Caroline, Sydney Side: January 2012

Looking back on the past too-many-to-count years, I can vividly remember watching TV on New Years Eve in the States and seeing the Sydney Harbour NYE fireworks show. Magnificent lights exploding in colors over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, with what seemed like thousands of sailboats watching from underneath. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be able to witness it in person. But this New Years Eve, I did!

I was lucky enough to spend New Years Eve with some of my closest friends in Sydney. Tyler and Carly agreed to host us in their flat, which has spot on views of the Sydney Harbour. It was a beautiful and clear summer night - not too hot, no clouds in the sky and 2 balconies from which we watched two fireworks shows. It was a great way to usher in the new year - a full day ahead of the Western world. It was nice to safely report that the world indeed made it to 2012! And as is tradition, I rang my parents at midnight my time to wish them a happy new year. (They were in Atlanta to cheer on my beloved 'Hoos in the Chic-Fil-A Bowl, and I caught them before breakfast their time.)

In the time leading up to a new year, I always find myself in deep reflection. What did I hope the year would bring me? What would I have done differently? What was I happy about from the past year, and what do I hope for the coming year? It's impossible to capture all my thoughts across the past few weeks, but I can say that the past year was pretty incredible for me. I still can't believe that I packed up a few suitcases and moved halfway around the world! I am so proud of myself that I did! (cue the pat on the back...) What an experience I have had, and what wonderful friends I have made. I have changed for the better (I think), and value what "home" means so much more. In the next year, I want to carry these changes forward, keep my new found sense of adventure, grow my 'global' view of the world and be open to new things/people/experiences. Ask me in 365 days (well, 366 days given the leap year) how I did!

Here are a few snaps from New Years Eve...the pictures don't do it justice. I could hear all of Sydney count down to midnight and could smell the smoke of the fireworks. An amazing memory indeed.