Australia Day!

So I have a list of the top ten parties in world and my goal is to go to all of them before I turn 35. They are all over the world so I thought I would give myself a good amount of time to get them all under my belt. Australia Day just so happens to be on the list and I got to tick that one off yesterday. It is very similar to fourth of July right down to the patriotic colors, I think the only main difference are in the holidays' origins and the continent shaped hamburgers they have down here. I spent the day with patriotic colors on my cheeks, lips and chest smooching and schmoozing with the locals and internationals alike. We ran around Darling Harbor in the ozone layer-free sun, talking to people and making new friends. As the day went on and our dehydration was quenched by more C₄H₉OH and we meandered through the city over to The Rocks. If you are not familiar with Sydney The Rocks is the "historic" old part of town, home to "traditional Australian" pubs and cafes where signs entice you to meet the locals. I have yet to meet a local there rubbing shoulders amongst the tourist but it's an absolutely charming part of town. The streets are cobble stone and the buildings date back to the 1800's. The whole neighborhood is surrounded by rock cliffs and flanked by the diamond waters of Sydney Harbor. The Rocks always puts on a good show at the weekends and on special occasions. Sheltered by the shadows of the Harbor Bridge we walked around and observed the scene. Bands were playing every few yards, the outdoor market was bustling and there were drunk people clad in the Aussie flag EVERYWHERE. Face painted, partially clothed and stumbling in and out of bars at 3pm, we had a blast. Just after the sky turned navy blue we headed back to Darling Harbor to get a spot to see the fireworks. They were stellar, much better than New Years Eve. If you come to Australia bypass NYE and come for Australia Day, it's a much better time. All night we were rolling deep with blondies and after a few beers there was some talking and flirting and one of us lovely ladies exchanged numbers with one of Australia's finest...while he was on duty :-) The walk home was just as entertaining as the days events. We stopped on the corner to watch one of the best street bands I have ever seen. They were a soulful folk group from the US and NZ. They were so enchanting that anyone walking by was mesmerized by their performance. I think it was the Orlando Bloom-esk Violin player with his bare feet and pony tail. After they were done we put a gold coin in their case we bought a little face time with the singer and found they play every Sunday in Kings Cross. I wish I remembered their name but I will definitely be checking them out this weekend. Until then these red lips will have to sing to a different tune.

Busu!