My New Years Eve was spent on the banks of the river in the city of Melbourne with a few close friends. It was lovely. The stinking hot day had cooled down so the temperature was pleasant. There were swarms of people in Crown Casino’s foodcourt and on the promenade, but once we navigated those crowds, we had a spacious grassy spot with full view of the midnight fireworks. We toasted to good friends and a successful 2011.

I arrived home, by free and surprisingly reliable public transport, at 1.20 am. My neighbours were having a rocking karaoke party – singing to Blink 182, Pat Benetar and Roxette. I wanted to join them, despite not knowing their names, but my post mosquito phenergan had kicked in and I was soon asleep.

The beautiful Elvira.

My toes were painted and my tummy lined with a hearty carb-laden meal of pizza and butter chicken curry – for responsible drinking.

Me with the gorgeous Pauline from Just the Messenger.

Apparently I was a show-off in front of the camera? Who would have thought?

My first foray into drinking in a public place.

Group shot – Allana, me, Elvira, Riki and Pauline.

I discovered it is difficult capturing fireworks on camera, so here are some pictures from The Herald Sun:

Here is some TV coverage of Melbourne’s fireworks.

And Google’s happy 2011 logo: