These are the Days
Take the stunning Australian coast line, a scorching hot day and your best friend by your side to soak it all up; days like these I feel most alive.
Following the famous walk from Bronte to Bondi, the beaches were buzzing and summer in Sydney was in full swing.
This walk was one of the first things I did when I came to Australia two years ago and now I had the pleasure of showing my best friend the breathtaking Aussie coast in all its glory.
Looking out over the open ocean and into the vast deep blue sea is a wonderful reminder of how small we are on this planet and just how precious our time is here.
Living life just on the edge not knowing what is around the corner is the best way to welcome new horizons and opens doors for your future. I guess my move to Aus was one of my bravest decisions and undoubtedly helped me grow and learn how life can never be mapped out in detail, you just have to let each day be and keep yourself happy in wherever you end up.
New Year’s Day we decided to catch the ferry over to Manly going via Circular Quay to show my friend Sydney Harbour for the first time. Sadly there was hazy smog sitting over the city given the fires still raging across New South Wales at the time. Nevertheless, seeing the magnificent Harbour Bridge and Opera House for the first time is always such a spectacle!
Being out on the peninsular across from the main city and with its beautiful white sand beaches, Manly provides an escape from the bustle of central Sydney. Known for its laid back surfer vibes and numerous hipster bars and cafes, it sure is one of the top places to visit over on the North shore.
Mooching around the back streets we stumbled across some really awesome graffiti and even a pink wall with cactuses, perfect for that cute insta pic – I was in my element.
With so many enticing cafes and restaurants to try, we opted for a cool and quirky rock ‘n’ roll style bar Daniel San for a late lunch. This neon-drenched Japanese cuisine restaurant certainly was a little different but had an energetic atmosphere and iconic view overlooking Manly beach. A little sore headed from the usual New Year’s Eve antics the night before, we couldn’t wait to tuck into a poke bowl.
After another browse around the shops it was time to ride the ferry back over to Rosebay where we were staying. It was a fun day exploring Manly given that it’s somewhere I didn’t visit as much when I lived in Sydney and another corner of the city to show my friend. The coastline and trendy vibe of Manly strongly reflects aspects of Byron Bay, so it’s no wonder many locals choose to live in this beachside haven just a short journey across the harbour to the CBD.
Arriving in Bondi just after noon, it was busy and most places had a long wait for a table. Thank fully we came across Heart Cafe tucked behind the main drag of Bondi offering all kinds of delicious, nutritious dishes. I opted for a granola bowl with plenty of fresh fruits, yoghurt and edible flowers, whilst my friend chose a power bowl bursting with greens and other yummy superfoods. Breakfast any time of day is definitely an Australian tradition and something I always loved when living there.
Coffee is another speciality of the Aussies and it was a warming welcome back to sip my favourite long black with a dash of hot milk. With a jet lag to power through, strong coffee and sun on my skin was just the answer.
Being such a great spot for shopping with its countless boutiques, surf shops and numerous vintage stores, my equally shopaholic bestie was excited to take a look around the neighbourhood too. Weaving in and out of the streets behind the main drag of Bondi, every time I go I discover another hidden gem.
Finally we made our way over to the beach via the iconic grass hill which overlooks the vast expanse of Bondi Beach. Being a bank holiday between Christmas and New Years it was of course heaving and full summer vibes were in swing as we strolled past the beach front bars pumping out the tunes. As we sat just by the skate park soaking up the salty sea air watching surfers in their line up for the next wave, I truly felt back in the thick of Sydney life and ready for the holiday fun to commence!
I had envisioned posting my journey on here along the way…but it would seem I was just having too much fun and living for the moment. With my best friend and partner in crime by my side, we seized each day and took every opportunity to embrace the time we had to do whatever we wanted.
From brunching and beaching in Bondi, to sipping beers and partying on the sand in Bali, we certainly were living the dream.
I couldn’t have asked for a better travel partner and it was an absolute joy to have my wifey by my side. To be able to show her the ropes of Sydney and meet some of the friends I made out there, warmed my heart and she could see why I fell in love with the Aussie people and their way of life.
Bali was a whole new experience for the both of us and we were blown away by the kind and welcoming Indonesian locals. Staying in Canggu we were right in the thick of the bustling streets swarming with scooters as we were spoilt for choice when it came to boutique shopping and trendy cafes setting the bar for epic health food goals.
Every sunset in Bali was as dreamy as the last and my favourite times on the trip were soaking up those golden hours whilst sipping beers with my bestie by my side. Fair to say my love for beer on this trip certainly grew…
I might have travelled a lot over the past 5 years, but this was certainly a special trip with so many memories I will cherish forever. Going back to my old stomping ground of Sydney, it was such a joy to show my best friend the city I called home for 2 years and catch-up with some awesome friends I’d made along the way.
Bali was a fabulous experience for us both and exceeded all expectations. Having never visited an Asian country before, I was astounded by the kindness of the Indonesian locals and their liberated lifestyle. Not to mention the madness of the scooters which swarm every tiny backstreet and don’t seem to follow any kind of road rules, travelling around the place is all part of the fun.
So now I find myself back in a very cold England and longing for those scorching hot days lounging on the beach. I’m already planning another trip as I feel so inspired to travel and explore more places following such an awesome experience. I have so many precious memories which I will be sharing on here over the next month as I reminisce and re-live the good times. Watch this space for the travel diaries full of fun, laughs and some epic stories!
Dani Aneka 