Sydney New Year's Eve
Given how much the Sydney NYE fireworks display had been built up, I was braced for disappointment. And prepared for it to be crowded and full of obnoxious drunk people.
Not so! We found a lovely spot close to the water but far enough from the main crush that we could sit on the grass and drink fine champagne while waiting for the big event. There were people all around, and they were partying, but all were in high spirits without being belligerent.
And then there was the fireworks display. All the hype is true: it really is the biggest in the world. Or at least in my experience. It was...everywhere. All along the waterfront in all directions. Major displays off the Harbour Bridge, but coordinated splashes of color and sound all up and down the harbour. Stunning.
Afterwards, the thousands of people around us quietly packed up their things and moved in an orderly fashion back to their respective abodes, parties, etc. OK, the drunk French girls in front of us first ran around kissing and hugging everyone, but that was acceptable. :)
All in all, a pretty amazing way to ring in the New Year.
Not so! We found a lovely spot close to the water but far enough from the main crush that we could sit on the grass and drink fine champagne while waiting for the big event. There were people all around, and they were partying, but all were in high spirits without being belligerent.
And then there was the fireworks display. All the hype is true: it really is the biggest in the world. Or at least in my experience. It was...everywhere. All along the waterfront in all directions. Major displays off the Harbour Bridge, but coordinated splashes of color and sound all up and down the harbour. Stunning.
Afterwards, the thousands of people around us quietly packed up their things and moved in an orderly fashion back to their respective abodes, parties, etc. OK, the drunk French girls in front of us first ran around kissing and hugging everyone, but that was acceptable. :)
All in all, a pretty amazing way to ring in the New Year.