5 Highlights Of My Solo Day Trip To Manly

SYDNEY WAS MY FIRST STOP ON MY AUSTRALIAN JOURNEY.

Looking back on the photos I took and the friends I made, I did quite a bit in the five weeks I was there.

At the time I was staying in a social hostel where I was constantly meeting new people. I loved it. However, I was desperately craving some alone time. I wanted to spend the day with me. I wanted to explore on my own. I wanted to do what I wanted and when I wanted without having to put someone else’s thoughts into consideration.

I love meeting people and exploring with others, but sometimes I really need to spend quality time with the person I came on this journey with.

Me.

I selfishly chose me that day and it felt great. And, besides, who else would I spend the day with?

I decided to explore Manly (a beach town-ish suburb of northern Sydney) for a day. Today, I will share 5 of my highlights while I was in Manly.

#1 The Best Ferry Ride Ever

Seriously.

The. Best. Ferry. Ride. Ever.

The ride was about 20 minutes from the city to Manly, and the entire time I felt like I was flying. It’s a great opportunity to see the Hourbor sights and to take a selfie.

#2 Walking & Walking & The Water Dragon

During this solo day trip, I walked a lot.

Like, a lot.

During my walk, I wandered onto a hiking path where I saw a number of water dragon signs.

The pictures of the water dragon, quite frankly, freaked me out a bit. I figured what are the chances of me running into one as I continued on my hike.

And then it happened.

I saw one.

Right in front of me, in it’s natural habitat, was a water dragon.

It was so still. It didn’t move once. I was afraid to cross its path. So I did the only thing I knew how to do – take a bunch of pictures and then RUN in the other direction.

Because it does have the word dragon in it’s name. And where I come from, dragons breathe fire.

It looks like it could breathe fire, right?

#3 The Creepy House With The Creepy Stuffed Animals

During my walk, I somehow wandered into the suburby side of Manly. I thought there would be something worth seeing.

There wasn’t.

Well, unless you count seeing that the circus was coming to town.

And, then, of course, how can I forget seeing the suburby house decorated in all sorts of stuffed animals, including koalas.

They were in trees. And on the lawn. And it was possibly the creepiest thing I ever saw.

Creepy or cool? You decide.

#4 Writing, Reading, & People Watching

After all of that walking, I needed a break. I hopped on a bench, had lunch, and did a little reading, writing and people watching.

I watched surfers surf and sunbathers sunbath.

I read and jotted some thoughts down in my journal.

#5 The Dog & Almost Petting It

For those of you who don’t know, I’m afraid of dogs. And sometimes cat. But mostly dogs.

While I was sitting on the bench, two ladies sat down on the joint-bench next to the one I was sitting on. They had their dog with them. My knowledge of dog breeds are slim to none. I can, however, tell you that the dog was grey and shaggy. He didn’t look like a puppy but he also didn’t quite look like a full grown-up dog. Also, I’m not sure he was a he or a she.

A little boy came along and wanted to pet the dog. As the boy came closer to the dog, the dog hid underneath the bench from the boy. I guess he (or she?) didn’t do well with strangers.

Knowing that the dog was afraid of strangers made me feel a bit more comfortable on that bench. The dog eventually came closer to me—looking at me curiously.

In fear of him (or her?) getting closer I reached out my hand to pet him (or her?). The dog immediately backed away from me. It was strange how we were both afraid of each other.

For some strange reason, I was really proud of this moment. I didn’t get up to go another bench to sit on. My heart didn’t pound as fast when the dog came near. I felt like I was moving a step forward in this moment.

But don’t ask me about other moments since then with other dogs!

I don’t have a picture of this dog. But I do have a picture of a couple of puppies I met a few weeks ago. And I actually petted one of them and felt them breathe while sleeping.

 

There you have it. My 5 highlights from my day trip to Manly.

This was a much needed day out. Every now and again, I need to get away from people and spend some time with myself.

Enjoy spending time with you. After all, you’re stuck with you forever.

Do you enjoy time with you? Share!