Week 14: Final Days! Santa is in Town

My flight out of Sydney is less than one week! How crazy is that?! Like I knew it would, this semester abroad has been unforgettable and far to fast. I know I will be dreaming of the sunny beaches and busy weekend markets while I’m crammed in a corner in Bartley Hall (the home of the Villanova business student).

My last weekend in Sydney has been spent in some of my favorite spots. Friday night after a late gym session with Chelsea, a few of us girls went to a cool Mexican-styled bar called Tio’s and I splurged on a recommended passionfruit margarita. It was good, but the cheap margeritas back home in our authentic Groveland restaurants definitely win.

Saturday I had the most amazing brunch at a place called Jed’s near Bondi Beach. Chelsea convinced me that I would love (and in fact, did) their vegetarian Japanese-inspired brunch option. This brunch bowl was served with chopsticks and made with red quinoa, eggs, and teriyaki tofu, then topped with seaweed, avocado, and teriyaki sauce – YUM!! My two loves of Asian food and brunch combined – what more can a girl ask for? Afterwards, I explored the Paddington markets and nearby thrift stores and shops. I’m really going to miss all of the weekend markets here – literally every Sydney suburb has one! My favorite for cheap items is the Glebe market, but I love the more touristy Rocks market too because they have the best Turkish gozelme. I also stopped this Saturday by my most frequented market, Paddy’s, for some produce and spices to bring home.

Sunday started bright and early with the Santa Fun Run 5K with my roommate Julie and a small group from the BU program. 4000 Sydney siders and tourists ran/walked side by side in identical red santa costumes from Darling Harbour to the Opera House. Seeing the steps of the Opera House covered in Santas was fantastic and so festive. It truly was a fun run, but it makes me more and more excited to head home for the holidays here in a few weeks! Yay holiday cheer!!!

I’m wrapping up my final Sydney Sunday in my favorite book café Berkelouw near Surry Hills. This place is great – the first floor is new books and cool, kitchy items like teapots and old-fashioned board games; the second floor, where I am now sipping my flat white coffee on an old leather couch, has a cute café and tables/chairs for reading with a nice view overlooking Oxford Street; the third floor is filled with shelves of secondhand books.

Tentative plans for this week: Zoo (Monday), Final Exam (Tuesday), Brunch/Beach (Wednesday), fly out to Melbourne on Thursday!!