SYDNEY, Here we come....!!

On Dec 28th we three made our way down the scenic east coast from Port Macquarie to Swansea (100 km north of Sydney).  We had intended to overnight in the Hunter Valley wine region but the navigator (Karen) missed the exit.  By the time we realized it we were an hour off track.  Karen's plan was to have done a sunrise hot air balloon tour over the Hunter Valley with champagne breakfast but again rain visited us, so it was just as well that we ended up in Swansea because the balloon trip would probably been cancelled due to weather (according to cousin Curtis, this is quite common).  After the very helpful lady in the information centre "hooked us up" we overnighted in a very clean, comfortable motel with a alpine theme (the hostels & caravan parks were all booked up for the weekend).  Had supper at MacDonald's which had Aussie menu items like lamb burgers, Pavlova McFlurries, etc.

Dec 29th - We made the short trip on multi lane freeway into Sydney. Stopped for picnic lunch at a waystation and met a couple who work as medics on the US TV program Survivor.  Once in Sydney we navigated our way to the Pyremont apartment location of our expat hosts (Angie & John from Calgary - Angie former CBE teacher & John who works for Talisman Energy / Horizon Oil).  We were totally amazed that Scott was able to park our rental car in the VERY TIGHT parking spot in the underground lot of the apartment !!!!  Angie & John have a really nice 3 bed 2.5 bath condo with a wrap around balcony & super security located in Darling Harbour.

  Rebecca & I crashed and Scott headed out on foot to explore...harbour & Opera House.  Our hosts were currently in Canada for Christmas and were due to return on Dec 30th.

Dec 30th - Scott & Rebecca headed out early to the Sydney Zoo while Karen stayed back to chill, enjoy the classy location, make a Sunday brunch omelette and Skype to daughters Laura & Deanna in NYC.  

Preparations are underway & crowds are building in anticipation of the New Year's Eve spectacular in Sydney harbour.  Hosts arrived slightly jet lagged about 10:30 AM.  Friend of Angie has offered her balcony with great view of the Sydney bridge for us to view the fireworks, eat hors d'oeuves  & sip champagne.  How posh !!

Dec 31st - Angie & John guided us on a bus & subway tour to Bondie Beach via downtown Sydney and the Victoria Square Building which is a heritage location shopping mall with several floors and many interesting shops.  There is a very impressive central clock and a huge seasonal Christmas Tree decorated with Swarovski crystals. 

Bondi Beach was choc-a-bloc with sun seeking bodies & surfing types.  They were also setting up for a New Year's Eve rock concert on the beach.  

After a pleasant lunch at an outdoor cafe on the main "drag" we made our way back via subway/bus to Darling Harbour.

Angie packed our New Year's party into a cooler and we were off to the terrace location with excellent view of the Sydney Bridge in Mosman Bay.  We had to take the long way because they close off several bridges in preparation for "the event" - likewise we had to take the long way home at 1 AM when the streets were filled with "wandering" partygoers.  

There are about seven locations in the Sydney area that set off simultaneous, identical fireworks on New Year's Eve.  From our vantage point we could see four of those locations.  We would enjoy not one but two fireworks events at 9:00 PM (for the children) & at midnight.  The midnight display also included a spectacular display launched from the Sydney Bridge.  Scott's superior camera was able to capture the true magnificence of what we saw (see elsewhere on the blog).  Here are a few pictures of the cocktail party on the terrace.
  

New Year's Eve in Sydney Harbour was truly at highpoint and a spectacular ending to our trip downunder !!

 Thanks to Angie & John for your splendid hospitality !