Bye 2006 Hello 2007

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Woke up and went down to make a drink found the kitchen was a hive of activity as various backpackers were making pack ups to take with them, one group said we have 25 mins to the train this meant the train was at 9:30am. I then decided to make the sandwiches and consider heading off. I caught the 11:15 train into the city and got off at Circular Quay, came out of the station to see lots of people, The site I was aiming for was the Opera House, I got through the first check point and was in the area. As it was nearing 12:30 I took the risk of stopping at a restaurant for lunch only to be told they had stopped serving. Managed to find one at 1:15
I got through a second check point which ensured no alcohol was taken in to the area. I then managed to find a spot right opposite the harbour bridge and above the opera house bar. There were a number of people from England and we just sat there and waited until midnight there was a bit of stuff going on during the day
1pm the cannon was fired.
2pm A fly past of 3 bi planes
3pm The fire boat went down with all hoses blasting water
4pm Another fly past
6pm The opera bar had entertainment from a salsa band the guests in the area had paid $300 for the privilege to be in a top spot. We were sat above them for nothing ok we did not get the canapes that’s all the difference was.
9pm The first firework display was set off from the river barges this lasted 9 mins. then the band continued.

At two minutes to midnight the headlines of the year were played, then a count down every minute when we got to 30 seconds they advised the port authority had given authority for the fireworks to be held then on the bridge tower’s they displayed a 10 second count down. At Midnight the fire works were lit and they were amazing they went from the bridge, the barges and the top of the buildings. There were 9 barges placed in the harbour which held fireworks. The fireworks lasted 9 minutes and in total cost 2.5 million dollars.
Due to the number of people in the opera house area which was limited to 10,000, it meant that any drinks or food you wanted required you to join a long queue. As we had front row spot we were not leaving so made do with our bottles of soft drink that we took. A VERY DRY NEW YEARS EVE. The portaloos was a close second.
Following the end of the fireworks, walked to the first station and joined thousands waiting for a train. Finally got back at 2am. Happy New Year to those in Aus.

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