Sydney Blows Up for New Year's

New Year’s Eve in Sydney

Sydney blew up last night. You may have seen it on the news. Over $5 million in gunpowder caught fire and exploded in full view of millions of people who watched from boats, buildings and along the shoreline of Sydney Harbor. Here’s a link that shows you the spectacle in 7 minutes of video. The video is very good, but it does not do justice to seeing it for real. More on the evening’s festivities in a bit. (see video link below)


Our new friends, Geoffrey and Caroline Cartwright hosted us for a round of golf at The Australian Club which has occupied its location with a view of the Sydney skyline since 1882.

The course was reworked by Jack Nicklas a few years ago and is a challenging track and in excellent shape. It was nice to hit off of green grass again.  When I saw the length from the member’s tees was only 6,175, I thought it would be easy. Geoff reminded me it was measured in meters. The Cartwrights showed us wonderful hospitality and we are looking forward to returning the favor when they come to the US in August.

When we returned to the Westin, Sydney had been transformed for the New Year’s Eve celebration. Barricades blocked the streets as all vehicles except taxis, busses and official vehicles were banned from the area near the harbor. Thousands of people thronged the streets and sidewalks headed for the harbor.

Susan had arranged for dinner at Guillaume Restaurant at the Opera House. We walked from the hotel among a mob. Some were in black tie and evening gowns and some were in bathing suits and flip flops. As we approached the Opera House grounds, no one was allowed through the gate without a ticket. People even had to have reservations to sit on the ground. Some had brought tents and chairs and camped all day to hold their places. Every square foot was occupied.

We were ushered up the elevator and into the Guillaume.  The restaurant had seating for about 100 people set up in such a way that each table had a window view of the harbor.  We also had a private deck that faced the harbor bridge. I wondered what we could possible do that would take up the time from 7 p.m. ‘til midnight? They filled the time admirably.

While we watched the sun go down, we had drinks and canapés on the deck and met our dinner companions. At eight we were seated and began a seven course meal, each course with its own wine selection of course. After three courses, we went out on the deck and watched the early fireworks show. As we watched the fireworks, the harbor below began to fill up with large sailboats. Then back to the table for three more courses and dessert.

Just before midnight, we went back out on the deck for the big show. If you want to know what $5 million dollars worth of fireworks looks like, the Colonial Country Club 4^th of July show is about $50,000. So multiply the Colonial fireworks times 100 and you have your Sydney display. 

So much for wondering how to fill five hours?

The climb back up the hill to our bed in the Westin was difficult because we were carrying the added weight of seven rich courses of gourmet food and more than a few glasses of wine. 

What a way to start the New Year and the new decade!

Happy New Year Everyone!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTQNQH44Y-4