If I had all the time and money in the world I'd return to every amazing place we've visited so far but with only one lifetime and limited funds there are certain places that need prioritising. Sydney, however, will definitely be one of them. With a working holiday visa so easily accessible to the under thirties it would be a little mad not to.
Within hours of arriving in Sydney we already felt at home and not only because every other street name has been plucked straight from London. Despite being a massive city it has this amazingly relaxed atmosphere where everything is so easy and welcoming. It's always bustling but never busy, thanks to the wide streets and large open spaces all throughout town. We found it similar enough to England to feel instantly comfortable but still different enough for it to be interesting and exciting. With the sky high buildings, garden parks, white sandy beaches and stunning harbour front, Sydney really does offer something for everyone and seemingly does so in the most effortless way.
We spent our first three nights in a hostel in the centre which allowed us to explore most of the city by foot, ticking off all the major tourist hotspots. One afternoon though we ventured a little further, hopping on a ferry over to Manly in Northern Sydney to visit a friend of Hana's who lives there. She showed us around her pretty little seaside town and treated us to champagne at the wharf which was wonderful. High on bubbles and hometown gossip we then jumped back onto the boat and headed back to the city to meet a couple of my work friends who have transferred over here. By complete chance it was a Media Thursday so we kept to old traditions, downing wine on a school night and laughing over our silly media memories whilst simultaneously making more. Sadly there was no company card to fund it this time but there wasn't a company expecting me to function at work the next morning either so I couldn't really complain.
Luckily our Sydney stay also coincided with Australia Day and we were invited to spend the long weekend with a university friend and his housemates in Balmain. We celebrated the holiday in true Aussie style with a BBQ in their backyard and goon pong at pre-drinks. I'd love to blame the rest of the night's antics on the Aussie influence too but they felt more reminiscent of our messy student days. We stumbled around the city minus a pair of shoes but plus one stolen chopping board until someone had the sense to put us in a taxi home.
After a repeat of this on the Sunday night it's a miracle we dragged ourselves out of the house on Monday morning but Sydney sunshine is hard to refuse. The boys took us down to Bondi beach and we strolled along the cliff edge until we reached the slightly quieter but equally as beautiful Bronte. Distracting ourselves from thoughts of leaving later that day we focused our efforts on trying (but failing miserably) to play volleyball and dodging the jellyfish washing in with the waves.
The boys were absolute legends and we wished we could have stayed longer but having already booked our bus up to Byron Bay it wasn't really an option. What was an option, however, was for them to book a flight to Fiji to come and meet us in March instead. Half an hour and not a lot of thought later the flights were booked! We're still sad to be leaving Sydney but it's easier knowing we'll see it again soon and our Sydney friends, even sooner.
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