Lisa and Derek's travels: January 2006

As promised, photos from Sydney NYE 2005

Big thanks to both Dave and Phil who provided these amazing photos ...

2005 went out with a big bang!!!

Where better to meet up with a few friends from Ireland and England but in Sydney, so off we went across the Tasman to visit New Zealand's most western province - Australia. It was great to see everyone, Phil & Jackie were full of great stories from their travels. Marion and Dave were unpaid tour guides for our entire trip. Kyley and Mick kindly left their flat just so we could have a bed to sleep in. And Caroline and Rob reminded us why kids are for looking at and not for keeping ;o)

We got to see the most amazing firework show on New Years Eve - there is definitely a pyromaniac working in high places in the city council. Many thanks to Anna and Jeremy for providing an unparalleled location to watch the whole show. Unfortunately, Lisa left her camera at home on the night so we won't be able to show any photos until Dave can forward them on.

Funnily, we even managed to squeeze in some diving, two days in Botany Bay and we were lucky enough to see some very cool stuff including Sea Dragons - I will be boring everyone with the tales of seeing them.

So a few quiet days ahead until we dive the F69 - that's the plan anyway and then the countdown to Phil & Jackie's arrival - Wellington is just not ready for that!

Mick, Kyley, Lisa and Marion

Obligatory tourist shot

Sea Dragon

Sea Dragon going the other way

Getting out of town for St. Stephen's Day

We had a nice calm Christmas - I know some people will find that hard to believe - so we decided to go and visit some of Lisa's friends who live up on the east coast near Riversdale. The fact that it was 5C warmer than Wellington was only coincidental :o) Anyway, as is traditional, here are a few shots from the trip.