AUSTRALIA: Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge, or, as the locals call it, "The Coat Hanger", is another iconic symbol of Sydney.

The bridge opened in 1932 and serves as the primary transportation link between Sydney's Central Business District (CBD) and its suburbs on the northern side of the harbour. 

It took 8 years to build and spans 500 metres (1,650 feet), making it one of the longest steel-arch bridges in the world. 

It is over 18 metres (60 feet) wide - enough to carry eight lanes of automobile traffic, two sets of train tracks, a bicycle path, and 2 pedestrian walkways. 

We chose to climb it. 

I have a fear of heights. 

So I purposely didn't think about it much before I went. 

Oddly, I figured I'd rather just get there and surprise myself. 

First things first - once you enter the door you have to sign waivers and absolve them of all liability. 

Safety is important. And fashion is secondary. 

You can not take anything with you, and that includes hair clips or scrunchies. 

Sunglasses go on a string. 

Proudly displayed in the waiting area are photos of celebrities that can claim bragging rights. 

If they can do it, surely I can do it too!

You have to climb 200 steps, 87 meters (285 feet) above sea level to reach the top for a 360º view of Sydney Harbour. 

To be honest. it wasn't scary at all. And that is coming from someone afraid of heights. 

Needless to say, no cameras or cell phones. 

And of course, not being able to take pictures gives them the wonderful opportunity to sell you THEIR pictures taken at the top.

We now have joined the ranks of celebrities with bragging rights too.