Happy new year!! It was an incredible way to bring in the new year here at Sydney harbour alongside millions. There was such a great atmosphere the whole day. We were actually very lucky in getting such a good spot, Jen and Mike became friends of the botanic gardens and sorted out tickets before we arrived so we ended up paying $100 each. This meant we rocked up at 4 and by passed the MASSIVE queue to the public areas where people had been stood since the early hours of the morning, we queued for 30 mins at the most and got one of the best spots in the gardens overlooking both the Opera house and Sydney Harbour Bridge. We had packed our 2 cool bags so spread our towels out, sipped pimms and a few other alcohol beverages while picking at pizza, chips and dip and carrot sticks etc while a few games of Uno went on. As it began to get dark the excitement amoungst everyone was hitting up, we experienced boat parades and a stunt pilot over the harbour which had everyone gasping as he free falled, spiralling out of control before swooping low through the harbour. At 9 there was the 'family' fireworks display which was 9 minutes, all to music and was pretty awesome! At 10.30 a few more and a bridge display where an eye was being lit with LEDS then the countdown to midnight. All of this was done to music and radio blaring out of speakers. It was FAAANTASTIC!! I love fireworks and these were by far the best I had ever come close to seeing, 12 minutes all to music with different effects all over the place and from all around. We didn't want it to end! We celebrated, had a toast and sang Auld Lang Syne before we joined the crowds of people leaving the city centre! I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of drunk and disorderly there was around, however in general Sydney is home to a lot of weird ones! It was the best way to bring in the new year -very very special! It was weird being a year ahead of everyone at home for 11 hours!

Since then it's been a bit quieter, unfortunately mike came down with a stomach virus he picked up from his family and since I managed to catch it. It was horrid (not having much luck with illnesses at the moment! I was never ill much at home) being in a hostel room with strangers and a shared bathroom was far from ideas but luckily it was short lived just still feeling washed out! Giving the gym a miss as we speak!

We did manage to get out and about to different parts of Sydney yesterday which was a good day out. We climbed up the tower pylon of the harbour bridge and got some fantastic views of the city, and walked around Luna park which is a creepy old school fairground on the harbour edge.

Today we just jumped on the train back to Kings Cross to sort out visas and travel arrangements. Sydney has double decker trains! A little weird but convo entry roomy.

Tomorrow me and Amy are heading to Torronga zoo which I'm excited about :) love zoos! Not sure how good it'll be now though after the African safari experience but I'm sure well have a good day!