The city awoke slowly that Monday morning, as if reluctant to shake off the remnants of the weekend’s revelry. The streets were unusually quiet, devoid of the usual rush of people hurrying to offices or schools. It was almost ten o’clock, yet the air still carried a lazy, unhurried vibe, as though the city itself had decided to linger in the afterglow of its wild celebrations. The faint echoes of laughter and music seemed to hang in the air, leaving me to wonder how the city would ever emerge from its weekend euphoria. We made our way past the Elizabeth Mall, heading toward the D2 bus stop, where we would catch a bus to Taroona Beach—a serene escape just half an hour from the bustling city center.
Taroona Beach, nestled in the tranquil Sandy Bay area, greeted us with its quiet charm. As we arrived, a handful of dog walkers dotted the shoreline, their pets frolicking in the soft sand. The beach was a picture of tranquility, with its crystal-clear blue waters and gentle waves lapping against the shore. A lone swimmer braved the icy waters, though I doubted she would last long; the cold was biting, a reminder of Tasmania’s proximity to Antarctica, which sends its first icy breaths here before they reach the rest of Australia. The rugged stones scattered along the beach added a wild, untamed quality to the scene, their presence amplifying the sound of the waves into a rhythmic, almost hypnotic roar. Despite the chill, there was something deeply soothing about standing there, feeling the unique character of this place. It stirred memories of the beautiful beaches back home in Malaysia, though this was undeniably different—a colder, more rugged beauty that felt both foreign and familiar.
What began as a simple beach visit soon turned into an impromptu coastal hike. We followed a winding path along the shore, the scenery shifting with every step. The views were breathtaking, each turn revealing a new perspective of the coastline. The sun climbed higher, its warmth intensifying as noon approached, and we decided to make our way back to the bus stop. Our next destination was the University of Tasmania, and the short ride offered glimpses of Sandy Bay’s picturesque landscapes, the water glinting in the sunlight.
The university campus buzzed with energy, a stark contrast to the quiet beach we had just left. New students wandered in groups, their faces a mix of excitement and nervousness as they explored their new academic home. Watching them, I was transported back to my own student days—a time of discovery, challenges, and endless possibilities. A surge of pride washed over me, mingled with a touch of nostalgia. Student life hadn’t been easy, but it paled in comparison to the complexities of adulthood. Still, there was a certain magic in those years, a freedom to explore and grow that I sometimes missed.
After the Zohor prayers, we embarked on a leisurely stroll along the Battery Point trail, the marina stretching out beside us. The path led us to the historic Kelly’s Steps, a steep climb that felt like stepping back in time. We passed the vibrant Salamanca Fruits Market, its stalls brimming with fresh produce and colourful vegetables , before finally reaching Argyle Accommodation, where we would rest for the night. The day had been long, and my feet ached from the miles we had covered, but the experiences we had gathered were priceless. As I settled in for the night, I couldn’t help but look forward to what adventures the next day might bring.
