This week (Sept. 19) was a big day for a fellow American that I have met on my trip thus far! She is turning twenty one! Turning 21 in America is a big deal for most college students and friends. But, in Australia 18 is the official drinking age. The 21st birthday is a much different celebration here. Everyone’s 21st birthday is more of a celebration and a family, friends, co-workers party. They rent out big rooms in restaurants and invite everyone who has been an important part of their lives up until this point. These celebrations are more similar to a wedding reception because there are toasts to the birthday boy or girl, and dances. These celebrations are much different and sound like a much different approach to a 21st birthday celebration.

Our friends from Newcastle, a three hour train ride came down for the celebration and we got all dressed up and went out to a new bar in downtown Sydney. The bar was right on the harbor which is beautifully lit at night! Below is all of us before going out!

The Newcastle girls and us before we head out to The Harbor

Not the best picture but here is the Sydney Opera House all lit up at night! So pretty! For big occasions the lights which light up the Opera House are changed colors so that it looks various colors, not just white.

Hattie