Six Months Away: How Sydney Changed in My Absence
In June, I left Sydney on the expiration date of my visa, carrying a mix of emotions and uncertainties. My decision to leave wasn’t entirely a choice — I was still waiting for an invitation from the Australian government for the skilled visa I had applied for as part of my Permanent Residency attempt. While I waited for an answer that never came, life in Sydney moved on without me.
Now, six months later, I found myself back in the city, but not for the reasons I’d hoped. My sister had completed her studies at Macquarie University, and it was time to handle the logistics of moving everything back to Indonesia. This wasn’t just a matter of packing bags — it meant breaking the lease on our apartment, shipping our belongings, and selling or disposing of the bigger items like the fridge, bed, dining table, and work desk. Calling in a professional cleaning service, as required by the lease agreement, was the final touch to ensure a smooth handover.
Selling our larger items turned into a surprisingly fascinating experience. I used Facebook Marketplace to offload the big stuff, and it was a lesson in negotiation, logistics, and, sometimes, patience. Seeing these items find new homes gave me a strange sense of closure — it was like watching the remnants of this chapter of life being handed over to someone else, ready for their next purpose.
What’s Changed in Six Months
Returning to Sydney, I couldn’t help but notice how much had changed in just half a year. One of the most striking developments was the opening of the new metro line extending from Chatswood to Sydenham. Stepping into this modern, interconnected system felt like walking into the future. The stations, especially the ones at Central, were grand and efficient, with sleek designs and thoughtful architecture that made traveling across the city a seamless experience. It was a brilliant addition to the city’s infrastructure, and I couldn’t help but admire how quickly Sydney seemed to be evolving.
Closer to home, one change stood out in my old neighborhood. The large mowing company that used to operate beside my apartment had closed. It was a massive space, and seeing it empty sparked an idea in me — if I ever started my Trading Card Game (TCG) business, this would be the perfect location. The area’s foot traffic, especially from school kids passing by every day, would create a lively and energetic customer base. The potential was undeniable, and for a brief moment, I imagined what that space could become with the right opportunity.
Reflection
This trip was bittersweet. It wasn’t just about tying up loose ends but also confronting how much had changed since I left. Sydney, as always, remains a city of opportunity and transformation — a place that continues to inspire even when it’s no longer home.
While I may have closed a chapter by leaving Sydney, being back reminded me of the possibilities that await in the future, whether here or elsewhere. As I wrapped up my final tasks and walked away from the apartment for the last time, I carried with me a mix of nostalgia, hope, and determination for what lies ahead.
What about you? Have you ever returned to a place after a long absence and noticed unexpected changes? Let’s share and reflect on how time shapes the places we once called home.
