Australia Day & Manly

Yesterday saw Australians (and tourists) celebrate Australia day. Throughout the day there were free concerts around the city, street performers (one a contortionist who could squeeze her body inside a 43cm square glass box!!), a regatta on the harbour and classic cars with the finale that took place at Cockle Wharf in the form of propaganda as to why Australia is such a great place to live and a list of people who had become citizens on the day (I was half expecting someone to hand me an application form for residence and expect me to sign it...would I have if they had??? The million dollar question :p) Which leads me nicely on to the fireworks display which followed. In true spectacular Aussie style Cockle Wharf came alive with music and an outstanding 15 minute firework display purported to have set the city back a cool $1million. Sadly I have no photos of the fireworks, but I will see if I can get some from friends at the hostel.



After the fireworks a load of us from the hostel went on to Scubbers, a basement pub on george st., not far from China Town. Four beers and I called it a night (think I've become a lightweight!!).

This morning I went to Manly beach, $12.80 and a ferry ride away on the north shores of sydney. The weather was great when we left and I was expecting a right roasting but after an hour the clouds rolled in and it became rather chilly with the blustery onshore winds of the south pacific.