For so many years, I didn't want to be a writer. I avoided it and dismissed it when people told me I could write. The only times I didn't ignore it though? During my travels! What is it about being in unfamiliar territory that forces words out onto the page? I was looking recently for writing I did while working in Yemen, Senegal or Zambia years ago - though I fear it may be lost in old email accounts I don't know how to access. Never mind - there will always be more words and more places to visit. You've made me so excited for my own adventure in a few weeks: I'm going to be spending time in some of my favourite towns in Morocco, and hopefully writing from there.
This piece was really beautiful, you've painted a lovely picture of Sydney. I also love what you say about gratitude for finding yourself in this privileged body - I try to remind myself of the same whenever I get a bit overwhelmed or negative!
Oops! I forgot to mention, the bats fly from Lane Cove National Park each evening south to the Domain and Centennial Park. Many years ago, I lived in Neutral Bay with a fantastic harbour view. But the best part was watching the bats flying overhead each evening in their thousands, making their way to the Domain and Centennial Park.
Lachlan Swamp really is one of my favourite parts of Sydney. As a child, when we lived in Randwick (near the South Eastern gate of Centennial Park) I explored the park many, many times. The finding of Lachlan Swamp felt like stepping into a magical fairy tale world.
Sydney has been my home all my life, apart from a year in London in 2001, so it's exotic thrill is sadly lost on me. But if you are able, I would suggest visiting as many beaches and ocean pools as you are able. I can strongly recommend Bronte beach and Bronte Baths, especially the rock pools at the southern end of the beach, Gordon's Bay, Wiley's Baths in South Coogee, Mahon Pool and pretty much any beach you can access.
If you have access to a car, I would also suggest visiting the northern beaches, or at least Manly and Shelley Beach.
Another place in Sydney I love is the Cremorne Orpheum cinema in Cremorne. If you go on a Saturday night see whatever is showing in the main cinema and you will be rewarded with an organ player who emerges from under the stage.
Some more obvious places to visit are Bondi Beach, the Opera House - even better if you can see a performance, Luna Park and North Sydney Pool. You can walk over the Harbour Bridge to access LP and NSP.
The Botanic Gardens, Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, Neilsen Park/Shark Beach, Parsley Bay Reserve, Watson's Bay, Hermitage Foreshore Walk, the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art are all excellent and equally worth visiting.
With more time, I would recommend also visiting Balmain and Birchgrove, especially the Dawn Fraser Baths and Callan Park. Back on the north side again, Taronga Zoo has amazing views back to the city, Balmoral Beach and Chinaman's Beach are also gorgeous.
I hope you've got plenty of time to explore and enjoy Sydney ❤️
For so many years, I didn't want to be a writer. I avoided it and dismissed it when people told me I could write. The only times I didn't ignore it though? During my travels! What is it about being in unfamiliar territory that forces words out onto the page? I was looking recently for writing I did while working in Yemen, Senegal or Zambia years ago - though I fear it may be lost in old email accounts I don't know how to access. Never mind - there will always be more words and more places to visit. You've made me so excited for my own adventure in a few weeks: I'm going to be spending time in some of my favourite towns in Morocco, and hopefully writing from there.
This piece was really beautiful, you've painted a lovely picture of Sydney. I also love what you say about gratitude for finding yourself in this privileged body - I try to remind myself of the same whenever I get a bit overwhelmed or negative!
Thank you so much, Tamzin. I hope you have a wonderful and creatively fruitful time in Morocco.
Oops! I forgot to mention, the bats fly from Lane Cove National Park each evening south to the Domain and Centennial Park. Many years ago, I lived in Neutral Bay with a fantastic harbour view. But the best part was watching the bats flying overhead each evening in their thousands, making their way to the Domain and Centennial Park.
What an amazing sight that must have been!
That sounds magical!
It was!
Lachlan Swamp really is one of my favourite parts of Sydney. As a child, when we lived in Randwick (near the South Eastern gate of Centennial Park) I explored the park many, many times. The finding of Lachlan Swamp felt like stepping into a magical fairy tale world.
Sydney has been my home all my life, apart from a year in London in 2001, so it's exotic thrill is sadly lost on me. But if you are able, I would suggest visiting as many beaches and ocean pools as you are able. I can strongly recommend Bronte beach and Bronte Baths, especially the rock pools at the southern end of the beach, Gordon's Bay, Wiley's Baths in South Coogee, Mahon Pool and pretty much any beach you can access.
If you have access to a car, I would also suggest visiting the northern beaches, or at least Manly and Shelley Beach.
Another place in Sydney I love is the Cremorne Orpheum cinema in Cremorne. If you go on a Saturday night see whatever is showing in the main cinema and you will be rewarded with an organ player who emerges from under the stage.
Some more obvious places to visit are Bondi Beach, the Opera House - even better if you can see a performance, Luna Park and North Sydney Pool. You can walk over the Harbour Bridge to access LP and NSP.
The Botanic Gardens, Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, Neilsen Park/Shark Beach, Parsley Bay Reserve, Watson's Bay, Hermitage Foreshore Walk, the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art are all excellent and equally worth visiting.
With more time, I would recommend also visiting Balmain and Birchgrove, especially the Dawn Fraser Baths and Callan Park. Back on the north side again, Taronga Zoo has amazing views back to the city, Balmoral Beach and Chinaman's Beach are also gorgeous.
I hope you've got plenty of time to explore and enjoy Sydney ❤️
Thank you so much for this wonderful list of recommendations, Senjii! I will try to see as many of them as I can.
Great writing as usual. It’s “wrought iron gates”.
Ah, there is always the one typo! Thanks for pointing it out. Correcting now.
So much finely wrought imagery. Thank you for the delightful tour.
Thank you, David! I know you have bats down there in Texas, too.