Sometimes it’s hard to appreciate your own city. This is a trap I often fall into, fantasising about how lovely a recent travel was, about how nice things are overseas, the culture, nature, people… then I remember that all of this exists at home just as much as it does overseas. Our eyes become used to the surroundings and sometime it’s easy to forget how to appreciate, or interact with, them.

It’s so nice to sometimes step back and really appreciate the city you know so well. The local surrounds become something new and exciting as we, in one way, have the best knowledge of our own city… yet in another there is always so much to learn. When we can take what we learn during travels abroad and live entirely in the present moment – we allow a space to see and really be 100% in the stunning world around us.

What I love so much about Sydney is the constant connection to nature. In the main CBD, the royal Botanical Gardens rest just next to the Opera House and connect the Art Gallery of NSW to Saint Mary’s Cathedral and finally over the road to Hyde Park. It is a beautiful area to explore and can be continued down the the Strand Arcade where Gumption awaits serving spectacular coffee. Australian designer stores can be found in this arcade and nearby rests the Queen Victoria Building which is an absolute must when visiting Sydney. Just across from this is Sydney Town Hall where the Sydney Symphony Orchestra occasionally give concert and… most importantly… where the world’s second largest organ can be found!

Sydney is a wonderful city with beautiful architecture, the bustle of big city life and surroundings which sprawl into the natural surroundings of mountains in the West and coastline all along the East. There are national parks within this area and there is always something enjoyable to do. The one major downside of Sydney is its terrible public transport system although this is scheduled for improvement soon with new busses, trains and a tram line in the heart of the city.

Check out some of the historical buildings in the Rocks – perhaps even during a walking tour! There are so many wonderful places to spend time in under the brilliant Sydney sun. It is possible to walk along from the Rocks and sit underneath the Harbour Bridge to have a wonderful view over both sides of the Harbour and get a feel for just how much water surrounds this beautiful city. If you are in the Rocks and in need of cake and coffee check out ‘La Renaissance’ – always wonderful and filled with lively cake lovers! For a little more adventure, take the Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and explore the coastal setting of the Northern Beaches. Going further (by car) will take you to Palm Beach which is an absolute must and really the place to be during the months of summer.

Sydney, Australia: 2016-17

Pictures (in no particular order): the Art Gallery of NSW, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kirribilli, Circular Quay, Paradise Beach, the State Library, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Newport, Martin Place, Hyde Park, the Sydney Opera House, the boathouse Balmoral, Palm Beach, Mona Vale Beach, Bilgola Beach, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair