The Sydney Shuffle
Embarking on this global adventure has been an extraordinary journey, unlike any other experience in the past year for our family of four. We're not just passengers; we're practically a traveling circus, navigating the highs and lows of international travel together.
Our voyage commenced with a challenging 21-hour odyssey via Vancouver, testing our patience and resilience. While the kids adapted remarkably well to the long hours confined to their seats, Janice and I found ourselves squirming more than expected, a reminder of our not-so-young-anymore bodies.
In-flight entertainment reached its peak when I found myself seated in front of a peculiar duo: a lady and her feline companion in row 15. Whispered conversations and gentle meows filled the air, making it clear that this wasn't your average flight. Determined to explore beyond the confines of her carrier, the cat embarked on an impromptu tour of the cabin, with row 14—my row—serving as its personal playground. Amidst the chaos, my attempts to redirect the furry explorer were met with disapproving glares from its owner, who seemed to question my approach to dealing with her feline friend. Needless to say, my attempts at animal control earned me a subtle "thank you" from the Air Canada attendant, swiftly followed by an embarrassing reprimand for Ms. 15C.
We landed in Sydney to a warm welcome and scorching sunshine. The iconic landmarks—the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House—left us starstruck, snapping more photos than the paparazzi at a movie premiere. And the beaches? Picture-perfect, with locals so fit and sunkissed they belong on magazine covers.
One of the quirks of Sydney is the noise, reminiscent of my dad's favorite song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"—an absolute classic. If you haven’t heard of it, you should listen to it. Actually, if you’ve never heard of it, you should probably just travel to Australia because essentially, it should be the country's motto. Every night, before bed, we're greeted by a cacophony of sounds from a wide variety of animals that seem to come to life. At some point, it all becomes white noise, much like the incessant arguing of my girls over who will see a real kangaroo first. I told them, since I've enjoyed a hearty kangaroo meat pie, I’ve already won hands down—and no, it didn’t taste like chicken; that was the crocodile.
Our first day out was spent exploring and ducking into quaint mom-and-pop shops to escape the sweltering heat. We decided to take a quick 45-minute tour inside Government House, the residence of the governor general for the state of New South Wales, of which Sydney is also the capital. As we approached the house, we overheard an American couple behind us emphatically stating that the closest thing they have to Government House is Medieval Times. Janice and I nearly keeled over in laughter.
Sydney has brought out the best—and worst—in me. In particular, my dance moves have reached new levels of "interesting." I've always fancied myself a decent dancer, but the Sydney Shuffle, as we affectionately call it, has become our daily routine. Blame it on the Aussies' affinity for driving on the left side of the road, which means navigating sidewalks, escalators, and queues on the left as well—it's a whole new world out here, and we're still figuring it out. My girls find endless amusement in my attempts to master the art of the awkward shuffle, often laughing at my expense as we navigate the bustling streets of Sydney.
We've also had the privilege of being welcomed with open arms by our long-time friend Nanine—she's practically Sydney's unofficial ambassador for Canadians. Nanine, or should I say Ranger Nan (a proud former employee of Parks Australia), has taken the time to welcome her extended Canadian family with open arms. Family lunches and dinners with her extended family have been nothing short of formidable—she's practically given us a behind-the-scenes tour of all that is good in Sydney. From the hidden gems to the must-see spots, Nanine has been our personal guide through the city's wonders.
And let's not forget Nanine's epic Blue Mountains excursion. As we ventured into the wild, with Ranger Nan leading the way, we couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of it all. But leave it to Nanine to turn a scenic hike into a comedy show—she regaled us with tales of life in Sydney since we last saw and worked with her in Vancouver.
As we prepare to leave Sydney behind later this week and embark on the next leg of our journey, I'm struck by the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye to the first city that has become our home away from home. From the laughter-filled days to the sun-drenched beaches, Sydney has been a playground of unforgettable experiences. And to the Sydney Shuffle, a dance that has become synonymous with our time in this lively city, thank you for the rhythm and joy you've brought to our lives.
