From Bondi to Coogee

Earlier this week, after being invited by Faye and Jeryee, I attended one of the Connect Groups through Hillsong. It was a pleasant evening that included studying the Bible, eating dinner with a new group of people, and getting to know other members of the church. I’m glad that I was included because I found it to be incredibly spiritually stimulating, which is something I’ve been craving for so long.

Since we met at the Hillsong service not even a week ago, Faye has been a wonderful friend to me, not to mention a fabulous resource, while I’ve been in Sydney, and I’m truly grateful to have met

her. Yesterday afternoon, she and I met in the city centre and then took a bus to Bondi Beach, the most famous beach in Sydney. As those who really know me are well aware, I’ve never been a huge beach person, from the time I was a young child all the way through adulthood. Call me crazy if you’d like, but I’ve just never found comfort in the sand between my toes, the wind in my hair, or the salty air that invades my nostrils when I’m at the shore. However, I figured I should leave all my negative opinions of the beach behind and visit this popular tourist attraction at least once while I’m in Sydney, especially since so many people had recommended that I go during this time of year.

And I’m sure glad I took them up on their advice!

Bondi Beach is truly stunning with its fine white sand and crystal clear waves, well worth the

relatively short bus ride from the central business district. From what I’ve been told, Bondi is an ideal place to do shopping as well. Before heading to the actual beach, Faye and I walked along the strip of stores, browsed through some of the merchandise, and bought delicious churros on which to snack. The weather has been a little sporadic this past week, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the high 80s, so at least in my opinion, it wasn’t warm enough to actually go in the ocean; however, there were loads of people who disagreed and thought it was just the right weather to swim or surf. Instead, Faye and I opted to follow the 6-kilometer scenic coastal path from Bondi, all the way down past Bronte, and finally to Coogee Beach. It was a beautiful walk and strolling along the beach and listening to the waves crash against the rocks was very peaceful and even therapeutic. It may not have been ideal weather to go for a swim, but there isn’t a doubt in my mind that it was definitely the perfect weather to be outside and catch some rays.

Once we reached Coogee, we ate some fish and chips, prawns, and calamari from a local restaurant. Although it wasn’t the healthiest dinner in the world, it was definitely delicious.