I’m slowly starting to settle in Sydney, and it already feels like I’m being carried along by the flow of the city, sometimes a little envious of all the beautiful, massive houses and mansions here. Maybe I should have come here much earlier in my life… No, Stan, I can’t, and don’t want to change anything regarding my life-timeline. I live in the moment, and only the now matters.
After having a beer last Sunday with Bernie and Dave, two guys in their 50s I met in Nepal, Bernie suggested spending an afternoon at the Northern Beaches. Not an April Fools’ joke, so off we went on 1st of the month: Bernie, me, and his dog Zorro. Via Manly we drove along stunning beaches all the way up to Palm Beach. Another lighthouse checked off the list, and along the way we stopped while Bernie shared stories about his youth, all the surfing, the pubs, and the places he lived and grew up. He’s still close with his childhood friends, making him a true local here.
We drove along incredibly beautiful routes, past houses and beaches, and I asked Bernie if it’s normal for people here in Australia to own and consume so much. He told me about the “Australian Dream”: a house, kids, two big cars, marriage, and above all, lots of possessions. And in Sydney, anyone with a bit of wealth and smart decisions often also has a holiday home or a campervan. All in all, a lot of consumerism.
I noticed that pretty quickly here. While I do enjoy seeing those big houses from the outside, I also realize that many people inside them spend their entire lives working incredibly hard to achieve and maintain it all. Freedom still feels like a greater good. That said, I have to admit, I do get triggered by all that grandeur: the villas perched on cliffs overlooking the ocean.
Along the way I enjoyed Bernie’s company, a real go-getter, always busy, having worked hard his whole life in construction, roofing industrial buildings and sourcing large glass panels from China. A tough worker who loves Bali and styled his home in a Bali theme. He’s slowing down a bit now, winding down his work. To me, Bernie feels like a mix of Roxy and Nigel, two friends of mine back in the Netherlands. We stopped for a pizza and a beer, and when his wife called asking where we were while we were still having a beer, and he casually said we’d be home soon, I enjoyed that classic moment. An afternoon with Bernie is gold.
I joined Bernie and his wife for dinner and am impressed by their relaxed hospitality. Yes, they live spaciously, but having me for supper is normal and I was even offered to stay the night. Incredibly kind, it felt like parental care. A wonderful afternoon and a great start to April.
The next day I went out on my own. I visited the Royal Botanic Garden along with the New South Wales Art Museum. There was an exhibition by Ron Mueck, known for his giant human sculptures, also displayed at the Voorlinden Museum in the Netherlands. He’s an Australian artist, and his work is instantly recognizable once you see the photos. I continued my walk and took the bus to Bondi, then walked along the coastline from Bondi to Coogee. Stunning. I’m making the most of the good weather while I can, the clock will go back soon to winter timing, so I’m squeezing everything out of these days. After 30,000 steps, I called it a day and took the bus home.
It’s already Friday, and I try to keep that day sacred. If possible, I join Sander’s Run Club. Another great run again enjoying the views and the dopamine rush. This is becoming my thing, I can feel it. Back home I did a small grocery run, and the weekend feels like any other day since I don’t have work or a routine yet, something I do miss to be honest. It’s Easter weekend, though, and in the supermarket I notice the heavy consumption: discounts, promotions, extra service fees in restaurants, and shelves packed to the brim. I don’t like comparing, because I believe everything and everyone is unique, but this supermarket scene reminds me a bit of America.
On Easter Sunday, I treated myself to a nice breakfast and took it easy. Back to Bernie and his wife’s hospitality, because I was invited over again on Easter Monday. A lovely family, including his wife’s parents who shared war stories. Kids in their early twenties, and a warm Easter atmosphere. Of course, I was part of the “question hour,” sharing stories about my travels and my extended Eat, Pray, Love stories over the past six months. A wonderful Easter afternoon. I helped with the dishes alongside the kids, and when I was given a container of food to take home, it really confirmed the feeling of home and family. A good Easter, indeed.
Then it was time to look ahead, especially regarding work. I’d like to do something in construction, take on jobs, so I signed up for a certificate that’s required here a simple one-day safety training covering local laws and regulations. Another certificate in the pocket.
The day after, I cleared my head with a long 15 km walk along beautiful cliffs, beaches, and quiet bays. It’s amazing how you can find peace in a busy city. During these walks, I often get a lot of creative ideas about all kinds of things. For me, that’s a sign I’m open and well connected to my subconscious. I also really enjoy feeling at home in this place I can honestly say I’m starting to settle here.
Danny, with whom I celebrated my birthday, recently asked if I’d be willing to teach a yoga class. So I did. We met in a park, and I guided him through a one-hour session. A great test for me. I noticed I wasn’t nervous at all, teaching yoga is clearly something I’m comfortable with. A nice moment of growth for myself, and a happy Danny starting his day feeling calm and light.
I mentioned earlier the creativity and ideas during my walks, and I decided to act on them. I needed to find a new apartment, so I wrote a letter asking if I could house-sit for someone. I printed it 150 times and dropped it into random mailboxes. Just trying, not overthinking. Unfortunately, no response, so I had to look for other options. Facebook came to the rescue, and after some messages and inquiries, I quickly found a few leads.
A morning run with the Run Club to clear my head, followed by a house viewing in the afternoon. It’s a solid place, in the area I want to be in for my peace, Cremorne. I decided to go for it and see how things unfold from there.
Settling in Sydney and ending up with a new apartment I can move into after the weekend. A great way to wrap things up.
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