Saturday, March 29, 2014

March Slice of Life Story Challenge: Day 29 of 31 / Sydney

Sydney

Perhaps because of yesterday's encounter, Sydney is so strongly in my thoughts today. Living there feels so fresh, so vivid. Though Sydney is on the other side of the world from where I am now, there are places in New York, my own city, that feel more remote. I can't quite believe that I can't just hop on the subway and end up in Elizabeth Bay, our Sydney home.

Join me as I go for a walk in our neighborhood.

I take a look outside our kitchen window at the bay beyond. Sailboats dot the harbor and birds zip this way and that through tropical trees. A few puffy clouds float through a warm, blue sky.

I walk out of our building and past the cluster of bird of paradise growing outside. I walk past a lush city park with a koi pond and a view of the ocean and up a tall set of stairs to a bustling street. I stop by a cafe for a flat white and sip it luxuriously as I stroll.

I descend down another set of tall stairs to a wharf neighborhood. I keep an eye out for Russell Crowe, one of the tenants of the ritzy condos on the docks. I walk across a pier and I watch the water swirling over the sand and rocks below.

I walk up a hill and into a side entrance to the Sydney Botanic Gardens, where I'm greeted by screeching Macaws and swooping lorikeets; prickly, Dr. Seuss trees and clusters of fruit bats, resting for the night's excursion around the city.

I continue through the gardens, and at the end of the path, I am greeted by a wide open bay and the white sails of the Opera House floating in the distance.

I walk around the bay and up the steps of the Opera House. I take it all in - the gardens sprawling before me, the ferries shuttling into Circular Quay, the perfect arc of the Harbour Bridge spanning it all.

I walk down the steps and get ready to head home. Yes, just another stroll in the neighborhood.

Sometimes I miss Sydney so much my heart aches. Funny, considering I spent the first half of my time there desperately homesick for New York. But Sydney will always be a part of me, a part of my family. It's where my husband and I first set up our home. One day, I hope to live there again with our son. For now, I carry it with me all the time, hoping to find the kind of beauty we had there again. Thank you Sydney, for being our paradise for a little while. 


11 comments:

  1. Living overseas gives us new perspectives on so many things, doesn't it. Thanks for the stroll through the old 'hood.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sydney has my heart, too! I know what you mean about it being indescribable. There's just something magical about it. It calls to me, and I know that one day, I'll live there again. Thanks for the slice today...a great reminder!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh did you live there too? It's magical! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed we'll run into each other at Icebergs one day. :)

      Delete
  3. I think I left part of my heart in Taipei. Bus # 220 took me to the city and # 606 to the University. So many important things in my life happened there. Perhaps one day I will be able to return...

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm so jealous that you got to live there. I was a brief visitor but long to go back and explore the city and the country more. I loved the walk you took me on today. Parts I could see perfectly, because I walked there too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'd love to visit Australia one day. Sydney, Brisbane, Perth... they're all on my list!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sydney is on my list of places to visit, Anna - your slice is proof positive of why I need to!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anna, your piece evoked many memories of visiting Sydney over the years. The harbour area is indeed a beautiful part of the city. As a Melbournian I maintain a healthy rivalry with Sydney, but I won't go there. My son and his family live in Sydney, so it is a regular destination. Having also lived in NYC for six years, I understand the issue of distance. Thanks for the Aussie travel promo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alan - your comment makes me think that when I posted my link, I should have said "Sydneysiders" not "Australians". That would have been more appropriate. I do love all parts of Australia, though. Melbourne is wonderful and we often headed down for some healthy doses of culture and coffee. The Dali exhibit a few years ago was particularly great. Take care and I love your country!

      Delete
  8. It's so difficult and complicated to love the place where you are, yet be homesick for the place you used to be! This post reminds me of how I feel about New York/Vermont.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I'll bet, Beth! Brooklyn misses you and I'm sure you miss it, though I know you have an awesome life in VT.

      Delete