We got to bed after midnight.  We don’t even do that on New Year’s Eve, but we wanted to enjoy a little Sydney nightlife, which for us was mainly people watching.  From Darling Harbor we waked to the light rail which brought us to Circular Quay at sunset and then walked to the Opera House.

The steps of the Opera House were packed with folks holding candles and wrapped in Turkish flags.  It was a vigil for the victims of the Turkish and Syrian earthquake.  The Opera House had projected a black ribbon on one of the “sails” that faced “The Rocks” and Circular Quay.

 We walked up the steps to the terrace for the Opera House’s evening projection of aboriginal art on some of the sails.  “Baudi Gili,” the name of the projection means “Water Light.”  This year’s projection was subtitled “Wonder Women” because it was created by six indigenous women.  Each year the Opera House creates a new installation as part of its reconciliation program.  This is the third of them we have seen.  While we were outside enjoying the free show on the terrace, at least three programs were happening inside, two different operas and a  David Sideris one man show.

After the light show we stopped for a drink in one of the outdoor bars between the opera house and Circular Quay and watched as a large group of people came from the direction of the opera house. Suzi and I speculated on what show had let out.  They were not dressed like the opera crowd, they were not carrying candles or wrapped in Turkish flags. We figured by their age it must be David Sideris. I tried a new drink that I quite enjoyed, “Ginger Sailor” spiced rum, crushed mint, lime and ginger beer.

After watching the people parade, we took the ferry at Circular Quay back to Darling Harbor.  The ferry stops at Luna Park, an amusement park just across the harbor.  Lots of happy people got on to ride home.  We got off at Darling Harbor and walked back past its bars, advertising super bowl specials  Is it for Australians, or for visiting Yanks?