Hope you had a good one - I had an AMAZING time watching the fireworks in Sydney. I've never really been fussed about new years eve as always feel torn about who to spend it with and it just ends up being a bit of anticlimax although always a great party ;-) But being in the sunshine with then the most awesome firework display was something else. The day started off fairly relaxed as we'd been out the night before with some other friends from uni who are over here (George, Rachel & Bex) for a meal at a place called Malaya (was also Rachel's birthday) which was really nice but a fairly civilised affair as everyone gearing up for the next night. Had a bit of a barby for lunch and then cracked open the bubbly before getting ready - always a bad idea getting ready after a couple of glasses as makes me even more indecisive on what to wear! Weather forecast was for clouds and rain (typical) so wasn't really sure how it would actually be cos recently the forecasts say rain but then it's really sunny and hot - don't get it. So we got a cab down to Circular Quay and then found our way to the entrance of the event we were going to only to actually have to queue up for about 3/4 hour while they check tickets, bags etc. Pain in the arse really as our do was only for 1000 people so thought it might have had its own exclusive entrance but what do I know - I just don't like queuing.
We were in the Royal Botanical Gardens at a do called "Midnight at the Oasis" where we'd paid about $230 and for that we got a free drink when we got in (beer or bubbly - after queueing for so long the long cold beer was a much needed option!) , tables and chairs for the whole thing (again, I like to know I can sit down at some point in the evening - guess it's an age thing!) and then a meal. The meal was done buffet style where you went up at alloted times to collect your starter, main and dessert/cheese which was all fairly well organised and didn't have to wait much. Although the quantity of stuff you got was less the later you went up as me, Adey & Lara found out even though the beef we had was gorgeous!
Anyway I can feel myself rambling so will crack on ...
Once the light started fading a little bit a big red question marked appeared on the bridge in the middle which I'd heard on the news was meant to represent the making of new years resolution but I think now that it's actually just meant to keep you guessing about what the fireworks are meant to be like when they eventually go off.
The family fireworks went off at 9 after a big countdown by channel ten presenters on speakers that were right behind us. They were sooooooooo good I was fairly choked up actually as have never seen fireworks that good - and these were only the starting ones!
So then we decided we were far too civilised so far so made a more concerted effort to start getting in the swing of things. Bottles of wine were only $20 (about £12) which was really good as we thought we'd get stung for it as there was nowhere else to get booze from. The music was really good too so we just boogied around the table and then again the midnight fireworks seemed to come around really quickly. There's 3 main sets which go off in : Circular Quay(on and around the bridge) and now I can't remember where the others one are - will check and find out. They're all synchronised to be the same so that no matter where you are you'll see something and then the bridge has the main ones on. They're set to music too which was pretty cool - opened up with Diamonds are Forever as there was a big diamond theme as it was the 75th anniversary and then Diamonds and Pearls - you get the drift? But they did also have the Superman theme in the earlier ones which was quite funny.
I've also now realised that I am RUBBISH at taking photos which is why there's not many here! I have no idea about what the right setting is to use for in the night and when I turn the flash off and put it into night mode they're just awful as I can't hold the camera still enough!! So I just resorted to taking video clips instead which actually turned out ok. Will try and upload those somewhere too.
Some good pics can be seen on some other sites that I just found:
My videos :
(Oh sorry for any horrible shouting/singing by me - don'tcha just hate the sound of your own voice)
In fact there's quite a few so just go and look at them all!
So all in all a really great night even though I did fall over (wasn't too drunk at that point) and bugger up my ankle. Although when I'd actually had more to drink I don't think I noticed too much - only realised the next day how bad it felt - doh!
So am now thinking that 2007 is going to be a good year - yay!
Truthfully speaking now, 2006 was my least ever favourite year. To be honest I'm pretty glad it's over, although don't get me wrong, there have been some very very good times too - especially when I actually decided to jump on that big plane and run very quickly away from it all! Being away really has made me think a lot and really not trying to sound too overdramatic it's made me realise even more that I've got fantastic friends and family who've looked out for me when I've had the bad times. I know that I've sometimes been selfish, wrapped up in my own rubbish and generally not thought about the consequences of my own stupid actions and probably not shown those people who really care about me as much appreciation, courtesy and support as I should have done. But I'm not going to dwell on the bad Helen and mistakes I've made (and hopefully learnt from) - I think that the smiley, silly, giggly and sometimes just plain daft Helen (that I know is my preferred Gemini twin!) made a few appearances too and it's that one that's taking me into 2007 and beyond !! Amen.
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