My first international trip. Our first family adventure abroad. And the place where my husband got down on one knee and asked me to spend forever with him. I couldn’t have written a more beautiful story if I tried.
We stayed in Darling Harbour, a lively waterfront area that became our home base. We arrived in the evening, tired from the flight, especially with two kids in tow—our son and my niece. We tried to find dinner nearby, only to discover that most shops and restaurants closed by 5 PM, even though the sun didn’t set until 8. It was a strange adjustment, but we found a place to eat and strolled along the quiet harbour.
The next day, we ventured to the Blue Mountains. It was a breath of fresh air—towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, vast valleys—all painted in dusty blues and greens. We rode the Scenic Railway, one of the steepest railways in the world, and explored the trails and lookouts. The sight of the Three Sisters rock formation against a sunlit sky made me pause and simply take it all in. Every photo felt too small for the view, and I was filled with a sense of wonder that I’ll never forget.
Later that afternoon, we made our way to Bondi Beach. It was too cold to swim, so we just took a stroll along the shore, admiring the views and letting the wind tangle our hair as the waves rolled in. The beach had a wild kind of peace—the kind you don’t forget.
But nothing could prepare me for the next day.
We started with an early Big Bus Tour, riding an open-deck bus around central Sydney. It gave me the perfect chance to photograph the city from above—its symmetry, its history, its charm. After the tour, we strolled along the harbour toward the Sydney Opera House, the light still bright even though it was nearly 6 PM.
When we reached the Opera House, we walked around the steps, soaked in the view, and took pictures. And then, there near the steps, my now-husband knelt and asked me to marry him. It was a moment that filled me with overwhelming joy and emotion, a memory I’ll cherish forever.
The world blurred for a second. Despite the crowd, it felt like we were the only two people there. Everyone else was in their world. And that suited me just fine—I never liked being the center of attention.
We celebrated with dinner at Orient Hotel in the Rocks, where I had the most exquisite sirloin steak of my life. I still crave it. Still wish I could teleport back just for one more bite.
The rest of the week was a joyful blur. We visited the Taronga Zoo, where I saw kangaroos and animals I’d only seen in storybooks. We visited the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, which I found more fascinating than the zoo, even if it wasn’t as Instagrammable. We rose to the top of Sydney Tower Eye, taking in the city from above—it was like watching the world turn from the sky.
We walked, shopped, and explored. I no longer remember the exact sequence of days after the engagement, but I remember how each place made me feel.
On our last full day, we visited the Chinese Garden of Friendship—a tranquil oasis tucked in the middle of the bustling city. It was one of my favorite stops—serene, green, and grounding. The peacefulness of the garden was a welcome respite from the city’s hustle and bustle, leaving me calm and rejuvenated.
What surprised me most about Sydney wasn’t just the beauty, but the convenience. Their tram system, stroller-friendly streets, and abundant baby-changing rooms made exploring with children so much easier than I imagined.
Yes, Sydney was expensive for a first trip. But it was also rich in every other way—memory, emotion, and experience.
You never forget your first. First international flight, first awe-filled moment in a new world.
I can’t wait to go back, maybe in a different season, but with the same sense of wonder.
