New Year's Eve in Sydney!

I think most would agree that Sydney does up New Year's Eve right.  We were lucky enough to see it with our very own eyes!  But first...

Meeting some virtual friends IRL

I'm active on an online travel forum, and had a great opportunity to meet up with some people I "know" from the boards.  Fiona was worried I'd get lost or not make it on time, so decided to drop me off at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Steve over at the Royal Botanic Gardens for some birding.

I was a little early, so wandered the Rocks, then bought a few souvenirs as I hadn't really bought any yet.

The streets of the CBD in Sydney were bustling as preparations for the night's activities were underway. Kiosks selling souvenirs and food were being assembled, Entry Gate points listed with times, all sorts of Sydney police officers.

I arrived at the Museum of Contemporary of Art cafe to find the group waiting for me and they waved me down. What a beautiful venue, with views of the harbor and the Sydney Opera house off the terrace.

Bokhara kindly retrieved a flat white for me, for which I was exceedingly grateful. (I can't figure out flat whites, but I want them here.)

Then what? We chatted, and chatted, and chatted some more. It felt like meeting up with old friends. Then Barbara arrived! DH and I had met Barbara up in FNQ birding. As she lived in Sydney, and our time there was limited, I had invited her to join us if she wished. She's super nice, and humble about her status as one of the top birders in Australia.

She brought a bottle of water to the table, and glasses, and making an assumption about this american, a glass of ice for me  I was okay either way, honest.

We had a nice lunch, cider and champagne were poured, and before we knew it, 2 hours had gone by.

Everyone had places to go and people to see, and so we all went our own way.  But not before a few pictures.

It was delightful, and I hope that I will have the opportunity again.

A Nap

I walked back through Circular Quay over to the bus stands.  It was even busier than before, and lots of people were already setting up their blankets and staking their claims for the fireworks and festivities later that night.  I hopped the bus back to Pyrmont, got off in front of the Post Office on Harris and bought post card stamps.  For once, I would get the post cards to my god daughter actually mailed from the location where they were bought.

I then browsed through Simon Prince, which caught my eye as I walked back to the apartment.  What a great store (think Dean & Duluca etc).

But really, what I needed was a nap.  I knew I wouldn't be able to stay up until midnight unless I had one as we had been getting up very early and going to bed early the whole trip.  So I joined Fiona for a cup of tea at the apt, and we both headed off for naps.

New Year's Eve in Sydney

Fiona and Mark have their routine down, and mostly I got in the way as they prepared.  Then Mark gave me a cold drink, and introduced me to bitters, and got me out of the way.  The view from the balcony is fantastic, and soon there were fireworks.

There were to be three fireworks exhibits.  The first was about 9 or 9:30 (I don't remember now).

Sydney New Year's Eve 2013 - 9:30 Show

Then we were told there would be something 10-ish.  Actually I think what I labelled 9:30 was the 10-ish one--cause that was it.

And, Midnight!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Oh I like these! - Fiona

Horns!

There was some disappointment when the normal fireworks from the tops of the buildings did not occur.

C'mon Buildings!

And a fabulous start to 2014 it was.