3 Reasons Why You Should Live in Sydney

Every morning rain or shine, a cool breeze kicks through my window and licks the top of my head as I slowly come into consciousness. The tropical birds have been awake for no longer than an hour, but their gossip in the trees becomes quite humorous. The Sun rises steadily from the North, and by 8 am its rays have touched every road, and home. While Australia may be a mystery for so many, it’s beautiful landscape and evanescent atmosphere make it sure a fit place for many families looking to start new. If you have never experienced Australia before, here are three reasons why living in Sydney is definitely something you should do before you die.

#3 Its Australia

So you’ve watched Finding Nemo, and have maybe heard about Gallipoli, but what is Australia and why should you live there? Australia is unlike any other continent you will ever visit in your entire life. Its citizens live and breathe “Green,” the winters are extremely mild, and it’s home to the largest ecosystem in the entire world; the Great Barrier Reef. Its citizens are friendly and laid back. Politics are nowhere as complicated as the States, and Sydney is home to hundreds of the most gorgeous beaches unlike anything you have ever seen. Let’s not forget the unique Wildlife, an intense love for sport, and a small population of only 21 million people (rough estimate of Australia). Sydney is a small, compact and gorgeous city with plenty to see and do, why not take a chance and go?

#2 Pay Day!

Unlike the US and many other countries around the world, Australia’s minimum wage is around 22 dollars for the average 18 year old. You can imagine living here for a few years would definitely benefit your bank account, and for a close-to-graduating student like me, I wouldn’t mind getting my start in Sydney! I could then come home after a while to start paying off some student loans! The unemployment rate for Australia is around 5%, which means 1 million of its citizens cannot find jobs, or are applying for government aid. Of that 5%, 18% are aboriginal, while the other percentages include senior citizens, immigrants and of course the mentally unstable. Australia is such a young and innovative country; it would be a very smart idea to consider hunting for your next position here in Sydney.

#1 Why Wait?

Sydney cares about its citizens, and this is extremely evident with the government’s provisional health care system. Yes, health care is free. It’s a solid system, and unlike the US, there is no debate of its success. Its citizens also take health very seriously as well, and this is evident with the thousands of people in Sydney who are in great shape! With such a healthy choice for cuisine, it’s hard not to constantly be eating fresh fruits, veggies and seafood for every meal. Sydney provides gorgeous beaches, active trails for running and hiking, and the Blue Mountains for those interested in the beautiful Australian terrain. Public transport is the best system I’ve experienced, and with strict gun laws, safety is something Australians take very seriously. Of course the night life is great, and fashion is cutting edge as well, on par with Paris or Milan. Men should also know there is a 2:1 ratio Female to Male. Good news eh?

Altogether, there are so many positive reasons to make your way into Sydney, even if it is only for a few months. Australia is home to so many things, so it’s important to start planning for a few months so you can do it all. Start thinking about how Sydney could change your life; with cutting edge technology, cheerful people and delectable food, it’s no wonder why Australians are 6^th on the list for life longevity!

20 Days

Every morning, I wake up to a myriad of tropical birds singing as they anxiously wait for the day to begin. I steadily climb down from my top bunk, tip toe across my room to the door, and quietly make my way to the kitchen for brekky. I then pour my bowl of Milo cereal, and sit with my little exchange brother on the couch for some morning cartoons and prepare myself for the day.

Once I’m dressed and ready, I hop on the 492 bus to school, and spend 3 hours in a classroom watching the clock tick away before I have freedom once again. Once freedom rings, I burst out of the room, say hi to some of my mates at school, talk to some girls, and then I’m out for some kind of adventure.

Matter of fact, I have had multiple adventures this week. First off, I scheduled my trip to the Great Barrier Reef over Easter Break! Some of my friends and I will be exploring the reef on Easter day, and spending a gorgeous weekend in the tropical city of Cairns, QLD. If that’s not enough, I will be spending a day zip-lining in the Australian rainforest, while finishing the weekend with adrenaline pumping bungee jump.

Not only is this scheduled, but I also bought my first surfboard! I have yet to take it out, because it’s rough to find enough time with school. But, it’s still pretty sick.

This week, I am going to give you a tiny history lesson about Australia because 90% of you know little to nothing about it! Haha

Australia is actually one of the youngest continents in terms of civilization. It officially became a country in 1901, and was settled by the British as a place to dispatch prisoners in 1788. Britain believed that there was actually a criminal class of people that devoted their lives to thieving. So they would lock up very innocent people for what would be considered petty thefts today. People could receive 7 years, 14 years, or life for service. Britain quickly realized that their system was being filled up, so they decided to send a fleet to Australia as a means of punishment. Almost a survival of the fittest. Their thought process behind this was to remove this criminal class so they would no longer populate all of Britain. So, convicts and prison guards were actually the first to settle in what is known today as Sydney.

Over 60 years, hundreds of thousands of people were sent as punishment to live in this barren land. Much to their surprise, they found that they weren’t the only one’s living in Australia! The Aborigines had made themselves present, and this was not necessarily a good thing. Of course the British removed them from the lands and encouraged them to live like Europeans. This did not work, and cost the lives of many Aboriginal people. In case you’re wondering, Aborigine’s look African, but are much like the Native Americans. However, the Native Americans are much smarter, and have more respect from Americans, than Australians give respect to Aborigine’s.

Australia is still technically part of the British monarchy and the government very much operates like the British parliament as well. Australians cannot own guns by law, and find it very interesting that Americans seem to have so many issues with them! There are only 21 million people, the Seafood is delicious, and the beaches are all amazing. The drinking age is 18, the driving age is 18, and prostitution is legal. Cricket and Rugby are huge here, and I have yet to meet an Australian who does not love Americans! It’s crazy to me, but they want our accents just as bad as some of us want theirs.

This weekend I was able to actually go to an Australian petting zoo! I pet some Koala’s which are extremely soft and cuddly. I fed some Kangaroo’s, which are very soft too, and I saw some dingo’s and Tasmanian devils too! It was a great experience, and I got some great pictures too!

To top the weekend off, I spent the day at Bondi beach. If you know anything about OZ, you have probably heard of this famous beach. I would even consider doing a google search right now just so you can get an idea. However, that google search does Bondi no justice because it cannot bring you the warm sun, white sand, and salty smell (and taste) of the gorgeous blue Pacific ocean. Although it is a very touristy spot, Bondi really is a fun place to be, and I very much enjoyed hanging out there!

Well, this week will be a busy study week. I need to practice with some pieces for photography and art, and begin working on some papers! I have so many stories and history to tell you, so I hope you’re prepared for that when I get home. I still can’t believe I’ve been here for 20 days. But I’ve been here for 20 days and can cross a ton of stuff off of my bucket list! I plan on doing the Sydney Tower walk this week, while maybe going to the Sydney Aquarium as well! We will see what happens!

Peace.

WEEK ONE

Sydney really is a beautiful city. There is so much to see and do, I’m quite thankful that I had this opportunity to live here for four months because I couldn’t imagine just being a tourist for one week!

As I mentioned in my last post, I am very much enjoying everything Australia has to offer. I want to treat this experience like a pilgrimage. I want to be so much immersed, that I will be walking and talking like an Australian by the time I get home in June! I know that is quite the exaggeration; however I hope you see where I am coming from, I don’t want to look like a tourist while I am here.

As of right now, I am living with a great family in Croydon. If you were to pass by my house, you wouldn’t think anything of it. Small, fenced in yard with what appears to be a mile long driveway. There is some bush lining the fence, and barred windows to protect from intruders ~ My first impression: I’m going to be living in a prison lol

But….looks can be deceiving. As you enter the home you are welcomed to beautiful wood flooring, gorgeous red brick, and an aroma of pasta that has been cooking all morning. The house is clean and tidy with not a crumb to be seen, and as you make your way to the back, you are greeted with a spacious back yard with pool! My roommate and I were very pleased by this grand entrance lol

My family has two kids, whom are 4 and 9, and very much like the idea of having two 21 year old men living in the house. I think my new Mom likes the idea of having some boys to rough around their kids a little bit too J

Well, to fast forward, I can safely say I can navigate my way around. I know which buses will take me to school, and which ones will lead me to the city. I also have found out that some buses don’t always follow their routes, and at times you need to get off before you find yourself farther away from home than you want to be.

I had my first spider experience Sunday as well. It was big and hungry. I tried to get a picture, but was too scared to get close. You can walk the spiders on leashes here they’re so big.  I’m positive I would have pooped my pants, if it blew into me!

On another note, I started school on Monday! I found myself with 12 other people who have a love for hip hop music and want to take it to another level. Yes, I am in a dance class. It’s hard, I can’t move the way some of these people can, and hopefully by the end, I will be in Step Up 5. I’ve found that I am completely out of my element at this school. I’m not talented in the arts, and everyone surrounding me definitely is in some way, so that is definitely humbling. I can’t “stand out” here by my talents, because they are only good back home! Haha

I finally got my number, so if you want to text me it’s 61 466 580 451

I still have a full week of classes but I feel good about everything right now! I am planning my trip to the Great Barrier Reef this weekend, and I will also be picking up my Surfboard this week too! I also was able to visit some true Australian pubs, including the oldest in Sydney, and I went to a professional basketball game! The Sydney Kings!

After the game, I went to the Paddy Market in Chinatown. You know I will be doing all of my souvenir shopping there lol But they have everything so it’s pretty sweet!

Next week I will be going to Featherdale Wildlife Park, which I will get pictures with the Koala’s and Kangaroos! I’m pretty excited!

Wish me luck!

Next week’s post will be about the 5 Reasons you’ll want to live in Sydney!

I miss you, and I hope to hear from some of you soon!