A year in Sydney

I came to Sydney to put off the adult world one last time. But nothing went as planned. Joy, depression, love… The whirlwind of life swept me away, leaving nothing behind but melodies. For, throughout this journey, music became my private diary. So, through notes and a few words, come and experience with me this year that has transformed me.

Landing at Sydney

Australia is a land that initially seems to resist you. It can only be approached by air. After an initiatory, almost mystical wait, it slowly reveals itself. An endless expanse of clouds gives way to the sea, which cradles this dreamland in its arms. The plane begins its descent towards Sydney. It is at that moment that destiny pierces me. Laughter, tears, joy, pain. In the blink of an eye, I get a strange feeling.

A new life

My plan for a year of carefree living is quickly forgotten. I find a job and a place to live. I meet people, I fall in love. Every day that passes is a victory and becomes a source of motivation for the next. I stumble, I get back up. Joys and sorrows fill my life. I party, I forget everything—my friends, my family, my old life. Without looking back, I move forward in this exhilarating city. I love it.

Finding home

Life is a walk, not a race, as I’m quickly learning. I’m running out of steam. Despite having achieved in just a few months everything an expat could wish for, I feel a sense of emptiness. I miss my family. After all, I’m still just a kid on his own in a big city. That’s when fate knocked on my door again. A young colleague simply asked me: “Do you want to come and live with my mum and me?” That’s how I found my second family, my Australian family.

Going down

One moment everything is fine, and the next it all falls apart. Fate has given me everything: a family, friends, a job. But sometimes life goes off the rails. Why? I don’t know. One morning, I can’t get out of bed. Nor the next day. Here I am, unable to understand what’s happening to me. Those who would like to look after me are on the other side of the world. I’m sinking. Like an endless tidal wave, depression engulfs me, crushes me. Nothing makes sense. A black veil surrounds me...

Healing (The Angels' Waltz)

First, a glimmer of hope: the idea that the sun might shine again. Then, a desire to fight, a rage against despair. I don’t know how, but I’m going to win this battle. Next comes the most complicated stage: the illusion of recovery. Two steps forward, one step back. Euphoria, stability and despair follow one after the other. It’s a waltz you have to dance to rebuild yourself. It fills me with conflicting emotions: tears, joy and visits from hallucinatory angels.

Life goes on

Fate has surrounded me with extraordinary people. People who didn’t know me just a few months ago have decided to look after me. I’m getting better; it’s a long road, but I’m getting better – I can feel it deep down inside. I’m starting to walk the streets of Sydney again. I need to get my life back on track. But what life? I’ve changed. The future I was running from has changed too. It used to be narrow and grey; now it is vast and bright. Anything is possible now.

Taking off from Sydney

I want to live this new life. But where? It’s a mind-boggling decision. Should I leave Sydney and leave behind these people who have become like a second family? Or should I stay and continue the adventure? I have to go home; I can feel it. It’s going to be difficult. The plane’s wheels leave the ground. I don’t know if I’ll ever come back. The plane climbs, Sydney recedes into the distance. Tears well up in my eyes. Thank you