Filler 53

First up, a belated Happy New Year! to you all. May 2008 be the best it can be for everyone.

The New Year fireworks here were truly spectacular, and seen from a perfect vantage point courtesy of my father's friend Ross. Sydneysiders take their NYE partying seriously, with many claiming their spots in parks around the harbour in early afternoon and just drinking the day away. We, by contrast, could simply wander up to the roof a few minutes before the event for panoramic views of the whole harbour. Luxury.

One of the delightful things about Sydney -- and there are many; downsides too, of course -- is the richness and abundance of wildlife, the lush greenery populated by all manner of fauna. I've noticed few non-domestic mammals, apart from the aforementioned bats, but there are plenty of arthropods and all manner of exotic birds, flying around with their brightly-coloured plumage as if it were, you know, perfectly normal. It certainly puts to shame London's verminous pigeons and rarely-glimpsed feral green parrots.

It's grey and intermittently raining today, which is a trifle vexing given that our plans were mostly centred around the outdoor opening events in the Sydney Festival; and moreover I'm afflicted with an annoying chesty cold. But at least it's still pretty warm, and I'm sure we shall manage to keep ourselves entertained. I am due a visit from my old friend Bruce, who I haven't seen for 10 years, so that should be fun.

Hey ho.
Posted by matt at January 5, 2008 01:06 AM