SYD

Back then I wasn’t very fond of the thought of living in Sydney. Australia is very popular with the Germans, who probably love the idea of a laid-back life, warm weather, beaches everywhere and surfing everyday. When I first arrived, I found the city grey and sad, and in general everything was just very unimpressive. Once I started to go out more, I learned to love the city in the afternoon sunlight and in the rain – it’s magical how clear the edges of the buildings would come out in the downpour. I love the adorable corners and alleys you would find everywhere in the city. And the Opera House and Harbour Bridge – once you walk around and see them from different angles, you will feel how grand they are and wouldn’t want to imagine Sydney without them anymore. Walking along the Passenger Terminal and looking at the Opera House, and walking through the Rocks beneath the Harbour Bridge is a must. It’s so hard to take pictures in those moments because you could never capture the way you feel when you’re there, especially with a crappy camera like mine. But there definitely are some simple but breathtaking spots around this town.

Angel Place

At Milson's Point

Harbour Bridge

On the Manly ferry

At the Rocks

Most of all, however, I’m in love with Manly, where Polly and I live and go to college. It’s totally different from the hustling and bustling city (where you can find some quiet hideaways though, but still everyone seems to be in a hurry at most times). People are sitting at the beach and at the wharf and in cafes and are lying on sculptures to sunbathe. Beaches are at both ends of the Corso, our main street in Manly, and it’s just so relaxing and beautiful that you would feel like everyday is weekend.

I’m not out very often and don’t actually know many places, but I’d definitely recommend walking around in the CBD and The Rocks, just to breathe in Sydney. The CBD has lots of streets with beautiful buildings – my favourite is Macquarie Street. And don’t be afraid to get lost in the Rocks; the alleys are so cute, and even if you get onto the higher levels, you will always find a way back down to the “streets”. And in Manly? Just get a coffee, or even something to eat, and go sit in a sunny spot at the beach. Just sit. And breathe.