It’s been over two years since I first took the plunge to come to Australia and made my way down to Sydney, and I gotta say, this city has definitely delivered the goods. Down under has always been a place that’s captivated my imagination, and now that I’ve had the chance to experience it, I’m feeling pretty damn stoked. 

Let’s start with the obvious – the beaches. I mean, seriously, the beaches here are just unreal. From the iconic Bondi to the chill vibes of Bronte, Coogee to Cronulla, I’ve had a ton of killer weekends soaking up the sun and getting salty. Whiling away hours at a beach cafe in Watsons Bay while the paddle boarders float past… bliss. Feeling like a yummy mummy having a stroll in Bronte… dynamic. The beaches are one of the reasons why I’m feeling extra grateful to have been living the Sydney life.

Pulling into Watson’s Bay on the ferry

 

Natural rock pool at Coogee

But it’s not just the beaches that have made this place special. The inner-west is where it’s at for all the hipster cafes and epic restaurants. I’ve lived round the corner from the kind of joints that just ooze cool, like The Grounds of Alexandria and Cornersmith. Every weekend has been a chance to try something new, and I’m loving it.

Speaking of the inner-west, I hit the jackpot with a classic Sydney-style crib in Glebe. I’ve got a killer balcony that looks out over the city skyline, and watching the sunrise above it every morning is truly something else. It’s one of those things that will never get old. 

View from the balco

Of course, work is a thing too, but I gotta say, walking home from my office in the city through Darling Harbour is always a highlight. The water is crystal clear, the city views are epic, and the people-watching is just next-level.

And then there are the people themselves (this is where I get emosh everyone). I’ve made some seriously tight connections during my time here, and saying goodbye to them when we part ways at Scruffy Murphy’s is always bittersweet, and the last time I do it before leaving will probably break me. But I know these friendships are gonna last a lifetime, and I’m feeling extra grateful to have met such incredible humans in this epic city.

It sounds soooo cliche, but living in Sydney is an experience that’s both exhilarating and grounding. This city’s non-stop energy can be pretty overwhelming at times, but that’s exactly what keeps me coming back for more. I thrive on the hustle and bustle, and I’ve learned to take it all in stride. 

As I get ready to say goodbye to Sydney, I can’t help but feel grateful for all the amazing experiences I’ve had here. From watching the world famous New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Opera House, to hiking through the rugged Blue Mountains, to road tripping through NSW up to Byron Bay, living in Sydney has given me some unforgettable memories. Leaving won’t be easy, but I know it’s time to move on to the next adventure – next stop SE Asia! 

Even though I’m leaving, I know that Sydney will always be a part of me. It’s a city that leaves a mark on your heart, and I’m honored to have been a part of it.  ✨