Jacqueline during her internship in Sydney, Australia

Jacqueline in Sydney: “Google Maps is your best friend.”

Hello everyone,

Here’s my second blog already. It’s been a month since I boarded the plane to Sydney. And in the beginning, everything felt so overwhelming and lonely. When I arrived, I didn’t know anyone in the city, and in the hostel where I stayed, I only met backpackers who were quickly leaving Sydney again.

The city is so big and beautiful. It’s a very diverse city. Downtown is busy and chaotic, but there are also plenty of beaches, neighborhoods, and nature parks where you can retreat and relax. The city has a lot to offer and the people are very friendly. So different from the Netherlands. Last week, I was standing at the train station looking a bit lost because according to the public transport app my train was supposed to arrive, but the train was nowhere to be seen. Out of nowhere, someone asked if I was lost and helped me find the right platform. Really so kind. Also, opening a bank account here is so different. You don’t have to make an appointment. You just walk into a bank, and within an hour everything is arranged. One thing I can tell you: Google Maps will become your best friend here.

Also, on my way to my internship, which is just a 10-minute walk from my house (really ideal), I often run into the same people. They always cheerfully say good morning, and sometimes they even strike up a conversation with you. It’s so different, but also so nice! The weather here is wonderful too. The heatwave I landed in when I arrived was a bit too much, but it was also really nice after all the cold in the Netherlands. Making everyone jealous with the nice weather, haha.

The first 4 days I stayed in a hostel and mainly went to view houses. When I finally found a house that was only a 10-minute walk away, I started feeling more and more at home. Unpacking my suitcases and personally decorating my room with photos I had brought from home (which I highly recommend, since most rooms are a bit empty and dull). From the moment I settled in, my internship started and life during the weekdays began to feel more normal again. In the evenings, I often went for a walk or a run to explore the neighborhood.

During the first week, I mostly discovered Sydney by walking a lot with backpackers and also by joining the free city tour offered. In the following weekends, I mainly focused on figuring out what I wanted to do. The first weekends I took it easy and mostly walked around the city center with other people, near the Opera House, and in various parks. I also did the well-known walk from Coogee to Bondi: definitely worth it! There are plenty of beautiful viewpoints to relax. On the way to Bondi, you also pass many small beaches. It’s really a top environment that gives you a real holiday feeling. I also took the ferry to Manly Beach and Watsons Bay. On Sundays, you can travel with public transport for only $2.50.

Together with 4 girls, we went to the Blue Mountains. It’s a 2-hour train ride but totally worth it! You enter a completely different environment that is so beautiful. It’s great for hiking. It’s tough, but so beautiful and all so new.

In short: for me, the new city Sydney was very overwhelming at first, but now I feel completely at home and fully enjoy all the beauty and diversity the city has to offer. I come from a small village in Limburg, so going to a big city alone for the first time is always overwhelming. I still live at home with my parents. But I really recommend everyone to do this; it’s such an amazing experience and you get to know yourself really well. Until next time!