Joanne : Glebe
Joanne – Images by Cathy Topping
Joanne is one half of the creative project Sparkapolooza, and one whole of the blog Jodeska. These photos were the result of trekking through both mud and a broken window to explore the amazing Glebe Tram Sheds.
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Sydney is a funny place.
For one, it seems many people in Sydney, aren’t actually “from” Sydney. When you do come across someone who was born in Sydney, it’s always a tad disappointing.
Me? I was born in Newcastle. That’s another funny place too, but perhaps not one to write home about (although it did make one of the top places in the world to live in).
Standing on George Street one Saturday night, on what must be the busiest street in Sydney, which must be the busiest city in Australia, I thought to myself “is this it?”. At the time I thought it was. Fast forward a couple of years later, a move to a Vietnam for work, and another move home and it dawned on me. Sydney is bloody awesome.
As a result, taa daa! My undefinitive guide to things about Sydney you don’t realise until you leave:
- There’s lots to do – really, I’m never at a loss for places to go or things to see. Sometimes there’s even too much. A gazillion arts and film festivals, bands on every night, a new restaurant every week and what feels like 101 free public spaces and events. Anyone who complains there isn’t enough to do isn’t looking hard enough.
- There IS a lot of space. Personal space, public space, you name it. Many years ago while I was working in Darling Harbour this was something many tourists commented on. You don’t quite appreciate the stillness of walking down an empty street until you’re surrounded by at least 100 other people every moment of the day.
- Sydney is its own little bubble. Big enough to pretend we’re the coolest city in the world, yet small enough to see that random person yet again. It’s kinda nice don’t you think?
- We’re completely spoilt- we have the best of every culture and food there is. Sometimes even better then the home country. Oh, then there’s welfare and medicare…
Samantha : Curl Curl
Samantha is Director of Blue Label Life. Playing cupid on a daily basis, her mission is to help people connect and find true love.
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What Curl Curl beach means to me…
Curl Curl is a special part of the world to me – it’s so natural, a beautiful escape from the rush of the city.
I spend hours on end watching the surf crashing on the sand, surfers catching waves and families play. I love to swim in the fresh sea, kayak with my husband and spend summer nights at the surf club with good food and wine. I love playing with my dogs in this special paradise before I start each working day, and if I’m lucky watching pod’s dolphins in the surf break.
When I need quiet time and some inspiration I love to sit on the rocks. It feels as though I’m on the edge of the world. When I look out to the horizon I gain strength, clarity, it’s such a great meditation.
It is at my most peaceful moment, when I am most tranquil that I play cupid best. I can’t tell you how many times the penny has dropped and the perfect couple come to me all while sitting in silence listening to the ocean and embracing my surroundings. Having balance and inner peace allows me to help others and be a good matchmaker.