Recently returned from a trip to my new favourite city, it strikes me that the Sydney/Melbourne rivalry is just a bit silly really. I say this because there is absolutely no way you can compare two such different cities like for like.
On my first trip to Melbs, I returned to Sydney enlightened. This cultural hotspot with bar, restaurant and shopping delights, was incredible! Why would anyone rather live in Sydney? Unless of course they like the beach, sunshine and the odd iconic landmark…
But then what about all those fabulous Melbournian bars? The ones hidden away down laneways with directions to find them such as ‘turn right at the big bin and find the door with the little red handle under the graffiti of a rat’? Love it! And the coffee! I thought Sydney coffee was doing well until my first trip to Victoria. And then there’s the restaurants (not that Sydders doesn’t have its fair share of great ones) with equally good food at much lower prices.
Then on last week’s trip, I discovered that it really does get rather cold in Melbourne. But I can forgive that because the shopping is so much better. And it has trams! How quaint!
But returning to Sydney, you can’t beat that view of the Opera House as you cross the magnificent Harbour Bridge (and from your balcony if you’re lucky, like me). It really does take your breath away. And while I’m not a sun worshipper or indeed a beach goer, I do enjoy living by water.
So is Sydney my favourite again? No! I’m torn! Daydreams quickly take me back to Melbourne with its European vibe, cafe culture and inimitable style, full of cool girls with great haircuts and deliciously scruffy boys.
They’re just both great, okay?
What do you think?
