It is easy when living in Manly to get a case of the complaints… oh the property prices are too high, oh I can never find a park… oh another load of tourists flooding the Courso… oh that seagull just took my burger out of my hand…
But this is a special place. Here is what I love about Manly;
– Manly is a village. If you want to be a part of a great local community and get to know the people who live around you, Manly is the place. If you get involved in your local church, a swimming group, the schools… you will run into people on the streets. Just try and walk along the beach and not run into a dozen old and new friends.
– If you want it, it is all here… surfing, swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding, sailing, fishing, cafes and bars. You just got to get out and enjoy it!
– It is friendly. Not like pretentious Bondi (kidding!). That is my experience… Manly is not too cool for school. The Bold and Beautiful swimming group exemplifies this. Just turn up at 7am at South Steyne, get given a free pink swimming cap and off you go. And then everyone is welcome for coffee after. This is Manly!
– Finally, the churches are alive. Every week there are great services happening, people opening up their homes for Life Groups, the Salvation Army are serving the needy, the Street Pastors are helping the 1am’ers falling out of pubs, Christian Surfers are mentoring young people… I could go on!
So if you live in Manly, be thankful and make the most of it. If you don’t live in Manly… stick to the Courso please… nah – come and enjoy this beautiful part of the world!
What would you add about Manly that you love?
manlylife.org 