New Year's Eve - What a Day

It's New Year's Eve and we got up to a bright sunny day. surprise, surprise

We are staying in a Travelodge at Wynard, must say it is a big grubby... but it is in a brilliant spot downtown.

At 9.30am we went out for breakfast and by 10am people were already carrying their eskies and provisions for the 14 hour camp out.  As usual, whole tracks of the harbour and botanic gardens had been fenced off for corporate events, so ordinary folks had a relatively small area to be able to see the bridge.  I was amazed at just how many people there was, but the atmosphere was stunning.

We walked down to Cockle Bay and Darling Harbour... now that has changed since we were here last.  By this time the temperature was up to 30 degrees, so really happy that we had decided not to camp it out.

We had arranged dinner near the Opera House on Circular Quay.  The block the whole area off at midday and only those with dinner passes, and 5000 other can go in.  Everywhere is so strict about the numbers and as soon as they are up to numbers they close the gates.  Whole areas are also alcohol free, and you get searched before they let you in.  Others you cannot take drink in but can buy it.

By the time we go through to the Quay at about 6.30, the 5000 had been in for anything up to 10 hours, it was great to see.  They had made themselves comfortable and the air was buzzing.

Don't think I could have coped with the concrete floor

We had a great time, the food and wine was great.  The restaurant was buzzing and we could go in and out as we pleased all night.  At 9pm it was the Children's Fireworks with lots of the building behind lit up as well.

About 11.45 we walked to the end of the pier and jostled with everyone else to see the fireworks - it was magic - I was so engrossed that I forgot to take many pictures.  I'm hoping that we might be able to get a cd of them when we get to Sydney in February.

The whole thing was spectacular and the fireworks unforgettable.The atmosphere of the day was lovely, everyone was so happy and delighted to be there.  It is something we will not forgot.  We went back to the restaurant for coffee and the biggest chocolate pudding I have every eaten before slowly walking back to the hotel.  The walk home was as eventful as the rest of the evening.  A tree had burst into flames at one point, so the fire engines were down.  All the trains and buses still work so everyone was trying to pile on them.  There were lots of very relaxed people milling around and some totally relaxed.

     

What a great day! wouldn't have missed it for the world and HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE