Happy New Year!

Where were you? I was at work wondering what everyone else was doing. Luckily, I work down at Southbank, overlooking the promenade and river in Melbourne. All I really had to do was look out the window and I could see just exactly what about 100,000 people were doing. I’ve somehow managed to pull this shift a few years in a row now, so I’ve come to know what to expect and when to expect it.

It’s really quite an amazing sight when viewed from only the third floor. You’re high enough that you can see quite a distance and look out over everything, but not so high that the details are lost.

The food stalls had set up down at the casino end, where the old rail bridge (now a pedestrian bridge) meets the promenade and were doing brisk business and by about 8:30, a sea of people seemed to stretch from horizon to horizon. Some strode purposefully while others milled about, trying to stake a claim to the best available vantage point along the river from which to view the fireworks, that being the main attraction. As usual, the tram lines across Queen’s Bridge were barricaded from traffic, to be used as a viewing point later on as well. It’s a good spot too, if you don’t mind a pressing crowd. It affords you a pretty good view straight up the river towards the MCG.

The area around Southbank is usually designated a dry area, but that only makes a difference when the coppers come by. You can always stash your hooch in the flowers. We don’t seem to have much trouble though. I was quite surprised this year not to see anyone passed out on the benches before 10:00. There’s usually one or two that just don’t make it.

The guys with the acoustic band that come down a few nights every week to busk have managed to get permission to play. They’re really quite good too but the bass player couldn’t be there tonight, so they were a little lacking, but in fine voice just the same, working through their comprehensive selection of new and old songs. They drew quite a crowd and made quite a bit methinks.

As the hour approached the crowd got thicker and louder and there’s that all pervading air of expectation that you just can’t seem to avoid at this time of year. Movement along the promenade slowed down as people found the best spot they could to see the fireworks. It gets difficult because it’s almost shoulder to shoulder down there at midnight.

When we were down to about 2 minutes to go, my colleague and I went and stood at the windows so we could see the fireworks. Our vantage point is fantastic for that! Then came the inevitable countdown and cheer, 100,000 voices strong. I don’t know about you, but I think that is one of the most magnificent sounds you will every hear. That many voices in unison is a beautiful thing.

What is it about the ushering in of the new year that’s so exciting though? After all, when all is said and done, it’s just the beginning of a new day the same as any other. Somehow though, this one has a certain something about it. Is it just the hope that this year might be better than the last? Who can say. Whatever it is, it’s a bloody good excuse for a party…:-)

8:28 AM - 1/1/2007 - post comment

I was in bed

After seeing 67 of them, it loses its novelty a bit. But I'm glad it still does something for you young fellers.

And Happy New Year to you and yours, plonka...

Maintain the faith. ;o)

snowy - 8:45 AM - 1/1/2007

I missed most of it

Thanks Snowy, same goes for yours as well...

The other thing about new years eve though is that it's also month end. That means I had all the billing and reports to run come midnight.

Apologies to anyone with Foxtel but if I don't bill you, they won't pay me...

Edited by plonka on 31/12/2006 at 3:48 PM

plonka - 8:57 AM - 1/1/2007

I'm with Austar

Is that the same as Foxtel?

I didn't realise you were a friend of Rupert's. Nice to know I now have connections with royalty. Does this mean I get a discount?

snowy - 9:54 AM - 1/1/2007

Not quite..

Foxtel just on-sells the Austar service. What you have is cheaper, so stick with it Snowy...

plonka - 5:19 PM - 1/1/2007

Damn

Just when you think you have friends in high places. ;o)

snowy - 5:28 PM - 1/1/2007

Happy new year

I spent the new year in Mansfield. It was all good.

At the end of it, though, it's a good excuse for a party - and I dig partying. Far be it for me to question the arbitrariness of it all.

dikkii - 10:52 PM - 3/1/2007

Arbitrary

Thanks Dikkii.

I find that arbitrary parties, like spontaneous ones, seem to be the best ones...:)

Edited by plonka on 4/1/2007 at 12:13 AM

plonka - 5:22 PM - 4/1/2007

Untitled Comment

Hey! Get posting.. stop being slack ;)

beepbeepitsme - 12:11 PM - 13/1/2007

Sorry..

Sorry Beep. I'm slack, I know. Now I've been chastised, I guess I'd best get something up...:)

plonka - 12:34 PM - 13/1/2007