I can understand the gift of eight oranges as eight is a very lucky and auspicious number. I thought four was always to be avoided as it sounded very like 'death'. Just what were some of your Chinese colleagues wishing upon you?

Heh, I think it was two pairs of two rather than four but my memory of the various Chinese customs isn't what it was so maybe it was three or... more than one anyhoo!

Poor Bunny!

Not long to go......Counting down the weeks !!

Bumping this up. Only 5 weeks to go!

I presume you are staying in town somewhere. What time does the fun start?

In Chinese 8, bot, is considered very lucky, as it sounds like a word for good or fortune, can't remember, but 44, sei sei, sounds like the word for death, dunno about single 4s or triples, but multiple 8s increase good luck.

Oranges symbolise good health, good fortune and abundance.

Greg - we are staying in Darling Harbour right near to the Aquarium.

Just a short swim across Cockle Bay and you are at the Casino and 10 minutes stroll from the Opera House and the Quay.

Do we have a time and place?

I was thinking Friday 18th or Saturday 19th.

Saturday 19th around 8.30pm is good for me and my group....

OK....Last time I was in Sydney, we all met up at the Casino but since none of us were gambling, we all left for the harbour to have a very enjoyable meal at one of the restuarants situated there.

Would a good place to meet up around 8pm be outside the IMAX?

Then we can all stroll to find a great restuarant to eat, drink, chat and be very LOUD !!

We have used City Extra at the Quay a few times. It is open 24/7, it is quite large and they do not push you out the door when you have finished eating. They will probably let us wear funny hats, if we so desire- the casino wouldn't. (Right, Ren?)

Yes, bloomin cheek I carried those hats all the way from HK!

That's quite a jaunt, isn't it?

Yes but as you see it was so so worth it!

Drat I will be in Sydney on the 15th only, but probably stuck in the transit lounge on my way to L.A.

I still have my hat, Ren!

And a pity that your times don't match, Alan. These things are always a lot of fun.

Well we are finally in Sydney, day 1 is out the way and hopefully the jet lag as well. It appears that on Saturday, there will be fireworks at 9pm in Darling Harbour so meeting up at 8pm or just before would be a good idea. This way we can all get a decent seat at the restaurant to view them.

Aha , so they found out you arrived!

Just a little something we organised for you, mate.

Prince Harry is also floating around somewhere; I think he will be at the next table. Failing that, I could also get autographs off One Direction for you, as they are in Sydney, too.

Who?

Prince Harry's bodyguards, that's who!

Wangaratta put on fireworks for me and my niece last Saturday night! The locals said it was for the local show rather than my royal visit, but I know better

So, do we have a venue and time for Saturday?

Time - 8pm but not sure where to meet in Darling Harbour. How about the entrance to the food court (outside) -Harbourside. That way, all the restaurants outside are right there to choose from (depending on menu and peoples taste)