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I wish I could see everything
Erin Aldrich, 22, qualified for the Sydney Olympics by placing second in the high jump at the U.S. Olympic Trials. The 6-foot-1 Aldrich is the current collegiate record-holder in the high jump (6 feet, 5 1/2 inches) and has been named an All-America in both track and volleyball at the University of Texas. Check back with CNNSI.com as Aldrich talks about sightseeing in Sydney.
September 20, 2000
How were the Opening Ceremonies? The Opening Ceremonies were incredible! The feeling you get as you march through the tunnel is indescribable. When you march around the track, you can see all the people supporting the USA with American flags and hundreds of camera flashes. People really do get excited to see the USA march. I looked back to the end of the line of U.S. athletes as I was approaching the tunnel, and the line looked as though it was endless. There are so many great athletes in this country that I couldn't even see the end of our line. The amazing thing was that not all of our athletes were even there. Some opted not to participate because they had to compete the next day. Marching in the ceremonies takes your breath away, really! The stadium is incredible -- the largest in Olympic history, I believe. It was definitely sold out, and to see all those people really made me understand what the Olympic Games are all about. My mother sent me a quote the other day that basically said that it is not winning or losing in the Olympics thatcounts, it is taking part! That is so true! It is the 100th anniversary of women in the Olympics, therefore all the final carriers of the Olympic torch were women, finishing with Cathy Freeman (400m runner). It was absolutely beautiful to watch the flame rise to the top of the stadium. They Australians did a great job with the entire ceremony! Last we checked, you hadn't had the chance to see the sights of Sydney beyond the Athletes' village. Where else have you gone besides the Olympic Stadium? I have been in the city a few times, and it is so gorgeous at night! The Opera House is amazing, whether it be day or night, although I haven't checked out the nightlife yet. I can't wait to get a taste of the Sydney nightlife after I compete. I went to brunch in an area called Coogee, I believe, the other day. It was very nice. There are lots of small cafes and places to eat outside, so you can enjoy the beaches and the weather -- yes, the weather has been awesome so far! Let's keep it up Australia! I did also hit Starbucks the other day, but I was disappointed because they were out of my cups that I've been collecting. Oh well, guess I'll have to go again. Love those frapps! Have you been able to try eating in any of the restaurants in Sydney? Many of the restaurants in Sydney are just like America. There are small differences such as pancakes served with whipped cream and ice cream (which I don't mind in the least!) and the way the food is served. But, generally speaking, things are very similar here. They even have a Payless shoes that I saw the other night on my way back from the beach volleyball venue. The AT&T global village where friends and family of the Olympians are able to gather is supposed to be incredible. I haven't been able to go there yet, but I will try to check that out tomorrow or the next day. I have heard from several people that the food they serve is outstanding (lobster, steak, shrimp, etc...) and the view is out of this world! Apparently it overlooks the water and the Opera House. There are also four big screen TVs that show four different venues at a time, so you can keep up with different sports while mingling with friends and family. I can't wait to check that place out! Have you been making a list of things you'd like to see or do while you're here? There are so many things I could do while I'm here, but I don't want to get too tired before my event, so I may have to prioritize a bit. There is really no way you can get bored here, and there is way too much to see! I wish I could see everything, but it may not be possible. I already feel like I'm always running around trying to fit everything into my schedule! :-) One of Sydney's famous landmarks is the Harbour Bridge. Are you interested in climbing it? I would absolutely love to climb the Harbour Bridge, and I have been asking around about that. Everyone says it is pretty amazing. Hopefully I will be able to do that after my event is over and before I leave Sydney. I also want to go to New Zealand after this and bungee jump! Have you seen or done anything that you'd recommend to a future tourist of Sydney? Even thought I haven't climbed the Harbour Bridge, everyone has recommended that I do so. Also, I think one has to check out a petting zoo with kangaroo and koala bears, etc. I did that in 1996 when I was here and it was so neat! And, for future visitors, the venues here definitely need to be checked out because they're awesome. I hope Sydney decides to keep most of them after the Games are over. -- Erin
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