearing surfer stories and then an early night because apparently the best time to surf is first thing in the morning. And i would say they are right although can't say i fancy doing it every morning like some
Barrington
Quietest place on earth officially - well until i got there that is of these guys do. About an hour into the lesson and i was up, on my feet, surfing a wave...for about a nanosecond. I was just glad to stand up.
That afternoon we waved goodbue to the surfing dudes and headed on down to a teeny tiny place called Barrington (so small i can't find it on any maps!) to spend the night there. They offered a few activities but we were all so tired from surfing that we were just happy to have a few drinks in the hot tub.
Then early Saturday morning we were back on the bus for the drive to Sydney. Needless to say we were all very excited about it. I was pretty chilled out until the moment dawned on me that the bridge we were driving over to get to the city centre was THE Harbour Bridge. Mega Excitement!!
Felt a bit wierd being in a city at first what with all the tiny little towns i've been in lately but i felt settled pretty quickly. Have budded up with a girl called Vicky who i met on the Oz bus and we have beeen doing the sites of Sydney together which is
The Opera House
Say it with me people - eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!! great.
First night here was a Saturday night so it was inevitable that we were heading out on the town that night. Sydney has a really great backpacker nightlife (cheap drinks, good music... oh and the F.A. Cup Final - Go Liverpool!!) and we took full advantage.
Dragged ourselves out of bed the next day and headed out to get our bearings of the city. I thought i had been excited about crossing the Harbour Bridge, well you should have seen me as we rounded a corner and came across the Opera House. Actually hit me at that point that i was in Sydney!!! We have an embroidery hanging on the wall at home that mum did of a view of the Sydney Harbour. That is exactly what i was seeing - so freaky!! and so damn good! It was at that point that i decided that i absolutely had to do the bridge climb - budget or no budget.
Had it booked for early Monday morning and couldn't wait. You go along to the Bridge Climb Offices and get checked in before they sit you in front of a video explaining everything to you. Then they take you through
The Bridge
No i'm not in Newcastle to the changing rooms so you can put on some really rather attractive jumpsuits (I'm sure they just do that so you look stupid in the photos) and attach the harness to your belt that will stop you from plunging to your death - which is nice. They then get you all accessorized up with a load of stuff attached to your utility belt which i have no idea what half of it was but it was important apparently. Next job is the breathiliser test (Can't have pissed people hanging onto the bridge by a rope i guess!) before the climb simulator! Yes you actually have to practice how you will climb the ladders and how you will move you ropey harnessey thingy along the wire. And finally, after all that prep you get to step out onto the street and walk past people in your attractive jumpsuit with all that crap hanging off your utility belt, and actually start the climb! Our guide was great and really informative (Oh yeah i forgot to mention the headsets you wear so your guide can talk to you during the climb. They make you look like Elvis cause they don't go in
Who Knew!!
I never realised it but the Opera House is basicallu covered in square bathroom tiles!! I always thought it was metal or concrete - what do i know eh? your ear but they sit on your cheeks and vibrate the sound through you bones!! eshk!)
Can't describe how good it really was to be standing on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge!! The views were amazing and i was gutted that we weren't allowed to take our own cameras up with us although they did take a few photos for us but obviously thats how they make there money!! 1,439 steps in all and each one was well worth the admission price. Cannot recommend the bridge climb enough - you have to do it!
Spent the afternoon having a mooch around Darling Harbour, a very slow mooch - my legs were killing me - and then we decided that we had had such good views of the city that morning that we needed to see some by night so we went to the Sky Tower. Its this ridiculously thin tall building with a viewing platform that gives 360 degree views of the city. Really great views, especially at night with everything lit up. Although you can't see the opera house cause there a few buildings in the way but hey ho still loved it.
So thats me all up
The Sky Tower
How in the hell does that thing not fall over i ask you!! to date guys. Won't be long now till i'm back so prepare yourselves for me not shutting up about how much i love this country!!
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jan kiley
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spiderwoman
wow that must have been an amazing view from the bridge mind you im not sure id be brave enough to do it your going to have loads of pics to show us all mind you if you come over to see us you wont be able to bring any clothes your allowance will be takenup with pics hasta lluego jan