We’ve been back in California for 4 months now . I’ve wanted to bombard everyone with pictures , theories , stories and concrete plans , but no . I froze out , I wanted to think it through and have a more balanced and fair picture of our trip back home . I know Melbourne well and not much surprised on our recent return . There were a few subtle things , most notably the effects of covid on the inner city businesses but nothing stuck out bar the pleasure of seeing family and old friends , and of course the coffee and food ….. Nothing new there .
Our time in Sydney was different . Was it a reality ? Maybe not . We initially stayed in North Sydney , close to the US consulate ,so as to renew our visas . It’s a wealthy area , totally understandable when you walk the streets and paths . The terrain undulates through beautiful parks , stately old homes , high rises with views across Sydney Harbour that are post card stuff . Sydney is a breath of fresh air , there’s a vibe here that is not weighted down by any need to prove itself . Sydney is dam pretty . When you’re this good looking you don’t need to try too hard ( I wouldn’t know ) .
Look , this blog is pretty dated . I’ve sat on it and thought about it quite a bit . Sometimes you can get caught up in the romance of a situation or place and daydream the possibilities. We saw Sydney in 2 doses with Melbourne wedged in between on our recent visa renewal mission . Staying in Manly on the second stint stoked the day fantasies like I feared it would . Manly is awesome . It isn’t dissimilar to where we live in LA , but in reality it is comfortably superior . Manly has many of the qualities we live with here in Hermosa Beach . Beautiful beach front and I mean gorgeous , built up urban development but with pockets of Victorian architecture , surf , restaurants , pubs , beautiful people that are a little thicker but still dammed attractive , bike and running trails with grass and Norfolk pines providing shade , a cleanliness that I so appreciate , surf clubs , birds and a smell you gotta love . We eat good food , drink great coffee , surf good waves and bloody hell the locals surf at a ridiculous level . It’s a spoilt life here . I know that culture
Our move back to Australia is imminent now .A mix of excitement and fear has started to coil up in the pit of the stomach . An idea , a thought that we agreed on is now upon us . The full moon this morning has heightened the realisation that this is it .Today I give notice , tomorrow I’ll begin to take stock . What to sell and what to give ?
It’s time to start the long goodbye . We’ll be back soon , back in our home town . We’ve taken some big risks , lived a different life . We are more flexible now . There’s always more options than you think . Gee, l enjoyed Sydney .
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