Manly Beach Lives Up To Its Name

On Friday, we had off from class...meaning we finally had the opportunity to check out the beach. Prior to my arrival in Sydney, I pictured my study abroad experience to be walking a short distance to lay on a beach in between class and work. In reality, the beaches are not as closely located as I thought. Some friends and I took a bus to Circular Quay and caught a ferry from Pier 3. 30 minutes later, we pulled into Manly Wharf and set our eyes on one of Sydney's most beautiful beaches.

We set up camp on the beach, which was sprinkled with perfectly bronzed, in-shape Aussies. It made me feel a bit self-conscious when I realized how pasty my skin was compared to theirs. The ocean was like nothing i've ever seen before. From the shore, it is a bright greenish-cerulean color, but when you're in it, it's practically clear. You can see your toes in the sand, which feels like actual sugar. On either side of the "safe swim" zone were groups of (gorgeous) surfers riding waves. 

We laid out on the beach for a while and then grabbed some lunch in town, which was just a few steps from the beach. We lounged for a while longer and caught the ferry back around 5. It was great to feel the salt on my skin and toes in the sand again!