My AUSome Trip

After living and studying in Melbourne for four months, I’ve grown to love the city just as much as a “real” Melbourneian. All you need to do is scroll through my old posts or watch any of my videos and you’ll see just how inviting and rich Melbourne is: Socially, culturally and aesthetically. Now throw this Melb-crazy girl into the rival city of Sydney and watch what happens.

I went to Sydney for three short days and upon arriving felt the anti-gravity feeling of excitement. Sydney! The Opera House, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Finding Nemo’s film location! How could I not be excited. Those iconic images of “Australian-ness” were indeed inspiring, but unfortunately the city welcomed me with a three day bout of unrelenting rain. I had mixed feelings about my visit to Australia’s second best city- Melbourne, of course, being number 1 on my list!

Many people were dressed in serious business suits around the CBD (central business district). This was quite a contrast to the creative, stylish, often eclectic fashion sense seen in Melbourne’s CBD. Of course, this is easily explained by the fact that Sydney is the financial capital and Melbourne is unofficially known as the ‘cultural capital,’ but it doesn’t change the fact that Melbourne comes with a fun and energetic vibe, while Sydney comes off as cold and busy. (I do admit, the rain might have had something to do with my impression of the city. Plus, another disclaimer: Four months versus three days.)

This lovely shot was taken after a three hour walking tour of Sydney Harbor and ‘The Rocks.’ I was obviously a little eager with the “whole jump-while-we-take-the-shot!”

For all those who know me, you know how much I LOVE Slurpees, and being that they aren’t certified Kosher in Melbourne, I hadn’t had one in four months. But in Sydney, they’re kosher, so quite pathetically, this Slurpee was unironically a highlight of my trip to Sydney.

Despite my harshness, I did still enjoy my stay. Due to the rain, many of my activities were confined to indoor spaces, but I made the most of it.
I went to the Federal Reserve Museum about the evolution of Australian currency. The bills, or notes, are actually made out of plastic which keeps bills in circulation for longer, reducing the cost of production. This museum showed how the changes in the currency reflected the different eras in Australian history.

I also saw a 3D movie in the world’s largest IMAX screen! ‘Born to Be Wild (3D),’ a wonderful, heart-warming documentary about the saving of endangered orphan elephants and orangutans. Watching it both in 3D and in such massive proportions made for a really memorable cinematic experience, which I probably would’ve skipped out on, if not for the rain!

The best of the indoor activities was a visit to the Art Gallery of NSW, since I love art museums. I especially enjoyed their newly installed modern art exhibit.
All in all,
Sydney was great.
I still love Melbourne more.
And I miss New York most of all.

Leave a comment! “What’s your favorite city?”

Smiles, Lilach