We’re back in Sydney!
Australia holds a dear place in my heart. It was our honeymoon destination, the first country we visited after our wedding in 2014, the first country we traveled to that needed visa, and the start of many other visa applications right after. From a third-world passport holder’s perspective, you don’t know how encouraging it can be when a visa is approved because there’s just so many requirements and work involved in applying for one.
We fell so deeply in love with the laidback lifestyle and appreciated how Aussies are so approachable and welcoming. It’s a total contrast from the two cities I grew up in (Manila and Singapore), where daily life is always hurried and talking to strangers is atypical. Australia seemed like a really good place to raise a family, hence, we decided to immigrate.
Almost three years later and we’re back in the land down under, holding a permanent resident visa in our passports. Never in my life did I imagine that I’d choose to move somewhere far but circumstances change, and I’m just so thankful for the opportunity to grow outside of my comfort zone.
Revisiting Sydney this time was just a little creative retreat for us. We didn’t have anything big planned but to stroll around the harbour, visit The Grounds of Alexandria and try to recuperate from jetlag and exhaustion. Our bodies are worn out from all the traveling we’ve done in the last two months but my heart is full.
On another note, it’s surprising how much can change in the span of 3 years. Rebuilding and road constructions are happening around the city. The streets are not as quiet as it used to be. And there are a lot of Asian and European students, immigrants, travelers everywhere. It’s really nice to see cities open up to several cultures. It’s one thing I love about Singapore and I’m thrilled that Australia and New Zealand deems the same. With a diverse population, one will never run out of foods to try, neighborhoods to discover, cultural beliefs to understand, and events to participate.
Here are some photos from our trip.
The Opera House
St. James Park and Cathedral
Sydney Harbour
Bondi Beach
i-Creamy Gelato
In one of the days, we waited until night fall at the harbour to watch “Badu Gili: Water Light”, a show that lights the Sydney Opera House’s sails each night at sunset in remembrance of the rich history and contemporary vibrancy of Australia’s First Nations culture.
What do you think? Sydney is a gem, isn’t it? :)
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