International Fleet Review

On my last day in Sydney, I got to be a part of the most incredible experience to happen in the Sydney harbor in 100 years. The International Fleet Review. It was the 100th anniversary of the Australian Royal Navy and the largest fleet review to be publicized. (Little war fact for you: The largest fleet review was kept a secret because it was in the month prior to D Day and no one wanted to reveal their ships to the public.) Over 40 warships and 11 tall ships sailed into the harbor to be a part of this tremendous event. Prince Harry even paid a visit.

Sadly, I didn't get to meet him. But we walked down the same street as him 10 minutes later. That's basically the same thing right?

The fleet review attracted millions of people, so to get a spot for the fireworks we left the house at 10 am. I have never seen Sydney so packed. There were people everywhere. We followed the large crowds to Circular Quay (pronounced Key..don't ask me why), but had no luck seeing the ships. It was just too crowded and there was a large cruise ship in the way. (I seriously wanted to know who let that giant boat park right in the way!) So after a failed attempt to see the ships, we walked down to Macquaries Point, which was a firework viewing spot right on the harbor. When we walked in, the war ships lined the harbor decorated in banners and flags. It was amazing. 

During the day, airplanes and helicopters flew over the vantage points. They had choreographed flight routines that kept everyone entertained while waiting on the fireworks. They even had a rescue reenactment where someone jumped into the water and a helicopter saved them.
 

 We spent the rest of our downtime putting on fake tattoos, laying in the sun, and eating from food trucks.

 

 

When the sun finally set and the ships were all in, the most amazing firework show in the entire world went off, accompanied by a projection show onto the world famous opera house. It was absolutely breathtaking. I stood next to the water watching five firework shows explode from naval ships surrounding the harbor. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I didn't take any picture of the firework show because pictures would never do it justice and I wanted to soak in every moment of the fleet review with my own eyes, not behind the tiny screen of my camera. But believe me when I tell you it was beyond beautiful.

Luckily for you, the local TV stations filmed the entire thing and posted it to youtube.

I was a part of that. I will forever be a part of that.
I couldn't have asked for a better last day in Sydney.