Two Week Check In

Melbourne Itinerary

Tuesday – arrived!

Wednesday – walking tour around the city (free) and coffee with Mia (my travel buddy).

Thursday – wandered around the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Friday – explored the city lanes and art galleries (free).

Saturday – Great ocean road tour.

Sunday – Run around Royal botanic gardens then went to an outside bar to watch the McGregor fight.

Monday – Looked over the city from the Eureka sky deck.

Tuesday – Went on a tour to Brighton beach boxes, a wildlife centre and then to Phillip island to watch the parade of the penguins.

Wed – Chilled day reading on St Kilda Beach.

Thurs- Vegan pay-as-you-want cafe and wandered around Abbotsford convent. Then… the night bus to Sydney! (12 long, long hours).

So after spending 10 busy days in Melbourne I have come to Sydney for a bit more of a laid back beach vibe. Going to bed after day 1 and I now fully understand why factor 50 sunscreen is necessary. The sun is STRONG. You will burn even when it is cloudy. The sea breeze is veeeery misleading. I underestimated this. Basically, cream up and cream up again! And if it’s too late then bathe yourself in Aloe Vera. To the point where You and your skin will thank me later.

I have spent the last few days in Bondi, shopping in Bondi Junction, lazing about on the Bondi Beach and walking up and down the coast front. Today (Sunday 26th January) is Australia Day, so Mia and I decided to venture into the city. We arrived at Circular Quay, grabbed some strawberry daiquiri and frosé cocktails (they stayed frozen for about 3 sips) and watched a parade of boats on the harbour. There was then a sky show of fighter planes and overall a really good, busy, buzzing atmosphere. After this we wandered down to ‘The Rocks’ which was throwing a street party- live music, street food and a real party vibe. I feel more like I’m holiday in Sydney than Melbourne, it feels less English and the weather is incredible – the gorgeous beach helps too!

This said, I do miss some things from home:

• My bed – I knew that this would be a big thing before I left, I love my home comforts.

• An oven – apparently hostel ovens aren’t a thing and you can’t fry a pizza…

• Having hair that isn’t either frizzy and dry or drenched in sweat (there really is no in between).

• The gym – I’m doing a lot of walking (20,000 steps a day average) but missing training. Plus the cookies from Woolworths are just TOO GOOD.

• Going to the fridge and having my pick of anything. Living off porridge, sandwiches, pasta and bananas is becoming a bit boring.

• A proper home cooked meal – I would kill for a lasagna right now.

• A bath- sometimes you just need to have a soak.

• My family, friends and boyfriend. The time difference makes it hard to give people as much attention and you’d like/ they deserve. Also just the comfort of having human touch and interaction. I’ve never been big on PDA but I will make the most of it in the summer – sorry Lib but you’re getting a big squeeze too!

• Routine – still trying to let myself relax more!

• Space- I know I’ve been travelling alone but it’s hard to find somewhere to fully and completely have your own space to just gather yourself and relax.

So there we go, I’ve made my first move up the East Coast and so far it’s gone swimmingly (sea pun). Its easy to fill the days keep busy which is the best thing for me but this also means I’m absolutely exhausted by the evening and end up crashed out by 10pm most nights (I’m officially no longer a party girl). Mia has just joined me and she is also suffering the same fate – but maybe it’s also the day drinking and sun which is a killer combination. Over the next couple of days I’m looking forward to spending some more time relaxing and soaking up some sun on the coast before I head and stay in the city for a few days. Until then – any tips for how to get rid of tan / burn lines?

Annabel x