Ryan Kwanten Moment:”I know it sounds touristy, but the Sydney Harbor Bridge walk is really cool at night, so she should definitely do that if she can, at sundown.”

Destination: Sydney Harbor Bridge

Inspiration: A whole slew of people raved about the bridge but Ryan Kwanten wins because he’s an Aussie and well who doesn’t want to listen to the guy in this picture?

After leaving me in OZ, Jen Birn worked her magic and got the following quote from Ryan for me: “I know it sounds touristy, but the Sydney Harbor Bridge walk is really cool at night, so she should definitely do that if she can, at sundown. After that she should take the ferry from Manly to Palm Beach and go bar hopping in Palm Beach. She’s guaranteed to meet some great people there and have just the time of her life.”

Actualization: When I first heard about this so-called bridge walk, I thought to myself I cannot do a cheesy tour. How unoriginal. And then I kept receiving email after email telling me to do the bridge. When Matthew Rhys told me to go at twilight, it seemed perfect to have a little vampire moment 🙂 TRUE BLOOD at TWILIGHT.

The bridge walk is NOT cheap, but as expected worth every penny. I chose the express which I learned is very smart. Express is 2 hours no dilly-dallying. Regular is 3.5 hours. I don’t do well with downtime and know I wouldn’t have enjoyed the tour quite as much. If you are okay doing stairs and want a mini workout with a history lesson and topped with a RIDICULOUS view of the city. This is where to go. I had a fun group comprised of:

1) Anthony, our adorable tour guide who genuinely loved what he did and made the trip a blast. I loved that we went fast too! Anthony and I were at the front and would climb and talk between stops where he’d point out popular spots with fun stories about the history of Sydney. I am a harsh critic of tour guides and get easily annoyed when they talk too much or are cheesy. Anthony was perfect. He really enjoyed sharing the stories of his hometown with people.

2) Three Swiss dudes: These guys were comedy and in Australia learning English.

3) Nina and David: a NY Mom and Dad. Nina was the mom checking to make sure everyone was okay as it got dark and we made our way up and over across the top of the bridge. David was actually using this challenge to overcome his fear of heights. They were visiting Sydney because David has developed a therapy technique called brainspotting. Fascinating. He gets to travel and teach the technique around the world.

We all got breathalized. Yup you had to be under .05! Thank god I didn’t do this one yesterday because my rose with Rod def would have been an issue and embarassing. Who knew they were making us blow before the walk?
Then we put on our prison costumes. I had seen people on the bridge my second day in Sydney and told Jen, “omg they send their prisoners to go work on their bridge.” Jen laughed at me as we soon found out the prisoners were tourists and they have you on a lock chain walking for safety reasons.
Then we walked. I always love when I get to learn and workout simultaneously. So I give this moment a 99%!

Realization: Don’t be afraid to be a tourist.

Your Moment:

Ryan’s full quote: “I know it sounds touristy, but the Sydney Harbor Bridge walk is really cool at night, so she should definitely do that if she can, at sundown. After that she should take the ferry from Manly to Palm Beach and go bar hopping in Palm Beach. She’s guaranteed to meet some great people there and have just the time of her life.”

Amaury Nolasco Prisonbreak: “Climb the bridge…. It INSANE!!”

Matthew Rhys Brothers and Sisters: “SHIT! You still there, thought you were leaving Saturday – misread your email. If you are still there – my one and only piece of advice. Six words. Sydney Harbor Bridge climb at Sunset. Hope you’re having a ripping time cobber, Good on ya..Happy Bloody Birthday mate, Mx”

Stacy Keibler DWTS: “You can climb the Sydney Harbor bridge. Near the opera house, you get an amazing view of the city! I did it! It takes half of the day or so but if you have the time it’s worth it. and if you aren’t scared of heights. They take you to a couple great spots up there that are excellent photo ops with the city behind you.”

Sydney Harbor Bridge
HBO: True Blood
Twilight: New (full) Moon
Ryan Kwanten