During our Sydney trip we had the joy to spend some time on some of the beaches at the city. We kept on asking how on earth these guys can keep their motivation for work and studies, while they have these amazing playgrounds and weather…
Bondi beach deserves its reputation! It has such a wonderful atmosphere with all types of people (mostly good looking) hanging around, getting suntan, playing on the sand and of course surfing. Cool from head to toes. So, glasses on, stomach in and blending to the crowd. We had a great day in there meeting and old friend from Finland, Minna (who lives in Sydney) and catch up, laying in the sand, “body surfing” on the waves and sitting at the cafés. We took also time for a walk at the shore and saw the art exhibition called Sculptures by the Sea.
On Saturday we went to Maroubra Beach, yet another nice spot to spend the day, but what started as extremely hot and sunny, turned soon to a tropical mess. We had been sitting for a while and enjoying the view of sunbathers, surfers and sailing boats passing by. All of a sudden a heavy gust of wind started to whirl the sand so hard that it really hurt on skin. Right after started a heavy rain and wind just got harder. All the sailing boats disappeared from the horizon when the rain drummed the sea. We managed to run under the shield of a beach café. But the excitement continued when they were running the sirens to call back all the swimmers & surfers. Several lightnings hit in front of our view and wind funneled between the buildings and felt like a tornado rolling through, bringing in debris and sand.
I felt relaxed among other people, since everyone acted so calm. Especially our new friends Liz & husband and her daughter Scarlet kept my feets on the ground. Our girls were excitingly following the nature’s performance. Here is a picture of us after “surviving” the storm.
A dear friend introduced Liz to us. They spend one week interrailing already 15 years ago, and kept in touch thanks to e-mail and later Facebook. It’s nice when you meet new people from around the world, who feels very similar and likeminded and you get connected immediately. This keeps my spirit high.
Pacific ocean with its huge waves feels so different. Where I grew up, going to the beach usually mean hours of easy going swimming in the Mediterranean sea while in Baltic Sea it is more about a short dip after sauna. However here the ocean is a serious matter. It is so powerful, that in couple of minutes while trying to stay in it, you get slapped several times by huge waves. It is really fun like in an amusement park. However, same time you do feel the danger it can cause… Its ability to take you in and not let out, to drown and eat you. Especially with kids you have to be very careful and follow the beach rules.
Our friend from Finland, Ulla, kindly offered us a place to stay in the second part of our stay. It was wonderful to be in a friends home for couple of days, and relax. Especially one day when she dressed me up and took to hightea in Queen Victoria Building. It was really wonderful. I’m usually not a great fan of such fancy stuff, but it definitely creates a beautiful atmosphere and you can have quality time with your company with all the lovely food and tea..
Our last day was reserved for a walk in Botanical garden, breakie & swim with Minna’s family, seing Darling harbor and the huge playground, Sydney Opera house and walking around the center..
In summary Sydney is a great city to visit or to live in.. 
4 bags of clothes 