When I first mentioned the idea of going to Australia for my internship abroad, I mostly stared into stunned faces. I couldn’t really believe it myself that I’d be traveling to the other side of the world until I had boarded that plane. And to be honest, it is still hard to grasp the fact that I am actually here. Australia – what?
I experienced, for the first time, anxiety of traveling. The thought about going to a country that’s 16.000km away from home only really struck me the night before my flight. The feeling didn’t really leave me until I actually touched Australian ground. So far, my time here has been the challenge I actually wanted it to be – from living alone, getting familiar with the business environment through my internship, finding friends in strangers I’d just met, finally cutting off my long hair, to more adult-things like opening a bank account, dealing with insurance, paying rent and getting myself to a hospital when I was in urgent need. You’re only ever forced to do these things on your own when you expose yourself to them. My first three weeks here have already taught me a lot of what I was hoping to get away from my time in Australia, and maybe even more.
Die with memories, not dreams. Since I was small I’d been writing stories about moving to Australia. I’d put the thought off for quite some time, until I suddenly felt this deep desire to pursue my dream. Walking to Sydney harbor at night and getting the most breathtaking view of the Sydney harbor bridge and the opera house all in one just triggers a sense of wow, I actually did this and you realize that to live your dreams, you have to go out and chase them.
Living in Sydney has me stunned every time I walk its streets. It is the perfect mixture of two of my favorite cities. The big-city feel of New York – skyscrapers, traffic, the giant harbor, busy people, stylish restaurants and rooftop bars, the fast-paced life style. At the same time it has the elegance and cosiness of London – small side streets with cute cafés for amazing brunches, avocado toasts and great coffee. What more can I say?
Taking a leap outside the city is definitely a thing not to miss while in Sydney. Going whale watching and walking the famous Bondi to Coogee walk on my first weekend gave me a glimpse of how magnificent Australia’s nature and landscapes are. This walk stretches around 5km around the eastern coast of Sydney and passes by amazing beaches, lagoons and lookouts.
At the end of your walk you can reward yourself at the Coogee Bay Hotel with drinks, amazing food and ocean views. And not to miss the cotton candy sky at sunset!
Being here has shown me how important it is to surround yourself with a healthy environment. And I’m not just talking about the delicious super-food at every corner, but more about the people, their kindness, their work-ethic and their positive attitude towards life. It teaches you to use everyday wisely to get a step closer to your goals. And solely coming here has been (literally!) the biggest step I’ve taken so far towards achieving these.
It’s always important to dream – how else are we gonna paint this life in colors that only exist in our imagination? But what’s even more important is to take actions. In the end, people only remember the things you did and not the things you said you’d do.
I’m spending my Saturday going to a Christmas market with some friends – how weird is it to go to one of these in the middle of July? Life is twisted on the other side of the world..
Love always,
Joana
Joana Serein 