Door 6 - Welcome to the urban jungle

When we arrive in Sydney on 10th April, the hustle and bustle and density of houses is a bit of a shock for us. Initially, we stay in a hostel in Surry Hills, a trendy and lively neighborhood in Sydney. After a city tour and sunbathing - it's quite uncomfortably chilly in the shade - I go for a trial shift at an Italian restaurant in the evening. Everything goes well, but apparently there was a communication problem between two important people and I am rejected because I will only be here for a few months...which I already wrote in my application email. Disappointed, I pocket my cash (this is common in the hospitality industry even during trial shifts) and make my way to Kings X, the cheapest and most popular neighborhood among backpackers, where Matze has already met up with Maddy at her hostel. He met her in Perth, but unfortunately she was already on a road trip when we came back from Indonesia. I find her likable from the beginning, we have a few beers and she tells us about her road trip experiences (including two kangaroo accidents, which have cost many people their cars). The next morning, we move to our new and more permanent home on Harris St in the student neighborhood. The room looks just like in the photos, but the cockroaches that populate the kitchen, bathroom, and living room were conveniently left out of the description. Well, at least the apartment is centrally located and affordable... Jessi comes over around noon, we have a date for "rabbit yoga" on the north side of the city. For the first time, I cross the majestic "Harbour Bridge" on the way, even by train it seems very very long. After a very fun and cozy yoga session, we take a walk along the water, following the expansive arms of the sea, chatting, and enjoying the afternoon sun. It feels weird that she is here, it could - also because of the autumn foliage and the cool wind - be an autumn afternoon in Germany.... Later, we meet Matze at Circular Quay, which offers a breathtaking view of the opera house (much prettier from a distance than up close), the harbor with its many different ships, and the towering Harbour Bridge. We make our cockroach-free room feel like a real home, buy a nice duvet cover and a bedside lamp. Everything cheap in second-hand stores, fortunately there are plenty of those in a big city like Sydney. The job search is progressing slowly, we check job portals every day. I work here and there on a trial basis, but either the pay is not right or the total number of hours is not enough. We regularly meet up with Jessi and Madleen, the former leaves the city after 3 weeks. On her last evening, we stumble upon a nice underwear party while looking for a fun farewell event. At that time, there is no time to go home, so we make the best of what we're wearing. It's strange to dance in such little clothing, everyone who walks by closely brushes against my bare skin. After 2 beers and several instances of physical contact, it starts to feel normal. With Jessi's departure the next morning, I feel like a piece of home that I felt through her is also leaving Australia.