it's a new year!

Well, it has been awhile since we've done an update. Before we forget about 2011, here are some pictures from December.

In December, Fede decided that we would have a new "regime" where we would leave the house on Saturdays by 9 AM, and would not return home until after 5 PM. The idea was that this would force us to see more of the city, and to not waste the day at home being lazy bums. We haven't been very dedicated to this regime. But, we did hang out at the Surry Hills library--where there are comfy couches and you can people watch when you're not perusing books.

Sadly, I didn't get a picture of some of the crazy fashion that is here in Sydney. I'll try to do that some other time.

On Christmas Eve, Fede made his world famous Mexican shrimp cocktail. But my favorite part of that day was when Fede was writing an email and turned to me and asked, "How do you say shrimp in Spanish?" and I immediately replied, "Camaron!" Yes, my Spanish sucks but I do know a few words.

For New Year's Eve, we went to a party given by my school. Since my school is located in Circular Quay, and has a outdoor deck, it is perfect for watching the fireworks. Sadly, we couldn't see the low fireworks that explode from the Harbour Bridge. But, it was still a pretty great view. Our walk to the school took us past the Louis Vuitton store, which currently has an amazing display of animals created out of LV bags and accessories. Like this chicken.

Did you notice that the feet are made from key rings?

We were super anti-social at the party. I knew some of the people who were there. But I was sleepy and just wanted to hide in one of the study rooms. So, we did. Fede even took a nap on the floor! But, we did manage take a picture of ourselves as we waited for midnight.

In Sydney, there are two sets of fireworks. One at 9 PM for families with kids. The 9 PM show is much smaller. You really need to stay up for the midnight fireworks.

The fireworks are up and down the harbour. And they also shoot off the buildings (including the one we were in). I attempted to take a video--but really, I just wanted to watch and enjoy the show. I'm sure whatever you find on YouTube is probably better.

Afterwords, we walked home. The streets of downtown Sydney were filled with people.

There was a general feeling of "Yay! It's the new year!" as well as "I'm tired and just want to go home." We were walking for 30 minutes within this giant crowd of people. I couldn't help but feel incredibly insignificant in this sea of humanity. I also kept wondering where the heck all these people came from.

This was likely our last New Year's Eve in Sydney. I am going to miss the awesome fireworks here.