Things to Miss

Now that we are starting to make plans to move back abroad, I'm starting to notice all the people and things I'm going to miss about living in Sydney. Some of our closest friends while living here have already moved away, but there are still some oldies-but-goodies we see around. Here are some of the other things I will miss...

- The cafes and bakeries- and breakfast and coffee and tea and pastries - are so good. 

- The annual events - like Vivid, Sculpture by the Sea, Sydney Festival, Night Noodle Markets, The Sydney Tea Festival, Chinese New Year Lanterns, The Royal Sydney Easter Show, etc. 

- The public transport. Some people from here will complain about it, but that's because they've never lived in the 95% of the world that has less reliable transport and crappier weather some times of the year. 

- Speaking of the weather, the weather. It's pleasant to be outside for the vast majority of the year. The sun might be killer, but you adapt to actually wearing the dopey bucket hat and reapplying sunscreen twice a day, and seek out shade whenever possible (like, even to walk a block). I don't even mind that the seasons are backwards anymore. 

- The water. Beaches. The harbour area. Water sports and activities are so accessible in this city. Sailing and boating aren't only for rich people here. There's a reason so many Aussies know how to surf and all the kids learn to swim as part of the public school curriculum. 

- The wildlife. There are beautiful tropical birds, giant fruit-eating bats, big blue tongue lizards, and then all the weird monotremes and marsupials outside the city. Don't even get my started on the beautiful sea life too!

- Our whole family going to the doctor for free.  'Nuff said. 

- On the same note, the paid family leave is better here than in the states (where there is none mandatory by law). It was really nice to not have at least the first 18 weeks covered after having a baby. I like that it's expected that most people who have babies will take about 6 months to a year off, without any guilt from employers or friends/family. It's just accepted that of course a family wants and needs time to get off to a healthy start. 

- No need for checks. Checks were phased out years ago. If you need to give someone money, direct bank transfer is easy, safe, and doesn't cost anything extra. Whenever I need a check for something back in the states, even if it's a canceled one for routing/desposit purposes, I just think it's so archaic and stupid. Join the 21st century and quit using checks, people. They're completely unnecessary and a waste of paper.

I'm sure there is more and more that I will add to the list. This is just the beginning. On the converse, there are lots of things that I miss about the US and am looking forward to having again. I think I will just never be 100% satisfied in one place or the other, now that I've lived long enough in both places.