... MEA's Christmas Drinks. Bye Bye MEA. Earth from Above exhibition at Darling Harbour...

I had an amazing start to the week enjoying MEA's client & staff Christmas drinks at the Opera Bar. And much like the Christmas meal just over a fortnight ago it started in lovely refinement and ended up with us lot acting like we were on day release.

Set at Circular Quay on Sydney Cove the Opera Bar has wonderful views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge that we could enjoy from the outside terrace in the warm sunshine of the early evening.

As the night drew on the champagne flowed and the evening became a lot bubblier. I got a chance to socialise with members of the promotional team who had worked on campaigns I'd assisted on as well as clients and the office staff. It was a really nice event (well what I can remember of it) and gave me a chance to say farewell to people as my contact with the MEA finished today.

I've had a brilliant time working for the company, giving me some wonderful opportunities and allowing me to gain invaluable experience. I really am going to miss the place and the people.

They're a really fun, vibrant, dynamic group and although they have intense deadlines and are under quite a lot of pressure at times the office always has a nice atmosphere.

Today we all exchanged secret Santa presents and I got a wonderful, unique gift from the office Kiwi Rachel. Knowing my desire to carry onto New Zealand after Australia Rachel bought me a travel journal and then personalised it by adding pictures, descriptions and comments on all the top places to go to whilst I'm there. Who needs Lonely Planet!

Then as a parting present Edward (the main man of MEA) gave me the loveliest Christmas gifts of a variety of fragrances and a Giorgio Armani wallet. It was such a generous thoughtful gesture considering I was temping on a short term basis to help out with the extra work on the lead up to the festive season. I was quite moved as I left the offices this afternoon to go catch the bus to Seal Rocks for, Surf Camp.

Also this week I went to view the outdoor photography exhibition the Earth From Above at Darling Harbour. What an amazing installation. I'd previously seen some of the images back at home in Kensington but never had the chance to appreciate them to the length and breadth I did last night. Viewing all these extraordinary images has just made me eager to visit more places on my travels and see more of the world.

Photo: Maddy, Bianca, me & Jaimie at the Opera Bar for MEA's Christmas Drinks

[Next blog entry: Seal Rocks Sunday December 23rd 2007]