Savouring simply daily pleasures
This image above, encapsulates everything that was so refreshingly wonderful about our few days in Sydney.
We just returned from almost a week staying on the northern beaches of Sydney, Australia. Our reason for going was to chaperone (Hardly!) our eldest daughter who had managed to purchase tickets to a huge concert. This was booked long before I made the promise to myself of a No Buy Year and was probably one of the most dauting so far as I knew the city was jam packed with designer stores, one off boutiques, second hand fancies and large glossy Malls. So todays post is in two parts of sorts: The no buy component and the Sydney lifestyle component.
I toyed with the idea of giving myself permission, while off shore, to purchase clothing or shoes if something utterly irresistible were to come into my path- but deep down I knew this was cheating. But I held onto the notion to quell the rising panic of being banished entirely! I am happy to report that having done lots of browsing and Window shopping I did not purchase any clothing or shoes.( I did however, have a slight exception- I purchased from a second hand clothing store a pair of leggings and matching sports top, brand new with tags, for under $40 as I needed some to replace a worn out set- this is permitted in my rules.) The only other purchases I made were not clothing- A very versatile cross body leather bag from a big department store MYERS, in a soft grey, heavily discounted, and a luxurious body milk from a Perfumerie which stocks the worlds oldest line of fragrance- Santa Maria Novella. A true luxury and steeped in History since its conception in 1221! Just using it envelops me in a special sensation of history, time and tradition, while the scent remains fresh and modern and delicate. Even being in the boutique in an old fashioned - Victorian- 3 story arcade, complete with tiled floors and wrought iron balustrades was a treat and an elevated experience.
While I have to admit I was very conscious of the urge and pull to shop, I am proud of how restraint I was - and have no regrets, only a really appreciation for the little gems I did allow myself to indulge in.
Sydney, and Specifically Manly, where we stayed, offered an entirely new perspective on a way of life- a vibrant and vital and relaxed and beach vibe I have never encountered before. It got me. So much so I was daydreaming about re locating and searching for homes for sale on line as I basked in the Australian sunshine!
It was eye-opening and very inspiring to observe a different pace and verve of daily life. We were fortunate enough that our apartment overlooked the ocean and we only had to walk out of the front door a step across the road to be on the beach. While I treasure my sanctuary of a peaceful private home here- Manly is always on the go, from just before dawn the runners, dog walkers, swimmers and surfers emerge- steadily making the most of their environment until well after sun down. But it was a happy, healthy SAFE vibe. There were no big groups with antisocial music, no boy racers, no rowdy groups, no one leering at the runners in their skimpy athletic wear- inface it was absolutely de regueur to wear running shorts and a running bralette- to the extent one lunchtime in Bondi our family devised a game with a points system based on the colour combinations of their gear- everyone was active. Regardless of age, shape, gender or ability. It was humbling and inspiring all at once, and each day I couldn't wait to join them. There was no judgment, just a completely accepted way of living- a natural part of living- along side work, family and life. A hive of activity and wellbeing. On my first morning I ran along the beach front to see a large gathering of people as the bay rounded the corner- I thought it must be a queue for coffee, as it would likely be here, but it was the Manly Beach Lifesaving Club- next door to which is situated the Manly Beach running club- the gathering was people. people beginning or finishing their morning training, dog walks, runs, surfs, swims, kayaks, even multiple fitness classes being held outside with trainers- from dumbbells to yoga instructors, individuals, friends, couples and even families. School children getting in a training session before school or meeting friends for a morning surf. I ran past another gathering one morning just as I rounded the corner to Shelly Beach- teenage girls, all wrapped in towels from the waist down, hair dropping from the sea- and a long platter between them of fresh fruit and croissants- these were teenage girls celebrating a birthday together with a swim and fresh fruit- before 7am! While still marveling at this lovely sight I then witnessed a group of women my mothers age chattering away as they got into the beach side salt water swimming pool for their morning swim meet. These ladies were fit, bronzed, vibrant and 70+!
By the time I made my way back towards our accommodation the multiple volleyball nets along the central part of the beach were thronging with players, more school uniformed students and business attired adults were walking or biking along toward the wharf to catch a ferry to the office or school. And all this by 7.30am- les than an hour after dawn broke.
I have returned inspired and energized with this vibrant simple carefree way of living- effortless. Cultural diversity, age, gender, ability are noted and accepted but virtually irrelevant- just get out there. seize the day. enjoy life, savor the variety along with the simplicity.
The image at the top of this post was my husband coming in from an early morning surf with a friend of his who met him at 6.15am to catch a few waves before he headed in to work. The light, the warmth and the energy is something I want to hang on to.
I'll leave you with a shot I took about an hour ago when we popped down to the beach for a walk after dinner. Cooler, autumnal even, but ours. ours to linger, savor and enjoy- to breathe in and appreciate and just BE.
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