| View from Balls Head Reserve, Waverton |

Like last year, I made the annual pilgrimage to a vantage point to watch the Sydney fireworks (photos at the end!). Unlike LAST YEAR the day did not start in the afternoon but began when I woke up at...4:45am.

Here's what happened!

| Manly, 5:45 am |

I woke up obscenely early after Richard thought it might be fun to watch the sunrise on the last day of the year. After 10 mins of taking photos in the cold, we went back to his place to sleep. For the whole morning.

In hindsight, the beach was quite beautiful however.

Then we ventured out again to have brunch at Three Beans (really good cafe in Manly).

Then off to the beach in true Australian style.

Manly was packed and gloriously hot. Just as I began dozing off in the sun, Richard came back from the water saying he'd been stung by a bluebottle.

We left.

Then 3 hours later, 2013 began with a giant bang!

This was the first time I photographed fireworks somewhat seriously. I'd say hauling my tripod was well worth it! I posted a tonne more on my Facebook.

Like every other year, I loved New Years. I would go on my spiel about the carefree vibe, the welcoming in a fresh new start with friends and strangers thing but I'm pretty sure I already have. But what I haven't said is that I have spent the past 4 New Years with Richard by my side. So it's pretty darn special.

So far 2013 has been wonderful; waking up late everyday, going outside in the sun for a swim, picnics, watching movies...

I'd love to know what you have all done so far!

(P.S What do you think of my photos in this post, compared to last years?)