What a celebration... Went to Sydney Harbor last night, found a good place
to stand under the Sydney Harbour bridge for the first fireworks show at
9am, and then found a good view of the Opera House for the midnight show.

The place was a madhouse. I got out there at about 7pm and the ploice had
already sectioned off anything remotely near the Opera House. Trying to
make my way out of there and towards the bridge, I got pushed around,
knocked over (almost landing on a baby carriage), and almost got into a
couple of fights. People senselessly pushing in line or in a crowd really
pisses me off (inherited that gene from my father). Finally made my way
into the Harbor and got a front row seat along the water's edge. Some guy
next to me was already set up with his video camera and tripod.

Had no idea what the official time was (I heard about five separate
coutdowns from the crowd) till I turned around and saw the numbers being
projected onto the side of a building, 3..2..1.. When the clock struck
twelve, people went nuts and the fireworks started.

I was half-expecting to vaporize in blinding flash of white light, or at
least see the Opera House or apartment building blow up, but everything was
fantastic. Everyone was into it, everyone was drunk, and everyone was
happy. People were so passionate about it. I almost got weepy.

Went back to my hostel to meet up with my Swiss friend Karin for a rooftop
celebration and some "sausages" (not hot dogs) and chicken legs on the
"barbie". Shortly afterward, I fell asleep in the lounge.

When I woke up, Wade had already left to catch a flight to Honolulu, to
celebrate New Years once again in Hawaii. Easy for him to do since he works
for an airline.

I arose just in time to see the celebrations in London, grabbed some lunch,
and then watched the ball drop in New York like I have every year. To my
surprise, no problems anywhere. I was half-expecting some explosions in
Times Square, or for the satellite feed to abruptly cut off, but everything
went perfectly. Then they replayed the fireworks show over Sydney Harbour,
and it was fantastic. I realized I missed out on quite a bit. The
fireworks shot from the bridge were phenomenal.

Now I gotta get back to the hostel and see if I can catch the celebration in
Houston, which should start in about 21 minutes.

Too cold for Bondi Beach today. Maybe tomorrow. Or maybe one of the strip
joints in King's Cross. I was introduced to a fat, gross-looking girl named
Jennifer a few nights ago. She's from Edmonton but has been down here for two
months and works at four of the local strip joints. According to her,
they are hardly strip joints, but rather brothels. More details as they
become available.

Jon: No, there is no Mason Road in Sydney. Mason Road is a distinct Katy
phenomenon, a suburban anomaly.

Leslie: Haven't had enough beer to make any real comparisons, sampling only
VB, Foster's, and Toohey's. I'll try some more and let you know. BTW they
don't have ANY American beers in any of the bars I have been to.

Summer: Hope you feel better. Haven't sampled any of the prostitutes yet
but I will let you know.

Dad: I saw the dancers, but they were so far away from where I was standing
that they didn't look too impressive. Also missed out on a lighted boat
parade due to my vantage point. Not that I'm really into lighted boat
parades, but it would have been nice to see everything.

Until next time,

Jeff