My Life Dreams

As some of you may remember I received this as a birthday present. It was a major highlight on my trip as the Sydney Harbour is probably the most famous harbour out there.

If there was one thing I can say about the climb, it's 'wow'. Seeing Sydney from 440 feet above the Harbour is just amazing. Being up so high really shows you how big the city is, with all the islands and you can even see Bondi Beach!!!

There are three different climbs, the Bridge climb, the Discovery Climb and the Express climb. The Bridge climb is the most common climb, which I did, lasting 3.5 hrs and taking you along the top archway and over the top between the famous flags.

We were not climbing for 3.5 hrs though.

My climb was at 1.35 pm on 5th September, for the first 45 minutes you are kitted out and breathalised. They take safety very seriously as you can imagine. To protect yourself and people below on the bridge, you have to wear a boiler suit (to stop anything falling off you) and a safety harness that clips onto a wire at all times. They have thought of everything. When I climbed it was 30 degrees outside but we still had to carry waterproofs, hats, gloves and even a handkerchief incase we cried!! Everything is clipped on at least twice, again incase anything fell onto cars below.

After a quick training session in climbing stairs we started our climb. Our guide Richard lead us through one the the bridges pillars before we climbed the hardest section of the bridge (being 4 sets of steep ladders!) onto the top arch. The archway has fitted steps that are not very steep all the way along the arch to the top. Anyone could climb the bridge as your guide is always stopping to tell you about the scenery or taking your photo. Even a 100 year old lady has climbed the bridge, so if you want to do it there is really no excuse!

On returning to the bridge climb base and getting back into your own clothes, you receive a complimentary group photo from your climb. As usual they try and sell you photos at extortionate prices, but luckily I receive another free photo with my gift certificate!!

Has anyone climbed the bridge?? How did you find it and would you do it again??

Flagstaff is famous for the Lowell Observatory, where pluto was discovered, and the San Francisco Peaks, but I was there as a get away to the Grand Canyon. Being only 1.5hrs drive away Flagstaff along with Williams are perfect places to set up base.
On 11th June I visited the Grand Canyon with a group of people from my hostel. We set off at  9 am and reached the Canyon for about 10.30. Our first stop was the Bright Angel trail, which is the main area along the south rim. Our guide blind folded us and walked us to the view point before we could remove our blindfolds. He wanted us all to be speechless with our first view of the Canyon and wasn’t I just!

After a small walk along the Bright Angel Trail we headed to a private area where you need a permit to enter. We sat on the edge and ate lunch. I think this has been the most amazing place that I have ever eaten lunch!



After lunch we headed to the South Kaibab Trail, 7.1 miles long and at an elevation of 6320 ft. We only hike 0.75 miles to ‘ooh – aah’ point and back again that was stupidly steep!



Our final stop was Desert Point, which was the only point where we could see the Colorado River.






After visiting the Grand Canyon I can understand why it is named one of the seven wonders of the world. My photos will not do it justice and the only way you will understand the feeling is if you visit it yourself.

Have you ever visited the Grand Canyon?

My trip has now brought me to New York City, the city that never sleeps!

#76 Go to the top of the Rockefeller Centre

The Empire State Building is one of the most famous buildings in New York and it has appeared in many movies such as King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle
While I was in New York however I decided to climb the Rockefeller centre as I believe it is better to climb as you get a view of the Empire State Building and a perfect view of Central Park.


#81 Stand in the middle of Times Square

Times square is MENTAL!!!! There are people everywhere all the time.

Say that though, I had the best time wondering around looking at all the crazy things happening. Being pulled over for free tickets to comedy clubs, night clubs and tv shows was good fun. I didn't manage to get anything that I was interested in, but there you go!.



#82 Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

Coming into Manhattan from Brooklyn gives you a great view of the Manhattan skyline but to be honest the Brooklyn Bridge is nothing special to me.
What do you think about the Brooklyn Bridge?







#83 Visit Central Park

Central Park is one of the most famous parks in the world and it was 100% man made. Most New Yorkers go there to escape the crazy fast paced atmosphere of the city after a long days work.
My favorite parts of Central Park where Strawberry Fields and the SE Pond.





#84 Visit Ground Zero

I actually visited Ground Zero on the day that Osama Bin Laden was killed. It was an historic day and I’m pleased to say that I was there.
They have started to build the Freedom Tower that will be a tribute to the 9/11 victims and families and will also be the tallest building in New York.

While i was in New York I happened to bump into the set of Men in Black 3! I wasn’t an extra but I think meeting Will Smith was worth a mention.







Overall I had the best two weeks in New York that anyone could ask for. Especially meeting Will Smith was the highlight of my time there, as I'm sure it would have been for many people.