“Female Version of Ralph – how a young Australian brought the Sydney Harbour Bridge to life”

Sydney Harbour Bridge – a climb that was more than just an experience

Today was one of those days when a seemingly clear agenda completely refreshes itself.

We climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge – organized by Erik and Chris. In my mind: stairs, views, good organization.

The reality: emotion, excitement, and true goosebumps.

A significant part of this experience was Eloisa, 28, an Australian. Presence, clarity, humor – and that consistent sparkle in her eyes. No show, no tourist program. Just genuine passion. At one point, Chris said, half-laughing but completely accurately:

“She’s the female version of Ralph.”

That's exactly how it felt. Posture, energy, leadership – only in a young, female form.

Eloisa shared a story that stuck with us:

The story of a nine-year-old boy whose father broke both his legs. Suddenly, the responsibility fell on the child. The boy handled everything, contributed, and grew beyond himself. At some point, the father asked, “What is your biggest wish?”

The answer was clear: “I want to be part of the Sydney Harbour Bridge opening.”

Whether this story is recorded as an official chronicle or passed on as an anecdote is almost secondary. It conveys something crucial: Great structures symbolize hope, connection, and future – especially for those who must take on responsibility at an early age.

The historical facts are well known:

The Sydney Harbour Bridge was built after decades of planning and was opened on March 19, 1932. A century project. Engineering brilliance. A symbol of progress. But only through stories and people does this bridge gain depth and soul.

The Climb itself took about four to four and a half hours. Perfectly organized, absolutely safe, but intense. Step by step up – accompanied by laughter, wonder, wind, and the feeling of being part of something bigger. You can see it clearly in the photos: real joy, real energy. We even ran into John, who was on a group ahead of us – we waved to each other, took a few last pictures before we moved on to the museum, pleasantly exhausted.

A special moment came almost casually:

In one of the photos, I've captured personalities who also climbed this bridge. Leading the pack is Sir Richard Branson. I deliberately leave out the other names – one or two might recognize them, I knew them all. And yes, that was exciting.

And at this point, an important point:

Why Richard Branson?

Not because he jumps off somewhere from the Reeperbahn. Not for PR or glamour.

But because Richard Branson is one of the few people who, if you can present a good pitch, could genuinely help change the world with what we are planning with SolyPlus in the field of wound healing. Someone who is not intimidated by pharmaceutical companies, who thinks boldly, acts entrepreneurially, and takes social impact seriously.

That’s why I chose him as my target contact.

There may be a No. That’s part of it.

But then at least I tried. And that’s exactly my measure.

In line with this, we will fly for the first time tomorrow with Virgin Airlines, Richard Branson's airline. You see: I am getting closer to this goal step by step. And just this journey is already part of the story.

And it goes on.

Tomorrow is another travel day.

Alarm at 4:30 AM, getting ready, meeting at the reception. Then flight to Port Douglas, up north in Australia. Tropically hot. Rainforest. Dreamlike landscapes. And clear instructions: long clothing, strong mosquito spray, because there aren't the harmless European variants, but the really aggressive insects.

The wildlife also plays in a different league there:

While on Great Keppel Island there were “only” sharks, jellyfish, and stingers, in northern Australia, the real heavyweights await – saltwater crocodiles. Up to seven meters long, the largest crocodiles in the world. Not freshwater crocodiles, but massive, highly aggressive saltwater crocs. Swimming? Theoretically possible. Practically: definitely not a good idea.

Beautiful. Wild. Demanding respect.

I will report back on what the coming days bring.

But for now, it's time to sleep.

Because tomorrow the adventure continues.