Today commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788, the hoisting of the British flag there, and the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia (via Wikipedia). For me, the day symbolizes a deep missing of the time I spent in the country while studying* abroad. All the boats gather in the harbour by the bridge and Opera House and have a massive fireworks display. The photos I find of this on Flickr are stunning.. a reason for me to go back and experience myself one day!
*studying noted here because it was more like expereiencing life at its best, rather than reading books in a library.