Day 14: New Year's Eve in Brisbane

The day has finally arrived. People across the globe have waited a whole year for it. We all do - once we're old enough not to view our birthday as the most important day in the year. It's New Year's eve, and we are in Brisbane.

I have only been to Brisbane once before: two years ago for a day visit. My memories are a little vague, but I remember feeling good about the city then. Will it be the same today, with the knowledge that this might be the city we decide to live in?

We arrived on the train from Gold Coast just before lunch, just in time to catch the busy flow of after-Christmas shoppers in Queen Street. Once again I am struck by the thrill of walking in the busy city centre. Somewhere I can hear a saxophone playing amidst all the other sounds. A few times the aroma of coffee and pastries reach my nostrils. You can sense it in the air: people are excited.

One of the best parts about Brisbane is its many parks close to the city centre. A few minutes' walk and one ferry-crossing away, you find yourself on the South bank with it's beautiful promenade - winding its way past huge swimming pools to a stretch of restaurants offering world-class cuisine. This is also where thousands of people will gather later to celebrate the New Year...

With twilight, people start arriving. Families with picnic baskets. There will be an early display of fireworks especially for them. People keep pouring in. Women in tiny tiny dresses, and long gowns rush towards the many pre-booked venues - all with stilettos that are bound to be kicked off as the party progresses. Amazingly enough, I don't spot a single tattoo. It seems that people wear their tattoos to the beaches and theme parks, and when gathering in masses on the riverbank, but NOT to restaurants with foreign names. Something worth remembering.

Tic-toc..... tic-toc.... 5..... 4..... 3..... 2..... 1..... Fireworks explode in the Brisbane river in a colourful display that lasts 10 minutes. Green laser-worms dance on the buildings across the river. Cellphone towers are flooded with messages: Happy New Year!!

South bank walkway on a quiet day

Brisbane Fireworks