December 1, 2010:

The photo should say it - I welcomed in the New Year at the famed Sydney Harbor Bridge.

It was packed - millions of people - some who had taken spots on nearby hills and boats early in the morning. The fireworks were as cool in person as you see on TV back in the U.S. - only 15 hours before the new year arrives in east coast. Real fun crowd - everyone just having fun. The walk back down to my hostel was also lively, but by no means dangerous or rowdy.

The past couple of days I've spent walking around - lot. There's a real neat botanical gardens on the edge of the center, right off the water. All kinds of wild birds can easily be seen, an it provides a gateway to the Sydney Harbor and famed Opera House. The center is like many major cities I've been too - tall buildings, quick paced, plenty of people watching, and endless places to stop to eat, grab a coffee, or have a beer.

Today I went to the famous Bondi beach, and tomorrow I'm flying to Alice Springs to go check out the Outback.