The Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb for the Budget Traveler

Bridgestairs 300x200 The Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb for the Budget Traveler

The Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb is a must-do attraction while in Sydney. And even though the $200 price tag per person is worth every penny, I realize that the cost far exceeds many travelers budgets. The good news is, it’s possible to get a similar bridge-top view of the Sydney Skyline at a fraction of the cost.

The Sydney Harbor Bridge Pylon Lookout

PylonsatNight 300x200 The Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb for the Budget Traveler

Those two pylons at either end of the bridge aren’t just there for decoration,* the one closet to downtown Sydney serves as a lookout point. Called the Pylon Lookout, travelers can climb the 200 stairs to the top for a great view of the city. And for less than $10.00 per person, you can afford to bring the whole family.

Is the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb Worth It?

P3030590 300x225 Is the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb Worth It?

Oprah on the Sydney Harbor Bridge

Yep, I’m as famous as Oprah now. Or so I was told when I stood in the same spot she did at the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Sydney Bridge 300x200 Is the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb Worth It?

How Much is the Sydney Bridge Climb

Everyone who has every traveled to Sydney gave me suggestions on what to do, told me that I had to do the Sydney Bridge Climb. So like a good traveler, I did my researched and discovered that this iconic climb would cost, at a minimum $198 per person. After I changed into a clean pair of pants I began the very arduous process of deciding whether or not to invest over $400 for Brian and I to do the climb. Yes, Australia is f@#%!n’ expensive, but this is perhaps, the single-most expensive attraction price I’ve ever paid for (there is a budget option though). You really do need to be Oprah to afford it…

What’s the Best View of Singapore? Sands SkyPark

IMG 0396 300x200 Whats the Best View of Singapore? Sands SkyPark

Whether it’s a tower, wheel, needle or office building, every city has some sort of observation deck. But the recently open Marina Bay Sands SkyPark in Singapore is the epitome of luxury, height, novelty and coolness.

When I shared with a colleague of mine that I was going to Singapore, he told me I had to check out this new hotel that opened with an observation deck that extends over the end of the building. I researched what he was talking about, inquired with their media department and was graciously given a tour of the newest and most happening hot spot in Singapore.

How to Take a Picture of the Bo-Kaap District

In my ongoing “How to Photograph” series, we’ll take a look at the Bo-Kaap district in Cape Town.

Bo Kaap Paint 300x200 How to Take a Picture of the Bo Kaap District

At first glance, this photo of the side of the building looks pretty simple and nothing seems special about it. Some may call it boring. I think it’s artsy, different and fun. Maybe I’m the only one. But today’s lesson is less about this photo, but a quick lesson in color.

Colorful Houses in the Bo-Kaap Quarter: Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town 2 143 300x225 Colorful Houses in the Bo Kaap Quarter: Cape Town, South Africa

How would you like to live in that house? I know what you’re thinking, maybe pink just isn’t your color. If that doesn’t interest you, there are plenty of other houses you can choose from in the Bo-Kaap Quarter in Cape Town, South Africa. Perhaps you are interested in something more warm and muted…

Cape Town 2 1511 300x225 Colorful Houses in the Bo Kaap Quarter: Cape Town, South Africa

How to Photograph The Eiffel Tower

Hey Adventurers,

Today’s post is a quickie. Something different from the normal, wordy posts. I thought I’d share with you one of my favorite photos I took of the Eiffel Tower. Took this in October of 2008.

Eiffel Tower How to Photograph The Eiffel Tower

How I took it (with my Canon Rebel Xti)

If you’d like to take a photo of the Eiffel Tower like this, here’s some tips to help you replicate it:

  • You’ll need to place your camera on a tripod
  • Shooting at dusk provides you with fantastic light

Going to the Top of the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban

IMG 6711 300x200 Going to the Top of the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban

All this week we’ve been talking about the 2010 FIFA World Cup and also the City of Durban, South Africa. So let’s finish off with a combination of both.

IMG 6776 300x200 Going to the Top of the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban

Early on in my adventures in South Africa, I had a chance to visit the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. It was built especially for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. With all the investment South Africa has made in building stadiums, I had to wonder, “what will happen to the stadiums after the World Cup is over?” Fortunately Durban asked that question before they started building the stadium.

TIA: This Is Africa

Secunda Monday Tin Shacks 300x225 TIA: This Is Africa

There is an expression in Africa, TIA; This Is Africa. Simply put, it’s a catch-all phrase for explaining the unexplainable. When things just don’t make sense, the response is often “This is Africa”. Used by foreigners and locals alike, last week was a TIA Week.

I’m in South Africa on business. My travels have recently brought me to a few townships in Mpumalanga Province: Secunda and Sibuyswa.

What is a Township?

A township is the term used to describe the tin shack cities. They are sometimes also referred to as Informal Settlements. Both are used in place of  Squatter’s Camps, which has a negative connotation. Townships are a frequent sight in South Africa. They are eye opening for the first-time visitor.

Spent the Weekend at The Palace of the Lost City

It’s been a hectic first week in South Africa. Much of the time was spent figuring out all of the logistics for my ’round-the-country tour of South Africa. If you haven’t seen my itinerary yet, you can view it here. We’ve also been rehearsing for the work which begins today, Monday.

Over the weekend we were hosted at The Palace of the Lost City. It’s situated at the world-famous Sun City Resort – the Las Vegas of South Africa.

Where is Jelly Bean Row?

IMG 0190 300x225 Where is Jelly Bean Row?

“Where’s Jelly Bean Row,” I asked the lady behind the counter.

She laughed and explained that it’s not a particular place, but anywhere in St. John’s where the houses are multi-colored. Still needing clarification, she expanded…

St. John’s has it’s roots in the fishing industry. As ship captains returned from their trips at sea they would search for their homes, all lined up on the nearby hills. In order to make them each stand out, every house was painted a different, vibrant color. Any neighborhood in St. John’s with these colorful houses has been nicknamed Jelly Bean Row.

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