Day 4 - As we travelled the silver glisten on the roadside had us intrigued until we realized that if each web was home to one spider....!! We quickly took our photos and then meandered out toward the NSW coast stopping at Bega (I love cheese!). We stopped in a small inland town called Mogo where I could happily have spent far more cash than we had on alpaca rugs and the like. After a text to our NSW expat friends we changed course to explore 
Kangaroo Valley. A gorgeous spot where Phil and Jack swam under the oldest bridge in NSW. Then finally we drove into Sydney itself. As we arrived we saw small odd looking birds darting between the city buildings and trees. After closer inspection we realized they were bats. As we arrived at our destination we were warmly welcomed into Sam's apartment and slept soundly that night.
Day 5 - We woke with the intention of walking the Harbour Bridge. After a short walk to the train station and a train trip we arrived and walked across the famous icon. Folks were already taking up positions on the grassed areas, ready for the fireworks that evening. We walked through the Rocks and to Circular Quay which was such a hustle 
and bustle of preparations for that night. Our hungry tummies were searching for the fabled Guylian chocolate cafe. Once seated at this oasis of delights we chose a white chocolate cheesecake, a chocolate hazelnut gateau, iced chocolate and a latte. $43 later and yes it was worth it, in fact I was so bewildered by the gastronomic masterpieces before me, I forgot to photograph them. They were wonderful to behold and amazing to taste. We are looking forward to returning to Sydney for this and a visit to Lindt cafe.... but I digress. Then back to the apartment to organize supplies and 
meet up with the rest of the family...
and bustle of preparations for that night. Our hungry tummies were searching for the fabled Guylian chocolate cafe. Once seated at this oasis of delights we chose a white chocolate cheesecake, a chocolate hazelnut gateau, iced chocolate and a latte. $43 later and yes it was worth it, in fact I was so bewildered by the gastronomic masterpieces before me, I forgot to photograph them. They were wonderful to behold and amazing to taste. We are looking forward to returning to Sydney for this and a visit to Lindt cafe.... but I digress. Then back to the apartment to organize supplies and 
meet up with the rest of the family...Day 5 - Part II Armed with snacks of many varieties we once again boarded the train and headed for 'our spot' thanks to Sam's work contacts we were able to view the New Years Eve visual spectacular from the 17th floor of the Samsung building. Our vantage point overlooked Luna Park, the Bridge, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, an amazing view. The refreshments kept us and the children amused as we waited for the first instalment of 
sky tinsel at 9.30. The 'kid's' fireworks were appreciated with much ooohing and aahing. A short walk to the deli for an icecream proved an interesting experience of people watching and a 'near death' experience for my brother as he exited the building doors...no they are not like elevator doors, they will crush you if you stand there too long. It was a long wait til 12.00. Two small children didn't make it and some of us oldies were fading but it was worth the wait. The bridge and at least 4 other displays were visible and the lights of the boats and harbour set a magical atmosphere. A once in a lifetime privilege...
sky tinsel at 9.30. The 'kid's' fireworks were appreciated with much ooohing and aahing. A short walk to the deli for an icecream proved an interesting experience of people watching and a 'near death' experience for my brother as he exited the building doors...no they are not like elevator doors, they will crush you if you stand there too long. It was a long wait til 12.00. Two small children didn't make it and some of us oldies were fading but it was worth the wait. The bridge and at least 4 other displays were visible and the lights of the boats and harbour set a magical atmosphere. A once in a lifetime privilege...Day 5 - Part III After a tidy up and rearrangement of the office we headed for the station. Two children still sleeping and two very tired plus two teenagers and five adults headed into the tunnel at the first station. Nose to nose, hand in hand with the multitude flowing in the general direction... until the noise and movement of the crowd felt a little unsafe. We turned tail and decided to walk to the next station... and the next where we waited for ages to get onto the platform. Three trains came and went, looking decidedly full as they arrived and much fuller as they left. Not wishing to play sardines, we were despairing of making it home at all when the inbound train was reversed to an outbound direction. It was empty as we boarded but rapidly filled. We spent time preparing to alight as navigating our way to the doors involved traipsing over prams and the like. We finally made it home at 2.30am and slept soundly.
Day 6 - We woke early...why?!... packed up, said our goodbyes and headed home. The short way! Sydney to Junee with barely a break. An overnight stay in a cabin...heavenly!
Day 7 - A straight through drive to Adelaide and home. This was the first time driving into familiar surrounds that I longed to still be on holiday rather than the familiar homesick feeling that I usually have...
