New Year's Eve

My favourite holiday in Australia has become New Year's Eve.

This year, we played some board games as a family until about 9pm, then walked up to the Yarra River. The huge fruit bats were out, circling the fig trees at dusk. We arrived at the river just in time to spread our blanket on the grass and watch the family fireworks at 9:30pm.

From there, we walked up the river a bit, enjoying the crowds and the lights over the river. I had brought a jacket, but it was just a little too warm to wear it.

Just past the Botanic gardens, we climbed up a hill to King's Domain, one of four city sites where official New Year's Eve events were happening. We spread our blanket and enjoyed the music: New Year's Eve dance party in the park. Only Australians don't seem to be big park dancers.

Jonathan and I joined in anyway.

And then the countdown: 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...

FIREWORKS!

Guys, the fireworks were awesome. There were huge fireworks right above us. And the entire Central Business District was lit by fireworks, over all the tallest buildings as in previous years. From King's Domain, there were 360 degree views of fireworks.

We were spinning in circles watching them all.

And when they ended, the dance party continued!

We only stayed for a few more songs, then walked home. The traffic was awful. So glad to be able to walk.

So sad that the holidays are ending soon for me.