House Sitting in surry hills, 2010

The early sun spills over terrace rooftops, warming the brickwork and signaling the start of a Surry Hills day. Your first task will likely be a quiet stroll with your furry charge along the tree-lined streets, perhaps past Harmony Park for a quick sniff. Soon, the aroma of fresh coffee drifts from Crown Street’s corner cafes; a flat white is easily acquired before returning to the calm of the house. Mornings here encourage an unhurried pace, even as the city awakens. Midday brings a comfortable hum. Local errands are primarily on foot: a short walk to the IGA for essentials, or browsing the small boutiques. For longer explorations, multiple bus routes crisscross the area, and Central Station is a manageable walk south. Pets often enjoy another street walk or a longer visit to Prince Alfred Park, observing the swimmers and various dog breeds. Lunch might be a quiet affair at home, or a quick bite from a local bakery. As afternoon light softens, the neighborhood transitions. The day’s tasks complete, evenings often mean settling into the quiet comfort of your temporary home. While dining options bloom around Crown and Cleveland Streets, the residential lanes remain peaceful. Night brings a gentle hush, the distant city sounds a soft backdrop to the warmth of someone else’s well-loved space, a reassuring end to a day spent caring for their pets and home.