We landed in Australia around 6am on January 12th. Shortly after landing, me and my friends realized we had around 4 hours until we as a group would leave to our apartments. We were faced with the decision of staying in the airport, or stretching our legs and exploring the area surrounding and finding a local cafe. We chose the ladder. Exiting the airport, I immediately noticed the wonderful weather and the positivity that everyone seemed to carry with them. We headed west towards Riverine park and continued walking until we found some coffee. Although this area of the city was very different from Bondi junction which is where I am living, I found similarities. It was rare to look around and not see someone being active. When we arrived at the apartment later that day, me and my friend David wasted no time and immediately got in contact with a fellow Bucknell student who had been in Sydney since late December. He met us outside the apartment complex and insisted we go to Bondi beach via the public buses. Being from Santa Fe, New Mexico I am unfamiliar with public transportation. I was shocked to find how clean the public buses are and how easy it was to get from our apartment to the beach. This was the start of my discovery of how convenient public transportation is. We arrived at the world famous beach and it was not what I had expected. I had spent a few months living and playing soccer in Barcelona when I was in eighth grade and although the beach there was beautiful, parts of it were littered with trash. However, Bondi beach which seems to stretch for a little over half a mile was spotless. To this day I have seen more kite boarders (6) than pieces of trash on that large beach. Additionally, walking along the beach I noticed that a majority of the people were engaging in some form of physical activity either on land or in the water. I was very impressed by how active the people at Bondi are. The first day left me amazed by how spectacular the city of Sydney is.
(Photo taken of Bondi Beach on day of arrival)
The following day was opened by the realization that I was overconfident in my ability to use the public transportation system which led to me being late for class (I have not been late since), and ended with me deciding to visit the Sydney Opera House. I visited it as the sun was setting and I arrived at the conclusion that photos of the structure found online do not do the building justice. It was spectacular. The moon was full, the sky was a light blue that transitioned to a dark purple, and the city lights were shining bright. Within the first 48 hours, I was amazed by all that Sydney had to offer.
(Photo taken of Sydney Opera House on second day in Sydney)
On Saturday January 18th, fellow Bucknell students enrolled in the Global Academic Ventures program were given the opportunity to participate in a walking tour of Sydney and learn more about the history of the country. The sights of the city were fascinating but what I was more engaged in was the history. The tour guide began by calling Sydney ‘a city of thieves’. I would later learn that what he meant by that was that Sydney was originally a place of prison for those who had been banished from England for stealing. The city of Sydney was first settled by the British in 1788 meaning the city is now approaching its 237 birthday. Reflecting on how 237 years ago this city was nothing but land and how quickly it has blossomed into what it is today is extremely interesting to me.
After the walking tour, I gathered with some friends and attended a Sydney FC game at Allianz Stadium. The 45,500 seat stadium was one of the best I have ever seen. I had the privilege of sitting near the ‘supporters section’ where only the most passionate fans stand and cheer their team on. Although Sydney lost 4-3 and was losing since the 16th minute, the supporters’ crew was singing and chanting the whole game. Similarly to how Sydney FCs supporters care about their team, I have found the people of Sydney to care about their city. I am excited to find out more about Sydney and learn more about what makes this special place, special.
(Photo of Sydney FC supporters cheering on the club as they compete against Brisbane Roar FC)
Thank you for sharing Trev. A very enjoyable read!