CITY heights

Berney made sure he knew all seven of us by name,not an easy task,considering there were four Indians and one Greek in our group. The first part of the climb was a walk just under the bridge towards the point where the 503-metre arch begins. As we started climbing the arch —The Express Climb means you stick to a staircase and there are no vertical ladders— Berney explained how the bridge’s inauguration in 1932 was the biggest event in the history of Australia,a day for which the entire continent had been preparing for over a decade.

But as I climbed up,my attention started to waver,thanks to the scintillating view of the city unravelling around me. Midway up the arch,I found a big yacht whizzing below me and the awe-inspiring Opera House changing its colours under the evening sky to my right. Well,I wouldn’t suggest the climb to those who are afraid of heights or suffer from vertigo,because at many points on this climb,I was just standing on a strong wire mesh with the blue waters of the Sydney Harbour a few hundred feet below. Berney said his favourite spot was when we were right above the traffic on the bridge,a bird’s eye view of what the automobile sector has on offer in Australia.
Once on the top,I had a clear view of both sides of the bridge and could even catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean beyond the harbour.

At the top of the arch at 134 metres,Berney allowed us a break,to take in the view,gloat over our accomplishment and contemplate what lay in store during the descent. He also took the customary snap of the group with the Opera House in the background and took on special photo requests,before we moved over to the other side to start our slow climb down the bridge.

Though less taxing on the lungs,the descent was more unnerving as we were looking down at the water and not up at the turquoise blue Australian sky. Plus,at each tricky spot,Berney had a tragic anecdote from the time the bridge was built— of a worker who lost a leg,of another who lost his life and then of the guy who survived a fall with some broken ribs only to return to work in a week. “Those were the days of the Great Depression,” Berney’s voice sounded poignant even over the walkie-talkie.
Back in,we jumped out of our suits only to be greeted by Berney who got our certificate and complimentary snap ready. As we stepped out into the street under the shadow of the imposing bridge,I realised it had really been the climb of a lifetime.

GETTING THERE:
You can get a connecting flight to Sydney from Delhi,Mumbai,Bangalore etc. with stopovers in Bangkok,Singapore or Hong Kong.
WHERE TO STAY:
Sydney has a vast array of hotels ranging from budget to luxury. A good room within the city limits will cost AUD 100 a night. We recommend the Swisotel due to its proximity to all important parts of the city.
WHAT TO SEE:
The Sydney Opera House,botanical garden,Manley and Bondi beaches,and the two harbours with their waterfront restaurants and pubs.
WHAT TO BUY:
Traditional aborigine souvenirs and opal jewellery. But nothing comes cheap.
BRIDGECLIMB RATES:
Anywhere between AUD 198 and AUD 295 for adults,and from AUD 128 to AUD 195 for children during peak season which lasts this year till June.
DRESS CODE:
Make sure you have a good pair of shoes. The company provides everything except innerwear. Only spectacles and sunglasses are allowed during the climb,everything else goes inside a locker.