#OutWithABang!

Sydney, 31.12.2017

Dinner packed with chairs and blankets at the ready. It was time to head into the city of the Sydney New Year fireworks. The buses and trains were crammed full of people also hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the most anticipated firework displays in the world.

We went to Kirribilli park which is just next to the bridge. We set up camp on our blankets and Ocea and Simon arrived to join us shortly afterwards. We all tucked in to our pasta dinner and chatted while we waited.

We had a few little surprises while waiting including a stunt plane. At first it just zipped across the sky blowing out puffs of grey smoke. I remarked to Simon that it wasn’t very impressive and looked more like the plane had a flatulent problem rather than wowing us.
Soon though, I had my pudding as I ate my words! The little plane returned to show off its flips and swirls and twirls. It zoomed up into the sky like a dart, cut the engine and fell dramatically towards the water in the harbour. Just seconds before it would hit the sea it roared back to life and inclined back to a safe height. The crowds watched in awe and cheered excitedly each time the little plane impressed us.
As the sun set and light turned to dark, dozens of boats sailed past, each lit up with lights outlining their shape. We could see the tall ship we had been on just a week before as it’s masts shined brightly with lights. They continued to circle around the harbour as we awaited the first display. 8:30 came and a small purple firework zipped through the sky and boomed loudly getting everyone’s attention. We watched as a few pretty yet underwhelming fireworks crackled and bust around us. Then it was over. A few claps and cheers ended the mini display but we had a feeling it wasn’t the real deal, like the plane, they were teasing us before wowing us beyond our expectations. At nine, a colourful burst drew our attention as huge fireworks burst above the Opera House. We were surrounded by colour as each direction we turned to synchronised displays took place.
Pretty gold ones sprouted up and showered down gold glitter and multicoloured sparks lit up the blackened sky. This is just the warm up?

More sparks and more explosions continued to captivate us, children were either pointing enthusiastically or shielding their ears from the sound and when it was finished the whole of Sydney clapped and cheered.

For some people it was home time as they bustled out with their children but most chose to stay for the main event.
We had 3 more hours to wait so we killed time by eating chocolate and cheese and playing cards.

By 11:30 we packed up our stuff and moved to get a better view of the bridge. Ahead of us was the Opera House, still with its sailing boats and to our side was the Sydney Bridge. We could see the countdown clock that had been projecting images throughout the night.

Once happy with our spot, we didn’t have long to wait for the countdown. A couple of million people all in unison counted down excitedly. 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 HAPPY NEW YEAR! The bridge burst to life as golden fireworks exploded from it!
More and more colours boomed and burst, multicoloured rainbow fireworks hung momentarily in the air before dwindling into darkness. An attack on the senses as they whizzed and popped in every direction.

A final crash of colour as the finale ended leaving a smokey haze drifting across Circular Quay. We all clapped and cheered and hugged and kissed as we welcomed the New Year in together. 2018 had begun for us in Australia and it felt weird to be in a different year to my family making time travel appear possible!

We waited an hour before attempting to leave as every station became a stampede of impatience. During this time we made continuous jokes about how we hadn’t had wine or chocolate all year! We tried to fix this but all the bars were shutting.

The queue for the train moved quickly and was governed by gates and a wall of police officers who were preventing people pushing. Just trying to step off the train became a challenge as some people didn’t wait for anyone to get off before pushing themselves on. Having clearly had enough, the station staff yelled and scolded anyone with poor manners and etiquette.

The bus was no better, the queue followed a snaked path around most of Wynyard’s bus stops and fights and arguments were breaking out from people attempting to push in. Australians hate bad queueing as much as the English!
By 3am we were back in Dee Why and collapsed into bed ready to start the first day of 2018.

#Factor50

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