MY EXPERIENCE MOVING TO SYDNEY ALONE | Do I regret it? | 6 months in Sydney | Struggles & lessons

[@pacianegumbi9771]

Beautifully articulated video Gugu, wishing you a good rest of the year. Moving abroad alone is not for the fainthearted but seems to do wonders for solitude and navigating the relationship with self when one puts in the effort.

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Thank you so much Paciane. 🤍 truly appreciate it. Hope the rest of your year is beautiful as well. Yeah, so true, it’s challenging but incredibly rewarding.

[@lazolahartland9845]

This was wholesome, so relatable. Being away from family and friends can destabilise a person however it can also bring you closer to yourself which eventually draws you closer to the people you deem important in your life. You are also just more self aware after all these experiences. Enjoyed this so much ❤

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@lazolahartland9845 Couldn’t agree more! Thank you so much. ❤️❤️❤️

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@lazolahartland9845 I truly needed this experience.. ❤️

[@LeesaYu]

I’m a Sydneysider who moved abroad to the Netherlands a few yrs ago, and came across your video randomly! Was super interesting to hear your experience and hear about my hometown from a different perspective. Everything you said is very true re. the beauty, that there are hardly any black people (I hope that changes), and people’s obsession with rental prices / property prices. I’m so sorry you felt people were a bit hostile - Sydney people also tend to stick to their school friends, which can also make it hard to make friends with locals :( I hope you eventually find your place in Sydney and wishing you all the best 🥰

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Thank you so much for this lovely comment! Hope Netherlands is treating you well. Appreciate this so much, I feel validated - good to know it’s not all in my head, lol. Thank you, it feels like I’m starting to find my place in Sydney.

[@christopher59]

Western Sydney is where you need to go.. we moved here from South Africa 10 years ago and we choose to live in Blacktown (great name) .. western Sydney .. I love western Sydney .. each suburb you go to it’s like you’re either in the Philippines , Sudan, Pacific Islands, Lebanon , China , Brasil etc lol … so diverse.. esp my area and surrounding suburbs there a large African community but all over western Sydney there’s a lot of African communities .. just need to move around .. good luck with it all 👍🏿

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@christopher59 Oh I see. Thanks.

[@amandajade8012]

Blacktownian here... I love it here for the same reasons. So much diversity 😊

[@marcozolo3536]

Liverpool, there is an annual African food festival there too

[@bp792]

Yes I thought of Blacktown too. It’s fast to the city if you catch the express trains. Also out in Penrith they don’t have surf but still nice water walks beside the Nepean River and not as crowded

[@Steve-xl1en]

I agree. However where is the Brasilian hub? I need to get there

[@mathewtoll6780]

I moved to Sydney from Newcastle, a smaller Australian city when I was about 21/22. When I first got there I would say hello and talk to strangers. I remember this older guy flipped out at me because I said hello to him. Where I was from saying hello to strangers, having little chats was quite normal. I think the minding ones own business is more of a big city thing in Australia rather than an artifact of Western individualism.

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Oh I see, makes sense, big cities tend to be like that. Good to know that people are friendlier in the smaller Australian cities.

[@MathVdb]

Same happened to me here in Melbourne. I said good morning to a pensioner. He replied: F off! 😂

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@MathVdb oh no! 😂

[@mathewtoll6780]

​@@MathVdb sorry to hear that mate - there are a lot of angry people out there and a lot of untreated mental health issues.

[@megawife6116]

Newy is much nicer

[@StarlightOracle]

I enjoyed your video. It is hard to make friends in Sydney, I have lived here all my life. The thing about whether people would help if you needed help (on the bus example) I do think people would help. I have seen strangers rush to help someone on the bus who fell or dropped something. People do keep to themselves but deep down people will help if you need it. Sydney has become different in the last few years since 2020 people seem a bit colder in general I have noticed that. I hope you continue to have a lovely experience and make new quality friends here. You seem lovely and you have a very positive attitude and you are very self aware.

[@happyhappyaus2128]

I'm Australian and I've moved around a bit within Australia and also lived in Japan. Sydney is such a hard place to make friends, Melbourne and Adelaide is completely different! People talk to you haha.

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Thanks for this! Will definitely try visit Melbourne and Adelaide.

[@britjj5126]

Adelaide people will talk depending on your skin colour and nationality, I think it’s quite a racist (I better say prejudiced as people push back at the word racist even when it’s true)and segregated place and I’m surprised you mentioned it being a place easy to make friends... it’s notoriously difficult.

[@anaclarabelem]

You’re so inspiring! I love how you listen to your intuition and navigate all the challenges in your journey! I live in Sydney as well and I really can relate to many things you mentioned 😅

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate it. I see a lot of us share the same sentiments. 😅

[@kgetjaroxettemabela1038]

So happy to see you falling back into yourself again 💓🫂 Love your paintings!!! Congratulations on learning how to braid!!!!!✨🤌🏿

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Thank you, that means a lot. 🩷🫂 Thaaanks!! 🥰

[@Misskiff]

19:28 that’s amazing that you learnt your own braids saving $400 every 2 months is incredible. And you can actually charge someone $250 -$350 and have a side hustle hahaha - also noticed the paintings ❤

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@Misskiff thanks so much! You know what, you’re right - a lil side hustle wouldn’t hurt lol! Thank you 🥰❤️

[@TaylarThibaud]

Awesome video! Thank you for sharing so openly. I spent the first half of the video finding your braids amazing and then you go say you did them yourself and I practically spat out my tea!!!

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Hahah 😅🤭 oh thank you so much!! 🤍

[@masedimaleka4476]

You doing so great Gugu, so proud of you!!

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@masedimaleka4476 Omg, this means a lot 🥺❤️. Thank you so much, Masedi 🫶🏾

[@happychappylife4283]

IVE BEEN HERE 27 YEARS FROM London LIVED IN Sydney, COFFS HARBOUR NOW NEWCASTLE. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE GREAT JOBS OUR OWN HOUSE 2 KIDS AND NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES. LOVE IT HERE.

[@vindiesel5466]

+1 ive been in Australia 20 years, i love it here, western europe doesnt even rate

[@crayzeelaydee190]

Lived in Sydney & I agree that its hard to make genuine friends there. Lived out southwest Sydney and I can count my friends on one hand😂. Southwest and west Sydney is the areas you want go for good food, affordable rent, hair and any beauty sessions. I moved to Gold coast and I love it up here, its so chilled here and love being close to the beach. You should come Queensland you will love it.

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@crayzeelaydee190 Would love to explore Gold Coast one day! 😌

[@andrewguthrie8979]

As someone who grew up in Sydney, it's so interesting hearing the thoughts of people who are just experiencing it for the first time. Not sure which parts of Sydney you have had the chance to get to just yet (and I'm only 19 mins into the video - up to the part about braids), but if you haven't already done so, you could try the Liverpool area. It's about an hour on the train from Central, and I know it has many local businesses run by African Aussies, including hairdressers as I grew up in the area. The Blacktown and Canterbury-Bankstown areas are apparently also home to many people of African descent, so I imagine they'd have some hairdressers there as well who can do braids. Let us know how you go! (or if you have already tried those areas, and that's where they tried to charge $400! lol)

[@lolaaikins703]

All Super relatable!! Especially about making friends in a new city and then most or all of them leave soon after becoming friends. Congrats on your first 6 months and finally feeling at peace in Sydney!

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Right!! Yeah, I had to make peace with it all. Thank you so much, Lola 🤍 truly appreciate it.

[@nataliabmachado]

I migrated here from Brazil as a kid and I STILL struggle with Sydney. I’ve travelled a lot and have moved overseas , and it still surprises me how hard it is to build community here. It’s so cold here! I remember one morning during peak hour commute at a train station, a woman tripped and fell and all of the things in her bag spilled everywhere and I was the only person who stopped and helped her. Other people were walking over us and looking back with dirty looks because we were in their way. It’s basically the Sydney attitude in a nutshell ! I hope you enjoy the beautiful nature while you’re still here! I I did have some luck with Bumble BFF in making friends 😊 see if you have any luck with that

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Oh my goodness, Sydney can really be cold- thank you so much for sharing. Thanks - I am truly enjoying enjoying the nature. I tried bumble BFF when I first got here, maybe I’ll give it another go!

[@nataliabmachado]

@@gugu_and_kearabilwe sounds good! If you need any recommendations let me know :)

[@thegallantsaint2034]

I’m sorry you’ve had this experience. I have witnessed the opposite. It was raining and a woman slipped at the train station. Immediately several people stopped and assisted the woman by picking up her belongings and helping her back to her feet. So, we can’t conclude the whole place is a certain way based on isolated circumstances. 🙏

[@Filosofodecabrobó]

Have you ever returned to Brazil?

[@gravy2973]

That's Sad to hear as a person born and raised in Sydney ....There are pockets like this esp in the East that may be like this. However I don't believe its the nature of all of us...

[@indigointuition5]

Girrrrl, you have done so well! It sounds like you picked the right space for you for right now. I was born and raised in Sydney and have always noticed how friendly people are outside of this damn city! The brown/black communities are here.. but they are all out west. I'm sure you'll get out there as you settle in and find your groove..

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@indigointuition5 Thank you so much, girrrl!! 🫶🏾 Yeah, I’m enjoying my current space so much. Will definitely explore the west soon.

[@2amEnn]

KEEP GOING 🙏🏽❤️

[@LachlanGemmell]

Born and raised in Sydney my thoughts are that most locals won't go out of their way to befriend a new person, particularly if they think that person will only be here for a few months. Why exactly I'm not sure but I do know very few would just step over you if you passed out on the bus. I can sort of understand why you've got that impression but really it's just people respecting your personal space while you're on public transport, they're not talking to each other either. My advice would be put yourself out there a bit wider than other travellers and ask a local or two if you can invite yourself along to their next social gathering. Tell them you've been having trouble meeting people, that you're finding life here a bit lonely. Sydneysiders may not be particularly extroverted when it comes to strangers but most will respond favourably when actually asked for help.

[@britjj5126]

@@LachlanGemmell well said

[@JS-nh7vm]

Thank you for sharing your experience. You are very well spoken, beautiful and resilient. At least you gave it a go and learnt a lot especially about yourself and embracing solitude. Take care 😄

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Oh my. Thank you so much. Truly appreciate this. Take care as well x

[@scottgoodacre4407]

I live in Lake Macquarie (up near Newcastle - about two hours north of Sydney) and I was recently working in Sydney. Such a long commute (for much cheaper rent) and it’s not worth the commute. You definitely made the right choice to be close to work. But on the other hand (like you say) the people in Sydney are generally not as warm and friendly as in other cities like Melbourne and Newcastle. If you feel like coming up to Newcastle one weekend let me know and we can catch up for coffee and I can show you around some places.

[@rheaahsunshyn9187]

@1:38 - Yay, you went because you could : ), congrats!

[@Misskiff]

24:39 as a full time traveller this is the life. You meet people and then let them go! I’ve been full time traveling only for 3 months but I moved over to London alone in 2009 - so I was used to this gaining friends and letting them go. And then living in a van for 2 years before full time traveling loneliness became a real thing. And that’s why I decided to full time travel. I love meeting new people but I also love my own company 😂

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@Misskiff Oh wow, you’ve definitely had to navigate being alone and letting go of friends. Good luck on your journey as a full time traveller!

[@Misskiff]

@@gugu_and_kearabilwe thank you 🙏🏽

[@FlorenceMzobe]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, and I am very proud of you for your brave

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Thank you so much 🤍 and thank you for watching. Truly appreciate it.

[@AnnaSzabo]

Gugu, today is 11/10/2024, I’m eating my breakfast in America 🇺🇸 and considering moving to Sydney Australia 🇦🇺 so THANKS for this great video! Here, most of my friends are black, I’m in the state of Georgia. I am White originally Russian.

[@AndreiGonzalesDesign]

Sydney is also the most uptight city in Australia. You will have people greeting you or responding to your greetings in the smaller areas (even smaller cities). Also, one of the main ways to grow your friend network is to join a social hobby, like a sport or something artsy.

[@andreandlovu5069]

When it comes to relationships quality over quantity definitely matters 💗

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Absolutely agree 🩷

[@ikigaigirlstudio]

Honey. I was born in a small city called Adelaide in South Australia. I know exactly how you feel after moving to Sydney a few years ago. The coldness you feel is an inner Sydney city thing and a foreigner/immigration thing. I live just out of the city and if you’d like someone to text or call if you need anything, let me know. I know it can seem creepy but watching your video and being older, I had a big sister kind of vibe and don’t want you to feel unsafe. Take care of yourself! 💕💕💕

[@TheCanolaoil]

23mins in, sorry you're the wrong race she's only looking for Black friends while complaining Sydneys hard to make friends....go figure...

[@zaraeraesmith7510]

Hi! Thanks for the video, it’s very insightful. I’m from Sydney but I recently spent 6 months in New York had a similar experience to you, with not knowing anyone. Goodness, it might be because I’m from Sydney but it was so much harder to make friends in a city like New York- people just aren’t as generally friendly. I would say, no matter what city you’re in, the best way that I’ve found to break into making friends from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds is to go to gigs! Sydney has an amazing underground live music scene. Also different areas of Sydney have higher concentrations of people from different cultures- I saw you had footage of Bondi- the Eastern Suburbs is very white- whereas Western Sydney is more varied. :) Not sure if music is something you’re into but could be something fun to check out :)

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@zaraeraesmith7510 Hey! Yeah I think trying to make friends in big cities can be quite tough. Thank you so much for the tips!

[@r.fairlie7186]

@@gugu_and_kearabilweI really understand what you’re experiencing… I’ve had several overseas postings. I’ve mainly retired from active social events due to having hypermobile joints. Fortunately though, I may be able to direct you towards some good social connections. My best friend (and honorary younger brother…) is Afro-Cuban and is a professional dancer and teacher. He holds regular social nights, often in the inner west area. His name is Airagdin Pavon More, but everyone knows him as Moro. I’m not pushing his dance classes but you’d be very welcome there if you’re interested. The main issue I wanted you to know is that there are many people from various countries in Africa, (including neighbouring Mauritius), the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe and of course Australia & NZ. They all share a love for the music, dance and culture in general for those areas. If you’d like to peruse some background info, Moro’s website is www.buenavistadance.com Instagram ref. is buenavistadance (you can check out some recent weekend trips away and parties in Sydney) Facebook ref. is BUENA VISTA DANCE. Past and upcoming events are listed there with some videos that should give you a fair idea of the energy and vibe. Moro’s KZbin channel is “Airagdin Pavon More” and there are other videos on “Buena Vista Dance”. I used to be Moro’s admin. assistant for quite a few years and taught timing and musicality, muscle memory and footwork etc. to absolute beginner students. I became involved in this culture over 20 years ago. If you’d like to meet at a mutually convenient cafe I can give you some further connections and possibly answer any other questions you may have. My email is [e-mail]. Robyn

[@garyspeed8961]

well done for getting out into the world.... wishing you all the best in Australia

[@marcozolo3536]

I think African culture is alot like Latin American culture, both centre alot on the social and family elements, and overall community spirit. As someone who travelled alot to Latin America in the past but was born here, I can attest with your take on the cultural differences. Aussies are still very kind and helpful people at their core, but like you said, seeing many other cultures arriving lately, I think has thrown locals off abit on what the social etiquette is evolving into multiculturally. Add to this that Sydney is constantly booming, so you also get that big city standoffishness becoming a thing too. I'd say smaller cities like Brisbane and Perth might be less aloof to overseas visitors. Good luck and all the best during your time here.

[@goodmorningfrommt]

Girl, you will be fine here.

[@orangeal9706]

Very interesting to hear! I've studied, worked and lived in Sydney for a while and grew up on the central coast and south west Sydney. All super different. What I've noticed is what industry people work in affects the personality most. Law, finance, medicine (not nurses they're great), tech, real-estate, industry people are kind of yikes 😅 I've worked in different creative fields and I can tell you people of all ages and backgrounds want to hear and know about you and tell you about themselves. I hope you find that sense of community you're looking for and enjoy your time here!

[@Misskiff]

Sounds like you made the perfect choice because you can walk to work and don’t commute ❤

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@Misskiff yes! It’s been so convenient 🤌🏾

[@twistedqueen1117]

Im sorry that was you're experience in Australia. I can assure you it is not like that everywhere. People in my town and city always greet each other or at leat give you a smile. Hopefully that changes for you. ❤

[@ktsk2031]

As a Sydney native i totally agree with everything youve said. Thanks for the video i always am interested in a foreigners fresh perspective. What you said about African vs Western and Asian cultures is very interesting too and i think spot on.

[@risetv1]

$400 for braids that's wild. I do my hair myself but you are right certain nations are better at braids. When i was there in 2013 there were no black hair shops in some locations but i already knew this and filled my suitcase with hair from the UK. Learn how to crotchet. I also lived in Aisa so i had to depend on myself. The struggle is REAL when black women travel.

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@risetv1 The struggle is so REAL, but we make it work 😅

[@lindi6360]

Welcome to Sydney💫✨. Very relatable, especially the hair story 😀. I had to learn to do my own hair.

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Thank you!! 🌞✨Lol I’m glad I’m not alone on the hair experience. Proud of us for learning 🫶🏾

[@jamiepeterson1981]

It's very hard for those of us who have lived here all our lives to make genuine newfriends too. It's an odd thing, everyone seems to settle on their friends in high school and just keeps those same friends forever and everyone else ends up in the "acquaintance" basket. I don't know why lol. I look at all my good friends and every single one of them I met in highschool, which was 20 years ago. It does happen of course, it's just harder. I think it's out British heritage since they are the same.

[@Evie170]

I love Sydney, but I feel like to fit in, I'd practically have to live in the gym and wear athleisurewear everywhere, and I'm too much of a lazy country girl, haha! I'm based in Melbourne for my course, but grew up in country Victoria and hope to move near Albury, NSW next year, as I've over the VIC government, especially since the harshest lockdowns we had and now the economy is tanking...Hope you can enjoy Sydney, the Summer is absolutely beautiful there, especially the beaches like Bondi and Manly and the ferries across the Harbour are amazing! :D

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@Evie170 hahah I totally get what you mean by the gym and athleisure vibe in Sydney! You’re right, the summer and beaches are so beautiful and I do enjoy that aspect of Sydney.

[@coleenbrennen487]

I just found your video by chance . Great insights on what it’s like to come to Sydney and as a black woman . I’m born and raised in Sydney ( I live out west in Penrith ). Agree with other comments that there is a bigger African community further out this way ( we even have black hairdressers who specialise in braids lol ). I

[@LwandileMbambo-lw7zn]

“Yaphela kanjalo intoyami namaBraids” shocked!!! Didn’t know you speak vernacular…👀👀😀. Well done on the hair Gugu i also need to KZbin it!!! Your paintings are so beautiful too!!! Also this entire video is relatable. I wish I had gotten my own apartment as well because I’m just so particular about certain things and some people just don’t get it. It’s good that you stuck to your guns about having your own place.✨✨✨

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Lol! I speak Zulu/Ndebele when I’m with my family 🤭. Yeah - KZbin it out and you’ll thank yourself. Thank you so much!! 🤍 Watching your vlogs, it seems like you live alone, did you have a flat mate when you 1st arrived? Yeah, I’m so glad I stuck to my guns too, but it’s all good, we live & we learn. 🤍

[@khode667]

I literally just got Sydney on the 30th of September 2024. From Botswana. I can RELATE

[@thamisokoosimile3893]

Welcome to Sydney! Its a great city but can feel isolating as a black girl at times. We should link up for coffee

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Thank you so much! Agreed. Yes, keen to link up for coffee. You can dm me on @gugu.everythingafrican or send me your handle x

[@marias8007]

Love what u said about people in your community. I'd be your friend if I lived in Sydney! Hope you find others

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Oh that’s so sweet, thank you! 🫶🏾🥺

[@plreader]

.........a good job of narrating her experiences, but as a baby boomer the recounting of her first months in Sydney totally focused on survival and spending the minimum amount of money till she had a job brought back memories.............our darling had to walk everywhere and carry weighty objects to save money, she had to stop eating out or buying take away and treats while being forced to "make everything from scratch" as she succinctly describes it, anyway the end result was a fitter and leaner Gugu........ ............ that was they way we boomers grew up, I'm not knocking the girl we did it old school because that's the only way there was, it wasn't a healthier lifestyle choice, lolol.............

[@tomsmithojonde5505]

Awesome video! Keep them coming. I moved in in December, and your experiences are so relatable, even as a guy; the hair part got me🤣. We're all in the game of do-it-yourself. You made the right decisions all along. I also chose to live in Central even though there aren't many blacks, but I don't think it's worth moving to Western Sydney to be with blacks, either

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Thank you so much!! 😌 Totally get you, Central is such a great area. 👌🏾

[@seabreeze3906]

Sometimes you can go view retail things instore, then order online, so item can be posted/delivered to you. (To lessen the walking with heavy items).

[@risetv1]

A lot of cities are transient it can be heart breaking seeing good friends leave. Don't worry too much about if anything happened would someone help. They would it is just the culture .

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@risetv1 it really can be. Glad to know someone would help.

[@mashanagirl]

Everywhere in Australia is expensive now, but you are living in one of the expensive state, Melbourne is the second. Girlfriend just go slow on the moving in things. And if you are using public transport, please invest in a shopping trolley bags, they sell them at spotlight(Sachi sprint trolley bag) or big W( Swiss basic shopping trolley). Trust me it will save your back and shoulders. And as for hair, it will take you a bit, but you will end up finding a person to do your hair, there are girls that will do it from their own home, you just have to wash, blow wave first. The biggest African community is in Melbourne. Good luck you will do well🎉

[@Xenomorph788]

Come to Melbourne. We are diverse, culturally rich and friendly! Also, our coffee is world class.

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Definitely keen to visit Melbourne!

[@lancekerslake2488]

Melbourne friendly? Really? That's hilarious 😂

[@jessjenkins5474]

Please visit Perth. You'll love the beaches 😊 Then the south west such as Busselton and Margaret River!

[@Ceen511]

Umm those comments about yr apartment and rent are uncalled for! With our rental crisis you did really well. Ive been looking for a place for the past 9 months and I had to move in with my grandad bc I still havent found a place😂

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Oh thank you.. I was quite taken aback at the time. 😅 Hope it all works out and you find a place to stay soon. x

[@Ceen511]

Ive been in Sydney all my life & Ive always noticed how closed off people are unfortunately. Then I went to the usa for a few summers here and there and wow Americans are so open and friendly and I would come back to Sydney and damn it was sad times with the comparison. I have international friends here that have gained a lot of weight since arriving 😅

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

😅🤭 at least you got to experience how friendly people are in other parts of the world. I hope the weight gain means your international friends are happy in Sydney 😅

[@petermarkowiak4729]

You are a beautiful soul I hope you enjoy our country

[@kelebogilemotshabi2135]

Beautiful paintings Gugu❤

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Thank you! ❤️

[@chanttus81]

I moved to Aus from south africa 15 years ago. I made a conscious decision to move to a regional town. I wanted to ease into the country and be able to have a very low cost of living. The town I moved to only had 10 000 ppl. They had many south Africans. I didn't realise it would. That just happened by chance. These ppl I met 15 years ago have become like family. I lived there for 5 years then moved to Geelong. Because I gave myself time to settle in I was able to save alot living in a regional town. I now live 1 hour from Melbourne, in Geelong and I've manage to buy a house 5 years ago, busy buying a 2nd. I have a son and my wife is Australian. So give yourself time. There are so many benefits of living outside a major city. Melbourne is pretty accessible still. I've lived with others for 18 months to save. It was 18 months out of the rest of my life for a specific purpose. Cost of living is a lot and really thinking about things holistically can be helpful. Good luck with your journey. Lol I have deadlocks. I keep them incredibly neat. Cost me $900. I did it with extensions. Now it's all my own hair. Best value for money. I have a someone that crochet them for me every few months.

[@dancepassion4life]

There are lots of us in not only in western Sydney but Norwest/north west like areas like rouse hill, Schofields etc, suburbs. and if you go to church a modern church that has lots of younger adults that are black is kingdom city Sydney. I really suggest you coming out this way, there is a lot of the African community and African diaspora out here- Africans who have been here for many generations and new immigrants. Come to African cup sis! It’s a soccer tournament that all the African nations come and watch and play at the wanderers HQ, it goes from October to November/early December. I know a lot of people who just move come to it so they can meet people and feel a sense of who I’m not alone in the country, you’ll be able to connect and find people. Speak to the females and males who manage the teams and play on the teams- a lot work are the same age as us/you and they work in the city! So on after work, Fridays or weekends when they are out in the city you can meet up. And just get amongst the Afro events, there is africultures park event coming soon. Hope this helps! Coming from a 26+ female who was born and raised in Sydney who usually get involved with organising and getting involved in the community. I really try to make sure newly immigrants feel welcome and like they have connections

[@dancepassion4life]

TRUST me girl, get amongst Africans, like if you ever want to get your hair braided for cheaper, your makeup professionally done and nails for cheaper. I’m an introverted, bookish, stay at home, DIY girlie, I do my own hair, nails and makeup but sis it’s not everyday do it yourself haha sometimes get it done for a birthday or a trip. Again I’d suggest African cup it’s on weekly every Saturday from October. Blacktown has good African restaurants as well if you miss African food, the suburbs are homey. I think you’ll love it! Come to the events and suburbs when you need connections and then you’re living in the city for your independence. City living is very different to the newer suburbs, lots of younger thriving adults who know what it’s like working in the city and dealing with the whitest of colleagues and feeling alone but they have the luxury of connections going home to the African suburbs. I think you’ll find longer friendships out this way because Africans that live in the city tend to move but if you wake connections and friends with people who have roots and stuff here and won’t be moving if that makes sense

[@cyclops92]

Hello dear, looks like you love to paint have you thought of joining a club that does painting, you might make new friends there. Also don't feel you wouldn't get help because of your colour, my nephew met his South African wife when she was lost and he helped her out.Take care

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@cyclops92 Hi. I do love painting, will check out a few clubs and see. Oh that’s lovely for your nephew and wife - thanks for sharing. Take care.

[@LethoHali]

Perth is where it’s at! 😉

[@Misskiff]

11:50 gurl I hear you 😂 I can’t live with anyone x who cares about the price it’s your money 😂 haha 1 year lease is fab moving is stress.

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@Misskiff hahaha I love the self awareness for us 😂🤭. Girrrl, when July came around, I was so happy I took a 1 year lease!

[@Misskiff]

@@gugu_and_kearabilwe people forget how quickly 6months is! You need 6months in a new city just to figure it out and get settled! A year isn’t as long as what people think

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@Misskiff yep! The time does fly.

[@Maneater1984]

Happy for you 🎉 you could cover a big chunk of your rrent a month braiding with a few clients!

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@Maneater1984 thanks! ✨ true!

[@igneousmoon]

Braids are crazy expensive here. My sister in law is ugandan and we are lucky there is a small ugandan community hear but she switched to wigs due to cost. I'm trying to learn so can help with braiding my neices hair. Side note where I live in Sydney 1 year leases are pretty standard.

[@sinethembamemela3353]

Congratulations on the big move! I also moved here recently. I’d love to grab a coffee if you’re willing lol

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Thank you so much! 🤍 Oh yes, I’d love to grab a coffee. What’s your IG handle? X

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Or you can Dm me on Gugu.everythingafrican 😌

[@maelekgwete9445]

Hey ladies. I have been here since 2019. Im in QLD, hit me up if you want to have a friend this side 😊

[@Batfink11]

How can you afford the rent in Sydney?I didn’t see the whole video so if you mentioned it I apologise.You said if you got injured and you needed help that people in Sydney wouldn’t help you and the fact that you are black makes it worse,thats definitely not the case so you don’t need to worry about that,Sydney people would help you.😊

[@nai6474]

Time flies like no man’s business that 1year was the best decision

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Agreed! It really does fly.

[@LethoHali]

Enjoyed the video

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Thank you.

[@tshegofatsomas2964]

thank you i enjoy ur vlogs always...

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

thank you!♥

[@Afriaus92]

Welcome to sydney 🇦🇺

[@ginalolli3477]

Fellow South African here. Wanted to say you probably would enjoy Sydney more than the NL.

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@ginalolli3477 Hey. Hmm is it because of the weather or the people?

[@ginalolli3477]

@@gugu_and_kearabilwe Both I would say. Grey skies in NL for 9 months can be hard on ones mental health. People also a little guarded. But cycling everywhere is fun. 🙂

[@PkPhatsoane]

Moves to Brisbane a year ago from Mzansi as well, luckily I moved here with my with and kids. You feel sense of connection when you see a black person in town. Being used to 4*4 mashlalisane is Mzansi in a public transport and just riding on a train and everyiis minding their own business I found it to be a very weird one, someone would just sit next to you without even a hello, it's like people here came on this earth my mistake 😀

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

😅 I totally understand this, it really is an adjustment and a cultural shock.

[@phillipm6822]

Go for a train ride in Berlin. Germans are another level , and will question you as to why you are saying hello to them, when you don't even know them. They make Aussies seem so so friendly 😅

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@phillipm6822 😅😅😅

[@honahwikeepa2115]

Sydney has evolved over the decades in a couple of ways. Today it is more ethnically diverse than it was before the Iraq wars. Many refugees from many places arrived as a consequence of war and the WEF 🫣. It was friendly back in the day.

[@cristinemukura3063]

Brisbane is the same. Not many black people also except in certain specific areas . Prices of alcohol are humbling in Ausie, was sober for a while too😂😂😂😂

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@cristinemukura3063 we’ll take the unintended benefits Ausie alcohol prices- health is wealth I guess. 😂😂😂

[@katherinegrace6692]

Hey, honestly you are smashing it! On your braids, hair & beauty services in Australia are sooooo expensive for anything, I've taught myself to do my own nails, eyebrow & lash tints etc because its not worth spending the money every month or so. However, a couple of my friends go to a black/curly hair salon to get their braids and that done! I can find out more info if you're interested x

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Thank you so much! Honestly, I get you, DYI is the way sometimes. Yes, I’m open to checking out black salons. Thanks x

[@kirsty0433]

The girls at glamour sisters Bankstown are really talented hairstylists, would recommend checking them out for affordable braids ☺️

[@siphathisiwendlovu4614]

My baby❤️

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

My love ❤️

[@moodycactus]

Ok i agree people keep to themselves in sydney...(common in most big cities btw) - but that doesnt mean we don't help someone out if they've had accident etc. I've seen it many times. if you go out of inner city, there are more community focused areas. Most people are fairly friendly and helpful if the ice is broken. Small aussies towns even more so. And i believe there's a bigger proportion of africans in Perth, perhaps coz its closer to africa.

[@britjj5126]

Perth isn’t closer to Africa... it’s the most isolated city in Australia.

[@GodsView1]

​@@britjj5126Proximity to the Continent of Africa is the meaning.

[@KenzoTenmaM]

Tons of racism in Sydney is my only problem (I’m also a black South African) Aesthetically it’s a very beautiful though. I’ve been in Sydney for 4 years and Australia for 20 years, other than other Africans and some Asians it’s very difficult to make genuine friendship here. Cultures are too different. If you want to have some friends in Sydney let me know my girlfriend and I would be keen for more African friends.

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Agreed, I’ve sensed the racism too. Yeah, the cultural differences do make it quite tough. Thanks for reaching out, will definitely take you up on that offer.

[@KenzoTenmaM]

@@gugu_and_kearabilwemake sure you attend Africultures festival on 28th September

[@lancekerslake2488]

And what racism exactly? We're the third most multicultural city on Earth.

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@lancekerslake2488 if you haven’t experienced it, sit this one out. No need to invalidate those who have experienced it.

[@Brightangel55]

I'm so sorry you're experiencing racism. It just makes me so upset such a nice woman like you has to deal with that. As if life isn't tough enough ! Friends make all the difference so I hope you meet some nice people very soon 😊

[@Alex-jc1dt]

Yep, if you want to catch a bus, you have to go to the bus stop. Same with the train. Yep, if you want things, you have to buy them. Is it not like that in other places? Yep, if you want to take things with you, you have to carry them. Hmm.

[@TheCanolaoil]

LMAO! give her a break! It's probably some of the hardest things she's done in her life.😅

[@MauzyCreations]

Not sure how far you are willing to travel. I know there is an African hair salon in Penrith who do braids. There's alot more black people in Sydney if you go outside of the city.

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@MauzyCreations thaaaanks! Will keep this in mind.

[@ntiriwa]

You are right with your assessment… and to the person who said this is a race video -you prove the point of choosing not to understand cultural differences. I have had enough of trying to make friends with some people -very clique and high school and yep people Don’t greet you…but more friendly in Melbourne but yea I’m otherwise done with with it .

[@simthandilebooi5522]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@tonganqueenb5517]

Sydney is definitely not the easiest city to move to straight out of the gate (or the friendliest) so kudos to you for surviving 6 months. Hopefully you decide to move here with your beautiful black family and have heaps of children because as you have correctly observed, this country needs a bit of colour. Welcome!

[@cupcakekawaii]

There was only black people here until colonisation lol. There are lots of black people in Sydney. Aboriginal, and African black people. I live in Bankstown and white ppl are the minority here. Its great. We have some have a great diverse group of people here. 💜 I really feel like you need to explore sydney outside of the cbd and areas where its mostly wealthy white ppl. Its friendlier out West/South West.

[@cupcakekawaii]

Also Facebook marketplace for home braiders.

[@budawang77]

Sydney is probably the busiest and least friendly part of Australia.

[@NitaZeng]

There are many Zimbabweans living in Sydney who have been here for years.

[@FionaEm]

Australia has black people 😊 but probably not in the parts of Sydney where you've lived. Western Sydney is more multicultural, as are western & south-eastern Melbourne. I agree that Sydneysiders can seem unfriendly. It's a big city attitude. Melbourne tends to be friendlier because most suburbs have locally owned shops and cafès where you get to know people and everyone says hi.

[@lancekerslake2488]

I went to Melbourne last year and had the complete opposite experience. Had so many problems that I wouldn't of have had in Sydney and that was just in 24 hours. Won't be going back again.

[@Tebbles99]

Love the painting

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Thank you 🤍🤍🤍

[@Trixy3Trixy]

I’m Australian and have lived and long term visited many places and Sydney is the hardest place to make connections. I had my bag stolen in the city and then became lost once and was asking people what street I was on while on my way to a job interview and no one would answer me, not one single person, I actually cried. Many have a superior attitude and think they’re better than everyone else, it’s a coldness that’s hard to explain. I’ve also found that more centralised Sydney is rather racist in comparison to western Sydney which is more easy going. It’s a shame you didn’t land in Melbourne, black people everywhere, so much culture from all around the world, it’s wonderful and so easy to make friends. You can literally go to a live music venue or festival, tell people you don’t know anyone, ask if you can join them and become friends forever. Most people are happy because they have such rich diverse experiences all over Melbourne and people know what it’s like to be new or immigrate so they’re wanting to make it nicer for others. Many refugees as well from everywhere. It’s one of the best cities in the world IMO. Great place for braids on Sydney road Brunswick if you’re ever there.

[@margaretcampbell2681]

Yes Sydney is beautiful but very expensive

[@PilgrimsofFaith23]

Great, another victim in Sydney. As a ‘black woman’ it ticks me off when people start off by needing to mention their colour as part of their intro. Sydney is actually quite diverse, so just because you don’t see many people your skin colour, doesn’t make the place any less great.

[@bevmc5061]

She is labelling herself as black. Why is it necessary?

[@TheCanolaoil]

She wants to reiterate her skin colour because by every negative experience she has in Sydney she can bring it back to Sydney being a racist place.

[@vindiesel5466]

Sounds like a race video to me, whatever gets clicks i suppose

[@dianneking3616]

It’s not a big deal to travel alone as a female. I recently travelled to Mongolia on my own and I am also 74 years old. As you keep emphasising this I thought I would mention it. It’s nice if you could mention some positive comments!

[@j.j.j-x6r]

I have to agree with the whole nodding and smiling at other black people when you see them. 😂 Speaking in code. It's kinda ridiculous and hilarious. Anyway, if you're ever in Melbourne, hit me up!!!

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

It is kinda funny 😂😂. Will do! 👋🏾

[@Conn30Mtenor]

moves to a white majority country --> bothered that she's not surrounded by black people. I live and work in Alice Springs, there are LOTS of Africans here, mostly Sudanese but many from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana etc. A colleague joined my team- he is from Nigeria; I was showing him around so he could get some groceries. When we were walking through the supermarket he was greated at least ten times by other Africans, warmly saying hello. I'm white, middle aged. Nobody ever says hello to me, no matter where I go. I'm effectively invisible but I'm not complaining and after 13 years in Australia, I have maybe five friends, none of them Australian, all of them British or Kiwis. I'm Canadian, BTW.

[@CatherineMck23at65]

Sydney is full of people who think they are really special, there is a lot of arrogance here. I have spent 43 years here met nice people but no real long standing friendships. Good luck to you without my family here I would leave Sydney very quickly. Past beaches and the harbour not much here really.

[@MonkGames666]

"Sit in the sun, by the water" sounded so Australian for some reason

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@MonkGames666 😅

[@no.7-ot9yc]

I'm aboriginal in Brisbane. And that's exactly how it is when seeing another black person 😂😂 and when I see anybody from Africa they have no choice but to mix with the non-blacks and they just stand out lol

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

@@no.7-ot9yc 😂😂 I totally get you.

[@Misskiff]

21:46 diary of the ceo? Haha

[@gugu_and_kearabilwe]

Lol, no it was actually a podcast called ‘Meet me in my corner’ but maybe she was referencing diary of a CEO.

[@virginiaviola5097]

Honey, Australia is a multicultural melting pot and has been for decades. Australia is also an Indigenously Black Country. We are so used to seeing people from all over the world living here, nobody is going to look twice at you. You’ll just blend into the mix.

[@matthewclarke5008]

There are quite a few black people in Campbelltown.