So. I’ve moved back to Sydney after living overseas since way back in 2005.
Apart from family and friends, in no particularly order, here are a few things I’ve missed in almost 19 years living away… my Sydney love letter.
*Kookaburras… with the wombat, the kookaburra is a rather underrated Australian icon compared to the kangaroo and koala, but we kind of like it that way.
*The sky… the Sydney/Australian sky is absolutely breathtaking. That blue…
*The Harbour Bridge… although I’ve driven/trained/walked over the Bridge a gazillion times, it always feels like the first time. I often think of my grandmother who walked across the Bridge the day it opened on Saturday March 19, 1932, wearing an outfit she had specially made for the occasion. She even took her shoes off and carried them as her feet were hurting. Unheard of in 1932!
*Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden… but shhhhhh… don’t tell anyone.
*Sandstone… the look and texture. The “Sandstone Precinct” on Bridge St featuring the Lands and Education Department Buildings is one of my favourite parts of the city. The former Education Department building has been transformed into the stunning Capella Sydney hotel.
*The Australian humour… irony, sarcasm… taking the piss. Love it.
*The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney… Sydney’s magnificent backyard. Though it could do with losing the word “Royal”.
*Rainbow Lorikeets… those random, screeching flashes of colour.
*The beaches… all of them… but I’m looking at you, Balmoral, Whale and Palm. Though I don’t love Balmoral when you hire a car on a scorching summer Saturday, get there at 7.45am, spend 40 minutes trying to find a parking with no luck. Peak Sydney.
*Food, glorious food. Sydney’s dining scene is incredible… from a succulent Chinese meal to any cuisine you can think of.
*The Sydney Cricket Ground… though I do miss the old scoreboard.
*Sydney ferries… the best way to travel. Being on a (Manly) ferry as it cuts its way to Circular Quay, or anywhere in Sydney Harbour is always a wonderful experience. But I do miss the old-school ferries.
*The Opera House… those pristine, sparkling white sails mask the controversy that marred the design and construction. It really is incredible… as are the performances I’ve seen inside.
*Seafood… a veritable smorgasbord. Just don’t come the raw prawn, er, mate.
*Australian wine… I’m rather un-Australian in that I’m not a beer drinker. It’s great living here and not having to pay a billionty dollars for brilliant Australian wine.
*The Elizabeth Street entrance to St. James station… the famed Château Tanunda neon sign has been there since 1926.
*Friendliness… going for an early morning walk and people nodding, saying “Morning”. You miss that.
*Sydney Harbour… absolutely every single thing about it.
*Hyde Park… smack bang in the CBD… the fig tree-lined avenues, the spectacular, mythical Archibald Fountain featuring Apollo, Diana and his mates.
*Taronga Zoo… definitely a zoo with a view.
*The kulcha… art galleries, theatres (special mention to the magnificent State Theatre and the vertigo-inducing Theatre Royal), museums, music venues… etc, etc.
As that old song by Tommy Leonetti goes, “My warm city of Sydney / I’ve never been away.”
©Steve Williams 2023