(Mostly) settling in

(Sorry, team, didn’t take many pictures in the past couple of weeks. Will be better moving forward)

I’ve been living in Manly for two weeks now and for the most part, haven’t left. I’ve gotten not one but two jobs so woohoo goodbye unemployment!! Long-term housing has been less successful. I’ve been bouncing between basically wherever I can find a bed, whether it be hostels or with friends. Two days ago, I began an eight-day rental from a woman going on vacation which is my first time having my own room since leaving home. I have the pleasure of living on Kangaroo Street just a few blocks from the beach for this week. Talk about luxury!

The first job I got is with an events group so mostly helping with service at wedding receptions and conferences. The other is at a large sports bar venue. The job is more or less the same at both - serving food and cleaning tables but they each have a very different vibe which keeps things fresh. My coworkers have great banter and I’m excited to spend the summer working with them. I was very clear with both employers that I have 0 hospitality experience so they are so pleased when I literally do anything! I made an effort to apply to jobs that will generally have shifts in the evening to keep my days free.

I’ve made a few major purchases recently given I plan to stay in the Sydney area for the next 4 months or so. I bought a skimboard, a hobby I picked up in the last year. Manly has perfect beaches to practice on because they are extremely flat. I also bought a surfboard (and a wetsuit that matches, naturally). After trying a few boards from the surf school and rentals, I landed on a 7ft softboard: a solid beginner board, but a smaller than what I’ve been using for a bit of challenge. By having a nighttime job, I’ve been making an effort to grab one of my boards most days and get in some time at the beach.

Otherwise, I’ve been spending a lot of time with friends! Both new and old. I’ve met a few people from the area via a friend from Duke who is from Sydney. They've shown me some of the best spots in downtown and appreciate my love of a goon (wine) bag. I’ve been further into the Northern Beaches which only get more gorgeous and secluded. I’ve played trivia and seen drag performances (as well as one round of, you guessed it, drag trivia). I’ve been to a 10:30am Duke football pancakes and mimosas watch party. Really what else is there to do?

Manly is a great place to be. I commend myself on leading a pretty active lifestyle but man these folks got me feeling soft. I “slept in” on Saturday and got out around 9am. The beach was already filled with maybe 15 volleyball courts, as well as many surfers, kiteboarders, and paragliders already at it. There were planes doing crazy plane tricks right overhead and whales too!! I’ve never been to a place that regularly engages in recreation to such an extent. All at the beach!!

In the four or so months remaining I plan to live in Sydney, I’m prioritizing working to save some money, learning to surf, and meeting Aussies and fellow travelers to start developing an itinerary for the rest of the year. My plans for after Sydney have already shifted. For example, I’ve started thinking more seriously about buying a car (not immediately but before I leave Sydney). I’ve also been thinking more about doing farm work. For the Working Holiday Visa, you can extend the visa for an additional year upon completing 88 days of farm work or related. While at the moment I don’t think I’ll want to extend, I think even just spending a month on a farm if I can find the right set up would be a meaningful experience. For the time being, Manly is a great spot to put down some temporary roots and hopefully I’ll be able to organize some small trips soon!