What are you doing for fun??

Thanks so much for sharing some of your experiences and impressions. Sounds like a fantastic trip and I hope you do get back there one day.

teacher911,

The time worked out perfectly. Our last day of school was on a Friday and we were in Auckland by late Saturday night. The cruise departed on Monday evening and it was 12 days. We arrived in Sydney on a Saturday morning and flew back to CA that night. I stumbled into my classroom late Sunday to prep for the week, which was miserable, but I did it and it was worth it beyond words. The cruise itself was a good balance of port vs. sea days. We had researched our ports very well so knew exactly what we wanted to do, and what was reasonable to do. Still, as a group of eight, not everyone did everything, which allowed us to pick what interested us as individuals. We did have dinner together each night and that was a nice way to come together as a group. I'd love to do a Mediterranean itinerary. They are usually port intensive and it's something my younger dd and I have always dreamed of. Hope you 're cruising soon!

Caryn

Ebru,

We are definitely looking at itineraries that include Turkey!

Hi Ladies,

Here is the link to a brief clip of my younger DD and I singing and celebrating that we made it to the top of the bridge.  Yes, we know we are goofy  

Bridge Climb

I will post a few photos shortly.

wow Caryn that's high!!!  )

Hugs

Ebru

Caryn, wow! Very cool. (My knees are a little weak at the thought of the height--and I am sitting at my kitchen table!)

Tina

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the one often seen in photos with the equally famous Sydney Opera House. Definitely an iconic image. The climb literally involves climbing along the steps and walkways of the outer arch of the superstructure of the bridge until you reach the summit of the arch. It seems frightening, at first, but I was determined to do it. You spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes going through safety info, including being breathalyzed, and practicing going forwards and backwards up a set of thin metal ladders. Then you get outfitted; jumpsuit, radio headset, belt with cable and slider clip that attaches you to the cable that runs the entire length of the climb (so, if you fall, you don't plunge into the harbour, you just dangle!). You can have nothing on you that might come loose and fall onto the bridge surface. The jumpsuit has clips on the back and everything has lines that attach to the clips (hat, eyeglass holders, even the headset). They even give you an elastic wristband with a hankie because you can't carry a tissue. No dangly earrings or barrettes, no cameras. Someone complained that it was too controlled but I am really glad it was! Then you're ready for the climb which takes two hours. The climb leader gives directions and bridge history and info via headset. There were a few slightly scary parts but once you're on the outer arch of the bridge, you forget about everything except that it's absolutely breathtaking and you feel an incredible sense of exhilaration. It was simply amazing and even if it seems scary, I would recommend it to anyone. 

Caryn

Caryn, your detailed description sounds fascinating. I agree, all those precautions are necessary for that kind of climb.  I'm so proud of you!  Two hours is quite a trip. Very impressive! I did a quick google on the bridge after reading your post, and see that you see a glorious 360 degree view of Sydney from up there. What is the descent like? Oh, and that cracked me up that everyone gets a breathalizer, but hey, I can see that's necessary, too.  Who wants a drunk up there with their group? lol

Wow, Caryn.  I'm really impressed. I don't do well with heights and can't imagine such a climb, but it sounds like you had an amazing time.  Bravo!

And congrats on winning $100. Treat yourself to something lovely.

My fun today was brunch with good friends.  The photo is the view from their home - about 10 minutes outside the city of Halifax where I live.

Tina...beautiful...from the other Jill

caryn

sounds like you had a good time ,,good for you .loved the video  andpictures .I don't know that I could do a climb like that but it looks beautiful

                                                                                                                                 chris

well.. Coıncıdence.. We just watched The Karate Kid trilogy with DS as the movie is celebrating it's 30th anniversary.. Well he adored it as much as we did in our childhood  

Focusing more to our future, naturally in our case, it feels great to share my past with DS and know he gets to know me better with my experiences in his age.. We already watched Back to the Future as well ) 

Hugs

Ebru

I, too, loved the karate kid movies and I also loved "the neverending story."  When I checked that out from blockbuster my kids were sure they wouldn't like it lll but they all loved it!  Another good movie is "Rudy".  My kids, especially the boys loved it.  My son (who is now 31) and I went to see "Lone Survivor" yesterday.  It was good but a hard movie to watch.  I recommend tissues for the end.  I kept thinking about my step-father who was an advisor to a Vietnamese river boat crew and some if the stories he told when he came back from the war.  

Definitely go for it.  I think your only regret would be if April rolls around and you didn't do it.  As for your older dd, is there something, some trip or excursion or adventure that you might plan with her that she prefers to even out the time spent with both girls?  After all, you'll have all summer off, too, and it's just around the corner.......

Caryn,

Hope you've already booked by now! Tell your DD, comprimises are for times as these & that she is most welcome to join you all if can somehow get a break from work.. İf not you will be spending other quality time with her later anyway.. 

I seriously think she will be more happy for you than jealous of not being a part of this adventure, anyway.. The fact that you are up & following what your heart wishes is the best present you can give to your loved ones 😉

Hugs

Ebru