The Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb

...was AMAZING. I have never felt quite that alive. It was raining for 2 days prior and most of the day of the climb, but the sun came out just for me right as we reached the bridge summit. The sun was setting as we clambered up one side of the bridge - making the Sydney Opera House look all pink and glowy, then on the way down it was dark and the whole of Sydney was lit up like a Christmas tree. It was just the most amazing thing. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is traveling to Sydney. Especially the twilight climb. I'm certain that the day climb is cool too, but it was exhilarating standing at the top of the bridge with the cars and trains rushing below me and the city lit up on both sides (North & East Sydney). I stood up there and felt like it was one of the best days of my life. I was incredibly happy and glad to be alive up there.

Funny story for all of those of you that know me well. It was me & 11 Brits that climbed the bridge. They're a serious bunch. Not very chatty (they cued for EVERYTHING - I kept laughing at them because it was so predictable.) At the summit of the bridge, our climb leader (a cute Aussie bloke) was going to get us all to cheer. 1, 2, 3...and he & I cheered while the Brits looked at us like we were Martians. On the second try, we got them - especially the kid on our climb. He was fun and on my level - he was about 11 or 12. So...I was living proof that Americans are just way way way more enthusiastic to be alive. Or so it would seem from this bunch. Maybe just more enthusiastic. Or more verbal about it. Maybe they need a pint before they can cheer...who knows.

I'm at the Singapore airport again in "my" lounge. Still lovely. I made friends with one of the flight attendants on the flight here from Sydney and she really thinks I should come live in Singapore. She said there are a lot of American companies here (likely right-o there) and it's a great city. I'm torn between making Asia or South America my next big destination. I think I'm just going to need to get a job with an American company that pays me in American dollars (because that happens to be what my student loan debt is in) and will send me to these places to work. One wouldn't think if you said "I'd gladly go anywhere you want to send me" that they would be adverse to that. Seems to me that would be a huge selling point.

OK - snack time. There's a salad bar here & I'm excited to eat VEGETABLES.