Wanderlust Wonders: Vivian’s Journey Abroad (week 2)
Down Under Diaries- Week 2
This week’s theme is exploring Australia’s wonders, as well as embracing its history and historical impact. We continue our tour of Australia’s beaches; this week, we explore Balmoral Beach and Manly Beach. Each beach has its specialties, making it difficult to choose a favorite. Balmoral is less populated, where the waves are calmer whereas Manly is heavily populated with swimmers and surfers. Both beaches are similar in that both are beautiful and worth the visit. Additionally, I visit the Queen Victoria Building where I am reunited with the piano!
Highlight #1: Balmoral Beach
After morning class, we drive to Balmoral Beach. This beach is stunning. To my surprise, people are snorkeling in the shallow ends of the ocean. After entering myself, I understand why- the water is clear enough to see toes wiggling in the soft sand, and fish swimming calmly among the currents. The wave’s soothing crash washes all worries away. As the water is saltier than typical ocean water, floating in the ocean is undoubtedly simple. Levitating above the ocean floor reminds me of how blessed I am; to be able to relax without worries on a weekday is a luxury.
Highlight #2: Manly Beach
Friday, January 26th is Australia Day. We take the ferry to Manly Beach. The ferry was a lovely experience- peaceful, relaxing, yet rejuvenating. The feeling of the wind blowing through your hair and the sun shining upon you is like no other. Sightseeing on the ferry includes the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Upon arriving, I join a group of volleyball players and play beach volleyball. Here, I meet players from around the world. Their stories of moving to Australia to pursue their aspirations further increase my desire to live in Sydney. It is inspiring to see people leave everything behind in their hometowns and move across the world to achieve their dreams.
On the way home, I stop by the Chip on a Stick food truck across Darling Harbour and try it for the first time. Chip on a Stick is a spiral-cut potato coated with batter, deep fried, and served on a bamboo skewer. It comes freshly out of the oil fryer and tastes delicious!
Highlight #3: Queen Victoria Building
Over the weekend, I visit the Queen Victoria Building (QVB). The architecture is stunning and admirable. I do not know what is more commendable- the exterior or interior design of this building. Located on the second floor is a public grand piano. Up until this moment, I have not practiced piano in weeks. As the University pianist at Bucknell, I instantly feel at home when my fingers touch the keys. Strangers stop their tracks, listening to me play. I take requests and sing with my newly made friends.
This unique building’s history is equally as impressive. QVB, designed by George McRae first opened in 1898. It was named to honor the monarch’s Diamond Jubilee. This building was home to a concert hall, coffee shops, showrooms, warehouses, etc. Decades later, the concert hall became the city library and different offices. QVB was remodeled in the 1930s to accommodate the primary occupant- Sydney City Council. The fully restored Queen Victoria Building reopened to Sydney-siders and visitors in 1986.
Vivian Kuang ’25
BSBA in Management and Organizations Freeman College of Management