Katrina Dovey Instagram – Here is the start of my two-month series about my travels around Oceania.
Leaving Manila was bittersweet. I said goodbye to my family, holding onto their embrace, knowing it would be weeks before I’d see them again. But I carried the excitement of returning with stories, new experiences, and memories to share.
There’s something magical about stepping into the unknown, trusting that everything will work out. It’s one of my favorite feelings—knowing I’m about to immerse myself in a new culture, to see more of this beautiful world.
Arriving in Sydney, I instantly felt the shift. Everything was smooth, organized, and so clean. I knew I was in a first-world country again.
A surprise awaited me at the airport: my family here, George and Corie, had driven four hours just to pick me up. I’d braced myself for navigating Sydney on my own, but their warm welcome set the perfect tone for the day.
We headed straight to Bondi Beach, sipping warm coffee as the cool breeze from the ocean hit us. Sitting by the water, I watched the world go by—the laid-back energy, tourists, people sunbathing, and the locals enjoying their day. We had a lovely lunch by the beachfront before continuing to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Strolling through the lush greenery, we laughed, caught up on life, and worked up an appetite for gelato.
One of the highlights was the view from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. The Opera House stood majestically against the skyline, and the salty scent of the ocean pulled me back to the Philippines. It made me miss home and my partner, but I smiled, knowing I’d return one day with him by my side.
As the day wound down, we explored The Rocks, where the historic buildings and vibrant energy were captivating. Later, at my hostel (where I scored a free room upgrade- YHA The Rocks), we ended the night with pastries, drinks, and laughter on the rooftop, admiring the view of Sydney below.
With 17,000 steps behind me, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude—grateful for the people in my life, for this opportunity to see the world, and for the incredible experiences ahead. The universe has a way of delivering magic, and today was a reminder of just that. | Posted on 25/Sep/2024 04:36:58
