Our week long stay in Sydney got off to a great start when the nice man at the Virgin Blue desk asked us if we would like to go on an earlier flight. Having only spent a maximum of 30 minutes at Melbourne airport we were pleased to be jumping on the plane and on our way to the big city. After catching the airport shuttle we soon arrived in Glebe, our home for the next 6 nights. It appeared a lovely little suburb and the bed and breakfast didnt disappoint, it was far too posh for two travellers like us but it a little haven of calmness amidst the madness of new year in Sydney.

The weather had been a bit dodgy during christmas week so when we awoke to the sun shining we decided to head off to Manly for the day just in case it would change again. This was not before we feasted over a wonderful breakfast prepared by our lovely landlady Leonie. With our weekly travel pass bought we jumped on the ferry and headed over to Manly and enjoyed relaxing on the beach. After a few hours we decided to explore a bit more and went for a walk around North Head Sanctuary which was once a School or Artillery. There was lots to see amidst the beautiful landscape and great views over Manly. The afternoon was topped off with a browse around the shops were we bumped into Salliann, an old friend from Grimsby. We then enjoyed a thai tea; I still needed my asian fix!

The Wright family had a christmas get together again this year so Ash and I went on search of an internet cafe with web cabs in order to be a part of the action. After 3 bus rides and a bit of running around we finally found a spot and enjoyed seeing them all wishing everyone a happy new year early from Oz! We then legged it to the train station to meet Alex, a guy we`d met in Melbourne and one of his room mates Aled to get the train to the Blue Mountains. Two hous later we arrived in Katoomba the home of the famous 'Three Sisters'. Luckily a local man who was passionate about the area stopped us and filled us in on the history of the mountains and told us some stories about the place which was an added bonus. We then walked along the cliff edge to Katoomba falls before catching a packed train home. We decided to head to The Landsdowne Hotel for tea on our way home were we enjoyed steak and chips for only 6AUD. We had seemed to find one of the cheapest spots in Sydney!

The 31st of December had arrived and we were in Sydney, we still couldnt believe it! This was our anniversary of 3 months of being away and what a way to spend it overlooking Sydney's harbour bridge ready for the fireworks. We arrived at our spot, Milsons Point, around 10am packed up with loads of food and water ready for the days wait. With the sun blaring we had a hot day and the place continued to fill up right up until the fireworks started. Alex and Aled joined us for the celebrations and we enjoyed the teaser set at 9pm which got us even more excited for the midnight set. it was sure to not disappoint as we enjoyed 12 minutes of breathtaking fireworks. I dont think I breathed for about 5 minutes but just stood in awe of what was before us.

We both want to wish everyone a happy new year, thank you to everyone one has managed to get to the end of this blog and the others during the past 3 months of 2010. Recieving all your well wishes makes all the blog writing worth it for sure! Both Ash and I continue to 'live the dream' as we enter 2011. Everyday we learn more about ourselves, this wonderful world that has been created and the special people that fill it. Life is definately for living.