Sandy Supposes....

Searching Sydney

         My computer chair is in the upright position. While not technically strapped in, my feet are braced against the floor. Today, I am virtually travelling within Sydney , Australia. I have advised my ears to translate the unique accent I shall be immersed within. I do not plan to so much as blink. It shall be all about the letter A with today's activities. Adrenalin.

         First stop, all be it a brief one, was Hilton Sydney. Yes, I verified that it is centrally located. In the heart of the city one might say. When I departed anticipating my full day of screaming sightseeing, I was still scratching my head and pondering. What exactly is that sculpture thingy in the lobby? Is it a strange conception of a wire funnel cloud? A giant worm? I can say definitively it was---- tall.

         First up on my expedition bucket list was a dip, okay, a dive with the sharks at Bushrangers Bay. I assured the handlers that I was indeed a certified diver, they didn't need to know this is a virtual qualification. I did pause to consider I might be certifiable. Submerged with man-eaters? Are sharks ever referred to as women-eaters? Would I be secure with that distinction? Nope, sorry, I'm not male, therefore, you cannot dine upon my person. Sink those impressive teeth into something/someone else.

          I had to be reminded to breathe. My reflex was to hold my breath and will my muscles not to twitch. Of course this was my feeble attempt not to draw attention to myself. No one suggested I avoid eye contact, but sharks could be sensitive to the stares of tourists. I concluded they are not in the least cuddly, pettable creatures. On a side note, I enjoyed the sense of suspended animation and the serenity of bobbing under the ocean. I survived without the loss of a limb which I consider a positive.

         Next I opted to try my hand, or test my notoriously fickle balance surfing at Bondi Beach. I must stress I mean the above the ocean, on the waves type of surfing. Computer surfing has been hazardous in and of itself.

         The instructors assured me I would increase my confidence and actually be able to boast of a certain amount of technique. They blathered on about catching a wave, but I am confused as to what I am supposed to do with it if I should trap it. Are their international treaty laws forbidding the smuggling of waves? Would a wave fit into my luggage for the return flight home? When I came within spitting distance of a verifiable wave it slapped me and knocked me into the surf.

         I am not one to complain and point fingers, but the surf board was not as soft as advertised. It packs quite the wallop.

         I don't believe I shall ever develop a taste for the salt water. Swallowing it is not at all refreshing.

         The obviously veteran surfers were correct. I have the newfound confidence to now know for certain that I am not a surfer. Balance and I are not on the same level.

         Since it was impossible for me to be any more soaking wet, I next hopped aboard a Sydney Harbour Extreme Adrenaline Rush Ride which is a mouthful meaning I strapped myself into a jet boat. Again the waves pummeled me, but I didn't care. What a rush! I whooped and hollered as I spun in 360-degree spirals, power slides and wave jumps. I can still hear the roaring in my ears and the engine thrumming in my veins.

         I'd immersed myself in the sparkling, inviting, azure sea, yet I hadn't viewed its true beauty. For this I elected to try tandem skydiving over a beach. Strapped next to a stranger and sharing a parachute gives closeness a new meaning. I wonder if my air travel partner is now deaf. The wind seemed to tear my screams from my fluttering, trembling lips , but they had to go somewhere. His ears were within my vocal range. I recall a certain amount of flapping on my part not that I hoped to sprout wings and fly. My arms and legs wished to flail. Those poor sunbathers below must have believed a squawking pterodactyl was about to pounce.

         The sky high view was beyond breathtaking and I had to once again be reminded to breathe. The blue is stunning and dazzling.

         My initial plummet became a floating suspension. I experienced weightlessness and a lull in time.

         Thanks Sydney for my adrenaline fix. My blood is pumping on all cylinders now.