New Year 2016/17

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hree ‘drop-in’ events this on New Year’s Eve, all with marvellous views of Sydney’s now world-famous Fireworks extravaganza.

My first stop of the evening is just after nightfall. Thanks to Brad, I have an excellent vantage point. Australian Navy ships dock in Woolloomooloo Bay right below me and then there’s sweeping views over to the Sydney CBD, Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

With a glass of chilled white in my hand, I’m ready and waiting for the first NYE fireworks like all the other kiddies who’ll then go home to bed, sensibly.

Up above Jeff and Brad's old apartment in Victoria Street with excellent views over the bridge and opera house for the kiddies fireworks

The 9pm Kiddies Fireworks

 
 
riends Joy and Wrix live only two doors down the street. This drop-in affords me the added opportunity to meet Joy’s brother Michael and children visiting from New Zealand.

Wine in hand, my eye goes straight to the gyoza in Joy’s beautiful spread. Michael’s been busy making Japanese gyoza, and after tasting my first, I was wishing that I was staying for the yet-to-be-served home-made Malaysian chicken curry.

Joy and Wrix - first year in their new home for New Year's Eve fireworks

 
 
he final stop was at Pat and Vic’s (a friend of 52 years!) apartment in Ikon, also with commanding views for the midnight fireworks views of bridge and Opera House. 

You might imagine how ‘twixt and between I was at times this evening. Between Joy and brother Michael’s Malaysian catering – and Dr Pat’s mother’s Vietnamese cooking, I was spoiled for choice.

Hosts Pat and Vic with Sandy and Hyunju - I've been friends with Sandy and Vic from Queensland for 50+ years)

Brian and Alex, with Hyunju and Michael on the 'stairway to paradise' (at Vic and Pat's)

could easily forego fireworks but . . . it might be something to do with distance away from the action, and my camera not being good enough to capture the ‘perfect’ shot. I blame the graininess on iPhone, but gee how I use the camera on that handy little device to capture ‘moments’ all the time.
 
 

New Year’s Day Mass brings the chance to meet-up with Joy’s family from New Zealand again, and also with my nephew Bill and Mindy, and my soon to be seven grand nephew, Jude. See how they grow!

ill and Mindy hosted me to the delicious bacon and egg toasties at Pickled, but that doesn’t mean I got away scot-free. I think I ‘engaged’ the little boy not only by arranging for him to get a cold iced chocolate, but also promising to get him his first camera and show him how to use it. Silly uncle.

Joy's family with my nephew Bill and friend Shenagh as 'book-ends' to the happy group

Amazing what an iced chocolate can do to get a smile for the old uncle