Introduction
I arrived in Sydney a few days ago, and it felt like I landed right in the middle of chaos. My backpack didn’t make it past Singapore, and my prepaid card didn’t work — so I had no money, no clothes, no essentials. Just me, exhausted, and trying to figure out how to survive on the other side of the world.
Luckily, I was traveling with an organization called AIFS, and they set me up to stay at Wake Up! Hostel. That’s where I met Maxie, who ended up paying for my food and clothes for five days — something I’ll never forget.
Main Adventure
Those first days were mostly disorienting. I stayed at Wake Up! Hostel, where nights out were free, but everything felt slightly unreal. Most of the other travelers were German or Austrian, and I was the only one who didn’t speak German — so communication was… interesting.
After five days, I decided to go to the airport myself to look for my backpack. And there it was, just sitting there. The staff said they were “short-staffed” and hadn’t been able to process everything. Simple as that. Finally, I got my money from the bank and Sydney started to feel real.
I then moved to Hump Backpackers in Kings Cross — not the best decision. There were cockroaches in the kitchen and cats digging through the trash. Still, it somehow brought people together. That’s where I met Luke, a chef, who actually cooked for us one night. We played cards, talked, and just… existed together.
Fun Outings
During my stay at Wake Up!, I went on a couple of incredible walks:
- The Bondi to Coogee walk — breathtaking views of the coastline and beaches.
- A walk from the Botanical Garden to the Opera House — truly stunning, with so many photo moments along the way.
I also went to Manly with Mara, Maureen, Luke, Marine, and Amélie. Getting there was super easy: a beautiful ferry ride from Sydney that only costs about $7, giving you incredible views of the harbour. That evening was Taco Tuesday: order a drink, get tacos for $2, free nachos, and a ridiculous sombrero. Completely silly. Exactly what I needed.
We also went to the Blue Mountains with a random French guy I met in the hostel. He turned out to have a crush on Mara and invited her to a French island — backpacker life logic at its finest. Luke cooked pasta again that night, and it was amazing.
Reflection
Even with all the chaos, life felt kind of beautiful. I laughed, got lost, met amazing people, and learned that traveling on your own can be wild, messy, and unforgettable.
Wherever I am next, I’m learning that even chaos can feel like a beginning.
Tips & Tricks
- Go with an organization that suits your language — if you don’t speak German, try WelcomeToTravel or just book a few hostel nights and make friends along the way.
- If you’re getting a credit card for traveling, memorize the PIN — don’t do what I did.
- If your backpack doesn’t arrive, stay calm and check the airport — chances are it’s just sitting there.
- Make friends and enjoy the chaos! Some hostels seem sketchy at first, but can turn out to be full of amazing people.
- Take a small daypack for daily adventures.
- Trust locals and hostel staff — they often know the hidden gems.
- Capture the moments, but don’t forget to live them too.
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