Beattys Overseas

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Seat 12J sits back and enjoys the news from South Africa's Police Department.  Thanks for the comp magazine, Max

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The business class seats on Quantas are nice.  Not as good at British Airways, but better than American...  I'm so opinionated about these things now.  I rue the day when I have to go back to Economy.  That day is April 1. [Insert dramatic sigh here]

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Of course we made friends with our flight staff.  Andrew and Nancy were excellent hosts and the perfect ambassadors to our pre-Australian trip.  Each live in Sydney and had plenty of advice on what to do.  Thanks so much guys!

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A little pale and nervous before our Harbour Bridge Climb

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On the wall of the Climber's shop

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After signing a bunch of forms and discussing our fears and recent injuries, we were sized up for our climbing suit, specifically designed to blend in with the bridge as much as possible, so as not to distract drivers on the bridge (which, by thew way, is one of Sydney's largest highways.  Gulp).

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No personal items were allowed on the bridge except eyeglasses and Whit's ponytail elastic.  Neckstrap holders for eyeglasses were provided, which hooked onto the back of the suit with a D-ring.  Anything falling from a climber at such a height would be very dangerous for traffic and pedestrians below us.

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A series of metal grate footpaths and metal stairs brought us to the foot of the arch, with an excellent view of Sydney's central business district behind.

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Close to the summit, with the Sydney Opera House behind us.  ¡Que romántico!

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The summit!  At the highest point of the birdge, we walked across a platfrom from one arch to the other.  Awesome feeling

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By the time we got up there, John was in a bit of discomfort

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On the way down, we took another series of ladders and stairwells underneath the auto traffic and past the train tracks.  The noise was quite rattling

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Three hours later, we left the Climber's shop with the bridge in our distnace.  Been there, done that.

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Near the bridge is a neighborhood called the Rocks, which feature a few very old gastro-pubs....

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We stopped at one of them and ran into Norma, the coolest lady from Queensland, Au, who also did the climb with us!  You're a champ Norma! 

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Darling Harbour.  We walked here after the bridge climb and were thrilled at the lack of crowds.

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Your contact will be waiting for you on the boardwalk at Darling Harbour, sitting at a bench near the giant parrot. He'll be wearing sunglasses and mumbling about scaling bridges through gritted teeth. The password is "peroxide."

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I haven't seen a Starbucks abroad since France.  When we spooted one at Darling Harbour, a coffee Frappucino was in order.... Now happy.  If Whit's caffinated, everyone's happy.

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We took this for our friend Lieutenant Commander Smith.  Welcome Home Mike!

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Australian Maritime Museum

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The flags advertise for Australian Day celebrations on January 26 - a day after we depart the country.  D'oh!