My friends and I decided to stay in Saturday night instead of joining the rest of the program out into the city. We were tired and spent the night laughing at bad photos we took during the day while eating chips and chocolate from the Easymart downstairs.

I woke up early the next morning to meet a friend I know from home that now studies in Sydney. Seeing a familiar face abroad is always the best!

She took me to Devon Cafe, a seemingly hidden brunch spot on Devonshire Street. She said it has recently become more known and is now the place for locals to go. The words brunch + up & coming restaurant got me excited already.

We both ordered the Eggs Blini and it looked like a piece of art. A really delicious, healthy, edible piece of art.

Poached Egg, Smoked Salmon, Veggies on a pancake and topped with basil and ROE!! All my favorite things on one plate. For brunch. I was a really happy girl.

Check this place out! I wish I had more time in Sydney so I could come back for their other dishes. 

We walked around the city and sat down in a random cafe to catch up.

We both had somewhere to be and it sucked saying goodbye. I had a really fun morning with her talking about home and how much we miss Asia. 

I was soon walking along the streets of Sydney alone, trying to figure out where the train station was. I've experienced the feeling I felt when exploring alone multiple times since I came to Australia. Being basically alone in such a large, unfamiliar place may sound pretty freaking stressful, and it was the first couple times, but it feels so freeing now. I felt like I could do whatever I wanted with unlimited options to consider. 

I found the train station, which only required asking a nice lady handing out newspapers, and headed to Bondi Beach to meet up with some of my friends. 

Yes, the famous Bondi Beach where supposedly the hottest guys and gals in Sydney go to get some sun. The views certainly did not disappoint.

We rushed back to the city to catch our flight back to Melbs.

So long beautiful city!

I honestly like the atmosphere in Sydney more than in Melbourne. It reminds me so much of Hong Kong and after almost four months away from home, I am loving any taste of HKSAR I can get. 16 more days in Oz until I return to my Asian food and much loved humidity!

Sydney

I wasn't going to say bye to Australia without visiting the Opera House.

While the countdown ensues for when I return home next month, I am desperately trying to fit in all the things I said I was going to do in Australia before I leave. Luckily for me, my university program sponsored a trip for us to spend a weekend in Sydney. So, the city is now crossed off my Australia bucket list.

I've been to Sydney twice before but almost 10 years ago. Back then I spent New Years Eve in Sydney sitting in the living room of my grandparents' house with my family. Since then, I've been wanting to return so badly just to feed my nostalgia. It was as beautiful as I remembered.

We arrived Friday night and the first thing we did after settling into our hostel was hit the clubs! It was the birthday of someone in the program so we all gathered to celebrate.

I must admit it wasn't that great of a night... we were all exhausted from the plane ride and the club um, did not have as young of a crowd as we thought.
We slept a couple hours till it was time to get up and explore the city.

I was in the bubbliest mood because the sun was shining bright and there were no clouds in sight. We stopped to get fruit popsicles that reaaallly hit the spot.

I was so excited to eat it I forgot to snap a photo until I was halfway done! 

And to no surprise, I got the Kiwi and Apple. I love my Kiwis like no other and frozen Kiwis are even better. 

We toured the Opera House, which I would recommend anyone visiting Sydney to do! Not many are able to see the inside of the beautiful structure. Learning more about the journey it took to build it definitely increased my appreciation for the building. Plus, if you are in luck like I was, you'll be able to see performers preparing for their shows in the theatres. The acoustics in all three theatres are a dream for your ears.

It was already noon after the tour so we grabbed some food and a cold drink.

And the birds were definitely watching...

This sneaky bird snatched the last bite of hamburger on the table. Who knew it could fit such large amounts of food in that little beak! All it's friends followed, stealing food from other tables. Jeez, birds in Sydney are smart as hell.

We took a ferry to Manly Beach...

I laid on the sand and napped for a solid hour. I'm not even sorry I didn't get to snap a photo of the beach. ALSO, for all future visitors: the beach next to the pier is NOT Manly Beach. That is a mistake my friends and I have still not forgiven ourselves for. What is the "real" beach is a 5 minute walk following the signs "Surf Beach."
We suck.

But we rock at eating next to a beautiful view. 

Shenanigans from my last day in Sydney coming up next!