Australia was the one place I absolutely wanted to move to. It has been my dream since I visited in December 2008, and finally, it’s real. You might think that I’m still in my “honeymoon phase” and will wake up soon. I did wake up indeed and am deep into working through “Sydney-Katia-relationship-issues” (plenty!). But: “I wouldn’t wanna have it any other way, I’m addicted, and I just can’t get enough.”
It’s cold
Not Singapore-cold as in “let’s put the AC on the max. level so you can show off your fancy boots at work and wear your winter dress to the movies.” I got used to that type of cold. You just had to go for a walk outside, feel the humidity precipitate on your cold skin, and enjoy the warm breeze, until you’d feel like going back to the fridge in 15-20 minutes. Instead, Sydney’s June weather offers lovely sunshine and daytime temperatures of 20 C but cools down very quickly to below 10 C after sunset at 5 pm. The temperature in your flat drops at the same speed (insulation? overrated!), and you keep freezing the entire night until you open the windows for the morning sun. That sun feels good, though, and you just love it.
It’s magically beautiful
I am blown away by the beautiful and powerful ocean. I could watch the waves rise and fall for hours. And I can’t wait to learn to surf to experience them with all my senses. Once you had enough of Bondi and head out for a walk along the other beaches or to one of the parks, you get spoiled by more fantastic landscapes and views. Botanical gardens is another favorite of mine, offering fabulous views of the harbor.
People start their days really early
In Germany, we say “one can fold up the pavement” when it’s really empty in a city, and everyone is hanging out indoors. It’s also a way to say that it’s kind of boring and the city does not have a nightlife. Sydney does have a nightlife, though. It just starts much earlier (dinner at 5 pm anyone?) and ends earlier. After all, you must get a surfing session in before work, right?
People are incredibly kind
I am aware that friendly does not mean “friends” and that Australians tend to be reserved. But I do prefer friendly over grumpy, and how kind is it if random strangers proactively help you navigate or offer local recommendations? I was impressed by the welcoming neighbors (for the first time in my life I actually interact with my neighbors!), very polite Uber drivers (finally, no unsolicited relationship advice every time I take an Uber!), and the nicest and most helpful Covid helpline (the call you don’t want to make usually).
It’s a work-out culture; not a gym culture
I was hoping to join a crazy mega-gym: group classes non-stop, several levels of gym equipment, a rooftop pool, exercise wear and towels provided when you check in. These gyms do exists here, too, but are not as plentiful as in Singapore or in the US. Instead, people make nature their gym. It makes total sense since it’s just so beautiful and there are a lot of outside work-out stations along the beaches and parks, but I’m still slightly disappointed. Maybe I’ll spend my next winter vacation in Singapore just to train at Evolve again. For now, Les Mills on-demand at home gym will have to suffice.
Insects are sneaky
I did know about the abundant biodiversity in Australia. I was still shocked to discover a huge (!!! more huge than SEA huge) cockroach at 3 am in my kitchen when getting a glass of water. Since I did not have any food or trash in the kitchen, I was seriously puzzled and worried, grabbed my weapon, and went to bed after a successful hide & seek session. Next day, I realized that cockroaches FLY into your flat when you open your windows. Likely, my legged guests last night were as disappointed being stuck at my place as I was.
Let’s see what the next weeks and months of Sydney-Katia relationship work reveal. I’m off to a good start.
Take care,
Katia