Finally a new international adventure! I was in Sydney about a week ago and absolutely loved it. There was something gorgeous to admire everywhere I looked. And it’s a super walkable city, so I saw a lot in just a few days. Here are a few highlights.

I was oddly apprehensive about exploring a new city on my own, more so than traveling to France, in fact, since this was going to be a completely new place. But it turned out to be rather liberating. It may have helped that everyone I encountered was SUPER friendly. I even got an excellent restaurant recommendation from a fellow traveler at baggage claim.

I never would have found this place on my own, and once I did, I nearly walked away after failing to get the door open.  Doors in Australia tend to open IN, not OUT like in the states, so no amount of pulling will get you in the door. Fortunately someone came out just as I was about to give up.  Once in the door, it was still an adventure. First a winding staircase.

Then this landing, still no one in sight.

Then finally, the maître d’ at the bottom of all the stairs. The place had barely opened for dinner service when I got there, and there were already at least fifty people inside. I managed to get a seat at the bar in the dining room after promising to vacate by 7, when all spots were reserved. Of course I obeyed, but I had plenty of time for a leisurely dinner.

I don’t go to restaurants much these days, certainly not alone, and I thought it would be a big deal and I’d feel awkward. But the waitstaff was wonderful, the food was delicious, and the whole experience felt like a door opening  (without my confused tugging). It felt like an invitation to keep trying new things, to refuse to let my horizons shrink. So far, so good.

Here’s wishing you open doors and beautiful bridges to whatever adventures await.

Grace and peace to you wherever you are!