back from sydney, bitchez

Ma has been here for exactly two weeks now, and we just got back from Sydney. The week and a half before that had me running around showing her where I go, who I meet, what I eat and do for fun et cetera. It's been a good two weeks, I just hope she's enjoyed herself? Haha. Finally did the Great Ocean Rd and Twelve Apostles trip, as well as a short trip to Sydney to visit family and see the sights.

I was a bit anxious as the plane landed in Sydney.. Before I decided to come to Melbourne to study it was a toss-up between the two big cities. Perth? Adelaide? Not even close. After this trip I feel so reassured that I chose Melbourne over Sydney.

Granted... Sydney has the huge attractions. Darling Harbour, Opera House, Bondi Beach, all world famous attractions. As well as the river. Zahra was telling me all her stories of all the fun things she'd do around the city with her friends. And for a few minutes I pondered... What's so great about Melbourne then?

I love my apartment, the city, the friends i've made, my uni, everything's just been pieced together in the most wonderful way. Melbourne may not have the huge tourist attractions that Sydney boasts but once you put in a little bit of effort to find it's own brand of attractions that everyone enjoys.. you don't end up feeling like a tourist at all. And once you no longer feel like foreigner, so much more of the city opens up to you. The whole time in Sydney all I wanted to do was to go back home. To Melbourne.

It's only been a year but I've got so many memories here already. Lying on St Kilda beach in the freezing cold at night, slow dancing on Swanston St to a busking violinist, drinking wine in Carlton Gardens, passing out in nice smelling bushes, spending entire days in my apartment butt naked, chalking a street in Toorak at 2am, sussing out the cheapest places for beer, then having beers while swimming in the middle of the night... All with the loveliest bunch of people. Despite recent events I can't help but smile when I think back to just... a few months ago. Next year will be off the hook.

Anyways, once my mom leaves I have about 48 hours to live it up till it's back to SG. Steady.