Farewell to the Heat – Looking Forward to Sydney

Today is a travel day. We're leaving this outrageously hot place. Too hot for me – physically and internally. I’m honestly glad to be leaving here. Not just because of the temperatures, but because a lot of things just didn’t feel right to me. Some impressions don’t require lengthy analysis; they settle directly in your gut.

Of course: It’s nice that we saw this place. I took note of it. And I learned a lot. But for me, this chapter is closed.

Today we fly to Sydney.

Sydney is not unknown territory for me. This is where I started. I know what to expect – and that gives me a good feeling. At the same time, one or two new highlights are waiting for us. I don’t want to reveal too much, but I can share this already: It will be intense, it will be exciting, and it will be emotional.

Today we arrive. For today’s travel day, I’ll include a picture so you can see what’s coming up. Tomorrow we have a full schedule, all day long. And on Thursday, our free day in Sydney, we have something very special planned.

Climbing – Sydney Harbour Bridge

I’m saying it deliberately like this because that’s exactly what it’s about: Climbing.

I will climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The whole thing is already booked. Health checks are done. About 1,500 steps. I spoke in advance with Michael Mayer, National Director of BNI Austria and Germany. He comes from the mountains and said: challenging, but absolutely doable – and especially impressive. So I booked it.

I will do this together with Erik and Chris. John from Canada is also joining us, but he will be there three quarters of an hour later. He will pick up those who can’t make it. Just the thought of that already shows it won’t be a walk in the park.

I will report back to you on how it was. That will be exciting.

The last hours here have been quite contrasting:

Last night at sunset, the same situation again – this intense questioning, which you could also call begging. “We sell our art.” It can be dressed up, but it doesn’t feel right to me.

This morning, however, at sunrise at 4:30 a.m.: nobody there. Absolute calm. Just us. Great atmosphere, strong images.

I’ve attached two pictures of this. They were taken by Roza from Canada. At breakfast, we were back together: Roza, Jamie, and I. The rest of the group has gone back to sleep.

My things are packed. I am ready.

Off to Sydney.

I’m looking forward to it. To the city, to the energy, to the familiar – and to new highlights.

Climbing is one of them.