Saturday 6th Feb, 2016 08.00 P.M I was all set for my first
flight experience. My first onsite trip! I was about to fly abroad for a week and that too it is Sydney. Till that time I have heard and
seen that only in Map and Films. I was excited first and worried next. As
we were reaching closure to the airport, my excitement and at the same time
nervousness was increasing because I was travelling through “Malaysian
Airlines”. I need not tell the reason behind my anxiety :D
At 00.10 A.M I could
hear the pilot’s voice, he was briefing instructions and most awaited
announcement comes – "Flight attendants, prepare for take-off please."
I boarded the Malaysian
Airlines flight from Mumbai to Kuala Lumpur
and I needed to change flight in Kuala Lumpur
to Sydney. I reached Sydney on time. The flight was really too long still the
excitement was high. On the way to hotel
I was getting glimpse of spectacular HARBOUR BRIDGE. In night too this
geographical area was looking fantastic.
Next day, in morning when I looked out of my window the view was magnificent.
There are no words to
describe it. It’s exactly same
as shown in “jane kyun log pyaar karte hai” dil chahta hai movie song, google
or photographs. May be this is what
heaven must feel like. From 6th floor of Harbour view hotel
this is what I saw….
After finishing office hours I and my colleague decided to walk down to harbour. It’s one of the greenest cities I have ever seen. From North Sydney we kept on walking till Milsons Point. We used the steps near Milsons Point Railway Station.
Wohh... WOW! Butterflies in stomach! I was on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, world's largest steel arch bridge, 50-60 meters above sea level. The view is absolutely breathtaking. Aaahh!
Bridge was looking absolutely stunning in red border lights. Glorious look of Harbour! It was evening time, i.e. the usual office out time and still the car lanes were well managed. Yes this point I must mention looking at Pune's traffic. Bridge was crowded with joggers, tourists and local people.We kept on walking. I stopped at a point. Turned left, looked down. I could see icon of Australia, OPERA HOUSE! View was superb. I was feeling lucky at that moment a lot, to see both opera house and harbour bridge were lit red to welcome the Year of the Monkey which is the Chinese New Year.
Further walking down, I could see people climbing the bridge.If you don't have Acrophobia then you must climb up. It costs $350 Australian dollar, which is quite expensive. There is another option too, Pylon Lookout which will cost around $12 Australian dollar and offers magnificent views of Sydney Harbour, botanical gardens and the surrounding areas. On a clear day you can see as far as the Blue Mountains.
We had walked half of the bridge by now. Many Asians (Chinese, Japanese and Singaporeans) were roaming with thier families; everyone was celebrating Lunar and was ready for selfies. Click...Click...Click... I was feeling as if I'm in China J
We reached at the dead end of harbour. While returning from same lane, we noticed that this lane was closed. Then we were asked to use opposite side lane. We crossed the tunnel and climbed the staircase. It was like a cakewalk. Aa..haan! This side was a bit scary.
It had walking, cycle, car and train lane. The moment train passed, we were getting that bridge shaking feeling. We passed Pylon. Suddenly the police standing behind, called us. We turned back and approached him. He said, "Hi, are you from India?" I said, "Yes. We have come here for work and client visit." He smiled and said, "I'm also from Hyderabad, India." Bingo... J One could see smile in our eyes. You can imagine the further Indian people conversation. It was amazing. He suggested many must watch places of Sydney and Indian restaurants.
From this right side lane, I was getting glimpse of LUNA PARK with glittering roller coaster. I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride which goes only up. Luckily it was a valentine week, park was lit with red, pink and white lights. Couples from all age groups were enjoying those rides.
So we walked it twice. I thought it was well worth doing again and to see the wonderful sights at night from the bridge. Now it was 10 P.M. and it was totally dark and silent, as if it's mid night. People here usually sleep by 9 or 9.30 P.M. Shops and malls also get closed by 8 P.M. Time to return back to hotel.
Next time I will definitely opt for Pylon Lookout, to feel the spectacular view 87 meters above sea level.
This walk will be surely be carved in my memory wall for a long time. It was one of the spendid walk of my life!
