We moved to Sydney to get ready for Paul and Jane's wedding and for NYE. Settling into the hotel was nice and enjoyed the luxury of a small gym, and a pool to chill in. I explored some of the areas of Sydney and made a quick stop in the Guylian chocolate shop and was quickly dragged after being reminded that I had a suit to fit into before I had even had a chance to contemplate what I was going to spend my dollars on!!!!
The following day was the one I was dreading. I had a small breakfast so that I didn't have to worry about anyone below having seconds on my breakfast when I climbed to the top of the bridge. I had managed to get onto a tour - which was actually a small miracle. The bridge is usually closed on the build up to New Years Eve. Probably a good idea not to mix the general public and a couple of tons of fireworks!!!
The walk started with a walk through the infrastructure of the bridge towards the stone pillars. Interestingly the pillars are just for show and have no weight bearing purpose, and are just there for show. The Sydney citizens were originally worried when the local council suggested that they would build the bridge without the pillars and so due to local pressure they built the structures, giving the iconic shape of the bridge. As we passed the pillars it became clear there was very little contact between the metal bridge and the pillars. The scariest part was walking the catwalk on underside of the bridge. Once we climbed through onto the bridge itself it was less scary as I managed to enjoy the magnificent view. At the top I stopped and had my photo taken. As there was a breeze up the boiler suit inflated making me look like the Michelin mans brother!!! When I was climbing back through the bridge I came across the railway track and a train was passing. I gave the passengers a wave and smile and was sure they were gobsmacked to see some lunatic a couple of feet away giving them a thumbs up!!!!!!!
The following day was the big day and the reason why the family had met on the other side of the world. Paul and Janes wedding. It was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect. I had been tasked with looking after the rings and giving a reading (that I had written). The wedding was in the botanical gardens which a fantastic location and very memorable. I remembered my reading, and more importantly the rings!! Louisa gave a great reading and we all had a great time. Afterwards we went on a brilliant cruise around the Harbour and watched the sunset against an iconic background. The food was fantastic.
The following day there was a small matter of New Years Eve!!! I got up early and headed to queue for Mrs McQuarries point. Armin joined me in the queue and we got chatting to a nice French couple. I was stood in teh queue for abouts 4 hours before it started moving and when we finally got in there was a mad rush for spots. Being in the first 2000 people into the sectioned area I was able to get a wristband for the very front and a great view. I quickly hurried up the hill and secured a spot for the family who arrived a couple of hours later. The view was not as good but I was able to get some towels down and enough space. The hours whiled away with booze and the ongoing saga of will she/wont she in the sky!!!
The above photo is where the plane has written :) r u ok? The early cloud/smoke trails had written out will u marry me? The last one said "Jesus"!!! So I don't know what the outcome was but possibly not the best start for 2011 for the chap who had arranged it all. It was a strange day, as when I was in a queue I turned round and there was Petey who I had done the Lares Trail with in South America. I was amazing as I knew he was in Sydney for NYE but what an amazing surprise to see him. We had a good chat and agreed to catch up in Auckland when he got over to New Zealand.
I headed down to the front and met up with Armin and we watched the fireworks with the best view on the front (admittedly we were sat on some garbage bins) and one of the most memorable 10 minutes of my life. The whole city illuminated by the fireworks and the Opera house looked like pink butterflies from the reflection of the fireworks!!! I dashed off after and agreed to meet Armin in New Zealand. I had to quite literally swim through thousands of people as I headed back to the hotel.
I headed off on the second but wonder if I will ever come back to see the fireworks again. I do really hope so but I think with climbing the bridge and an absolutely fantastic wedding if I was ever to come back again it would be very difficult to top all that!! But with a new lady in my life who knows???
Off to New Zealand next and a bit of organizing for the next leg of the trip, visas and travel agents. Perhaps more importantly continuing with the most exciting adventure of my life!!! Happy 2011 to all!!!
