Tuesday, 29 April 2014
Day 14 and it's goodbye to Darwin
I know I'm not right up to date with my blogging but I must go to bed. Tomorrow morning, I shall be collected at 08.45 to take me to the station where I shall the board train which will take 3 days and two nights to deliver me to Adelaide. I have very strong suspicions that there won't be much wifi so you'll have to wait for the next instalments.
Day 12 Sunday 27 April 2014
So now I'm down to a list of things I want to do. Today it was the WWII oil storage tunnels (I know how to live) and the Chinese Temple and museum, all three things being close together in Darwin. I was delayed in getting out as there was an important e-mail to deal with. Life continues whether you want it to or not.
The oil storage tunnels were a reaction to someone realising that sticking your supply of oil on top of a hill wasn't perhaps the safest move when the enemy were prone to flying in and bombing you. As it was the tunnels were never actually used for their intended purpose. Sounds like arguments about budgets, politics and all that usual stuff. However, they are there and you can go in. Mind boggling to think that they were dug by hand in this stifling heat. And how did that cane toad get in?
I found the Chinese Temple and museum but, despite a sign saying the museum would re-open at the end of March, it was definitely closed. The temple was very red and had lots to look at. I'm afraid that I'm rather ignorant of Chinese religion(s). The building was a fairly typical brick built, corrugated roof on the inside with tiling on the outer layer to make it look more Chinese style.
So, I pottered about and did a little shopping and using the wifi at the library. Back at the YHA, I did my now customary swim before dinner. The pool is pretty tiny, perhaps 10 metres, and I'm upto 40 lengths. It's exercise. It started to rain. It then RAINED. After that it got really heavy and we had lightning too. This despite a man at the pub (I didn't go in just chatted to a friend) saying the dry season had now arrived and there wouldn't be any more rain. The rain was so heavy you could hardly see through it! As a result, I had to eat my dinner indoors - only the third meal inside since I arrived! I was sure that my washing would dry out again quite quickly in the morning but it did mean I had to wear trousers rather than shorts the next day. The place is full of young people looking for work in the imminent dry season. It seems that the population of Darwin increases by some ridiculous amount at this time of year. My room mate was over the moon to get a kitchen job at a restaurant on Stokes Hill Wharf. Eventually the rain stopped.
The oil storage tunnels were a reaction to someone realising that sticking your supply of oil on top of a hill wasn't perhaps the safest move when the enemy were prone to flying in and bombing you. As it was the tunnels were never actually used for their intended purpose. Sounds like arguments about budgets, politics and all that usual stuff. However, they are there and you can go in. Mind boggling to think that they were dug by hand in this stifling heat. And how did that cane toad get in?
I found the Chinese Temple and museum but, despite a sign saying the museum would re-open at the end of March, it was definitely closed. The temple was very red and had lots to look at. I'm afraid that I'm rather ignorant of Chinese religion(s). The building was a fairly typical brick built, corrugated roof on the inside with tiling on the outer layer to make it look more Chinese style.
So, I pottered about and did a little shopping and using the wifi at the library. Back at the YHA, I did my now customary swim before dinner. The pool is pretty tiny, perhaps 10 metres, and I'm upto 40 lengths. It's exercise. It started to rain. It then RAINED. After that it got really heavy and we had lightning too. This despite a man at the pub (I didn't go in just chatted to a friend) saying the dry season had now arrived and there wouldn't be any more rain. The rain was so heavy you could hardly see through it! As a result, I had to eat my dinner indoors - only the third meal inside since I arrived! I was sure that my washing would dry out again quite quickly in the morning but it did mean I had to wear trousers rather than shorts the next day. The place is full of young people looking for work in the imminent dry season. It seems that the population of Darwin increases by some ridiculous amount at this time of year. My room mate was over the moon to get a kitchen job at a restaurant on Stokes Hill Wharf. Eventually the rain stopped.
Day 11 somewhere in Darwin
Ok, today's learning point is that if you get lost when on your own, there's only yourself to shout at, no-one (else) to say how stupid you are and, you can decide to make the most of the opportunity in front of you and visit 'this' while you're here anyway. Thus began Saturday 26 April 2014.
I was trying to take the scenic route to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and ended up going even further. Cullen Bay seemed to make an appearance, which is where you can catch ferries to a few places. As it was, I toured the Governor's House (designed by Mr Bennett possibly) and it was quite impressive - the way it was designed on a very open plan basis with louvre windows and few floor to ceiling walls upstairs, so little privacy. He was the first person to design housing to cope with the hot and humid conditions before the days of running water and air conditioning. It was a beautiful house and the lady there pointed on the right direction for the museum. The walk was interesting but I found that I'd managed to not put the battery back in my camera after recharging, doh!
The museum was wonderful, very new and modern, with a good split between 'art' and museum. I love Australian museums and the way they display things. It seems well, more interesting and beautiful to look at. There was a certain amount about aboriginal rock painting and history but also a good section showing how aboriginal art is moving with the times, using new media. Pkease do take 6 minutes of your time to watch a video called Little Dingi. I think it's
great. Some of the puppets from the film were at the museum but I'm not sure about 'publishing' someone's work on the internet without their permission, so although I have some photos I'm not sure that I'll share them.
I decided to treat myself to lunch at the Cornucopia Cafe at the museum. I had a vegetable wrap (had to extract the courgette and it was all a bit too oily for me) and chips, coffee and then I fancied a dessert. Despite there being some wonderful cakes on display, I opted for scone, cream and jam and boy was that the right decision. The scone was warm and melt in your mouth delicious. The cream was squirty rather than clotted but the ensemble was Mmmmmmmm.
I walked back a more direct route than the one I'd taken to get there. I peered over the side of a foot bridge wondering what all the holes in the ground were for and eventually, I found out. Crabs! Hundreds of them, sidling about and disappearing down a hole as soon as you think of looking at them. Only about 5cm across at most and varying colours of claw/pincer. Very near them were mudskippers which are a primitive creature I've seen before.
Another lovely day although slightly frustrated by the camera confusion. I am trying to use Drop Box to share my photos. I have invited some of you to share a folder. If I've missed you out and you're interested, send me an e-mail and I'll
do whatever it is that I have to do. Of course, once I'm away from super-slow YHA wifi, I might find an easier alternative. If you're a twitterer i am managing to put some photos on there, look me up @runningwomble
Technology, grrr.
I was trying to take the scenic route to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and ended up going even further. Cullen Bay seemed to make an appearance, which is where you can catch ferries to a few places. As it was, I toured the Governor's House (designed by Mr Bennett possibly) and it was quite impressive - the way it was designed on a very open plan basis with louvre windows and few floor to ceiling walls upstairs, so little privacy. He was the first person to design housing to cope with the hot and humid conditions before the days of running water and air conditioning. It was a beautiful house and the lady there pointed on the right direction for the museum. The walk was interesting but I found that I'd managed to not put the battery back in my camera after recharging, doh!
The museum was wonderful, very new and modern, with a good split between 'art' and museum. I love Australian museums and the way they display things. It seems well, more interesting and beautiful to look at. There was a certain amount about aboriginal rock painting and history but also a good section showing how aboriginal art is moving with the times, using new media. Pkease do take 6 minutes of your time to watch a video called Little Dingi. I think it's
great. Some of the puppets from the film were at the museum but I'm not sure about 'publishing' someone's work on the internet without their permission, so although I have some photos I'm not sure that I'll share them.
I decided to treat myself to lunch at the Cornucopia Cafe at the museum. I had a vegetable wrap (had to extract the courgette and it was all a bit too oily for me) and chips, coffee and then I fancied a dessert. Despite there being some wonderful cakes on display, I opted for scone, cream and jam and boy was that the right decision. The scone was warm and melt in your mouth delicious. The cream was squirty rather than clotted but the ensemble was Mmmmmmmm.
I walked back a more direct route than the one I'd taken to get there. I peered over the side of a foot bridge wondering what all the holes in the ground were for and eventually, I found out. Crabs! Hundreds of them, sidling about and disappearing down a hole as soon as you think of looking at them. Only about 5cm across at most and varying colours of claw/pincer. Very near them were mudskippers which are a primitive creature I've seen before.
Another lovely day although slightly frustrated by the camera confusion. I am trying to use Drop Box to share my photos. I have invited some of you to share a folder. If I've missed you out and you're interested, send me an e-mail and I'll
do whatever it is that I have to do. Of course, once I'm away from super-slow YHA wifi, I might find an easier alternative. If you're a twitterer i am managing to put some photos on there, look me up @runningwomble
Technology, grrr.
Sunday, 27 April 2014
Anzac Day 25 April
Anzac Day is a bit like Remembrance Sunday - a big day in Australia and New Zealand. A dawn service is part of the proceedings and we went off down to the Cenotaph, leaving the hostel at 05.35 for a 6am service. There were speeches, readings, wreath laying, veterans, and at the end you could lay your own wreath at the memorial or a poppy (they were provided for the purpose). There must have been a few thousand people for this very powerful occasion. It finished around 07.00 and we re-grouped to go on to the next bit of tradition - eating breakfast at the RSL. This being Australia, it did include the option of a beer at 07.30! The breakfast comprised bacon, scrambled eggs, tomatoes with cheese on top, baked beans and hash browns. I skipped the bacon and had a rare cooked breakfast (I had been up for over two and a half hours by then).
At 09.00 there was a parade round town. Led by a riderless horse, there were various groups of marching (loosely not the precise version we're used to on these occasions) soldiers, sailors, marines in their uniforms; tanks; an eagle on someone's arm; military dogs; horses with riders; two flyovers - one of two helicopters the other three jets; all accompanied by much applause and flag waving. There was a little girl next to us, wearing replicas of her Dad's medals "He works on a boat" and he was in the parade too.
All in all a moving experience.
We didn't go to any footie which is part of the traditional day now, but we did have our own barbecue in the evening :-)
At 09.00 there was a parade round town. Led by a riderless horse, there were various groups of marching (loosely not the precise version we're used to on these occasions) soldiers, sailors, marines in their uniforms; tanks; an eagle on someone's arm; military dogs; horses with riders; two flyovers - one of two helicopters the other three jets; all accompanied by much applause and flag waving. There was a little girl next to us, wearing replicas of her Dad's medals "He works on a boat" and he was in the parade too.
All in all a moving experience.
We didn't go to any footie which is part of the traditional day now, but we did have our own barbecue in the evening :-)
Kakadu part 3
A night's sleep in my own tent meant I could spread my stuff out and not worry about kicking things or my tent partner. Was quite nice, considering I'm not really a camper. Coping with lenses without water, a mirror, or safety harness is always 'fun' but I managed. The remaining buffalo sausages were consumed at breakfast.....
We did some more walking, pool dipping and finally made our way back to Darwin, which by this time had managed to find itself over three hours drive away. Careless. We arrived back a little after 5, a bit tired but very happy.
All this walking about might sound a bit well, unexciting but that couldn't be further from the truth. There was always a new plant, tree, bug, lizard, spider, bird, frog to see and hear about. How the aboriginal people might use something. Which plants are edible or have medicinal properties. How to tell the seasons by the stages of flowering of various plants. The rock paintings - over 5000 rock art sites in the Park, dating back at least 40.000 years. And how do we know that? By the animals depicted which have since become extinct. And why doesn't Homebase stock that paint - so much redecorating time would be saved.
Our guide was always on the lookout for things to show us. This did include a live cane toad. These have only reached Northern Territory fairly recently but they are a real pest. After showing us the poisonous bits and pieces he took it away and disposed of it, kindly saying that he wouldn't kill it in front of us!
We learned quite a bit about aboriginal people. How they live, rituals, kinship, languages, dream stories and much more. Again, our guide was excellent at politely disabusing us of common misconceptions.
I learned so much on this trip. I expected to hear new things but possibly not so much on such a wide range of topics. I could possibly even explain how setting fire to the jungle on purpose actually helps control the spread of fires at other times. We found out about termite mounds, tried to get our heads around the vast scale of this glorious place and how so much of it could be underwater for part of the year. As you know, I could go on and on so I'd best stop.
I haven't even done Anzac Day yet :-)
We did some more walking, pool dipping and finally made our way back to Darwin, which by this time had managed to find itself over three hours drive away. Careless. We arrived back a little after 5, a bit tired but very happy.
All this walking about might sound a bit well, unexciting but that couldn't be further from the truth. There was always a new plant, tree, bug, lizard, spider, bird, frog to see and hear about. How the aboriginal people might use something. Which plants are edible or have medicinal properties. How to tell the seasons by the stages of flowering of various plants. The rock paintings - over 5000 rock art sites in the Park, dating back at least 40.000 years. And how do we know that? By the animals depicted which have since become extinct. And why doesn't Homebase stock that paint - so much redecorating time would be saved.
Our guide was always on the lookout for things to show us. This did include a live cane toad. These have only reached Northern Territory fairly recently but they are a real pest. After showing us the poisonous bits and pieces he took it away and disposed of it, kindly saying that he wouldn't kill it in front of us!
We learned quite a bit about aboriginal people. How they live, rituals, kinship, languages, dream stories and much more. Again, our guide was excellent at politely disabusing us of common misconceptions.
I learned so much on this trip. I expected to hear new things but possibly not so much on such a wide range of topics. I could possibly even explain how setting fire to the jungle on purpose actually helps control the spread of fires at other times. We found out about termite mounds, tried to get our heads around the vast scale of this glorious place and how so much of it could be underwater for part of the year. As you know, I could go on and on so I'd best stop.
I haven't even done Anzac Day yet :-)
Kakadu 2 - day 8
So I'd wasted $10 hiring a sleeping bag! Although I used it for a pillow. We were up early to beat any other tour groups to where we were headed. That, I hope (according to my scribbled notes) was Gubara. There was a walk and then we were at a rock pool with fountain. People got in and splashed about. We then moved on to another walk, through tropical rainforest. More rock pools and then our guide explained about the route upto the lookout "up there", which would involve some steep bits, climbing and other nasty sounding things. After a brief discussion, I assumed my theme park role of looking after the bags and the others went on.
That was tough. I was by a series of rock pools, with lush jungle vegetation to the fore with a rock cliff going up to the rear of the scene. The sound backdrop provided by birds and water running through the pools. The sun shone. The air was still. Hundreds of tiny frogs were going about their business. Tadpoles - stripey or plain - were doing that tadpole thing. Butterflies fluttered by. The dragonflies continue to amaze me. I wandered about, thinking of the film Picnic at Hanging Rock! I was sure our guide would be able to find me. I took some pictures.
On a Mindfulness course I did a little while back, one of the meditations was about simply listening. I did that. It's amazing how aware you become of what's going on. Different birds would start their chattering then stop, others would join in. I learned the sound of a crow's wings beating as it came to see if it could raid any of the bags. Occasionally, I could hear my group chattering or laughing as they made their way upwards. Looking up at one point, I could see they had reached the top and I waved. Miraculously, someone was looking in my direction and waved back! They returned and asked if it had seemed like they had been gone for a long time. As if I'd not been busy :-) We made our way back to where we'd left lunch and they told me about their adventure and confirmed that I'd made the right choice.
After lunch, we visited the Warradjan Cultural centre. As I mentioned in the last post, this was really good. Excellent displays and lots of information and explanation about aboriginal life and traditions. Then to Yurmikmik falls. Here I finally decided to test the 'technical clothing will dry out quickly' theory and went for a dip. And yes, dear friends, it does.
We camped at a rather more basic site ie no water, no electricity but lots of stars, at Kambolgie. However, we did freshen up in a nearby croc-safe creek where I actually wore my swim suit! Dinner was barbecued kangaroo, buffalo sausages and general meatiness for those who wanted it. I was enjoying new Vegemite recipe combinations. An Australian said I was teaching her new things! It's possible no-one had eaten a Vegemite and baked bean sandwich before. I don't know why as it's great!
There was an incredible lightning storm in the distance to the north of us for ages, lighting up the sky. That calmed down and we finished eating. A few yards away from the trees, we went to star gaze. Incredible, the Milky Way was clear to be seen and even I could identify the Southern Cross (but not much else). You can't see anything like this in the UK, I'm sure the skies are simply too light polluted. Thousands upon thousands of stars twinkling away. The real photographers were twiddling their knobs and dials and playing with their exposures, trying to capture it all. And there were some damn amazing shots after a while.
Wow.
Friday, 25 April 2014
What about the bloody pictures? (said in an Australian accent)
I continue the quest to get photos from camera through ipad to blogger. It's not easy you know. Especially when the 'super-fast' wifi goes more at the pace of a snail on valium when it's feeling a touch sleepy. I am currently investigating Drop Box (recommended by Chantal - young people know about these things) but again, the wifi may be the delaying factor. You may end up with lots of photos to trawl through once I'm nearer to what Aussies might consider 'civilisation' (only joking....).
Chantal and I solved the photo sharing problem by swapping SD cards so we could each download [some of] the other's photos to our ipads :-)
In the meantime, I'm including some of those linky things for you to click on so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about.
Chantal and I solved the photo sharing problem by swapping SD cards so we could each download [some of] the other's photos to our ipads :-)
In the meantime, I'm including some of those linky things for you to click on so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about.
Kakadu - first part
7am pick up heralded the start of a long day, the first of three on our trip to Kakadu National Park. There were 7 on the tour plus Tom, our guide, driver, cook etc. Kathy, the American and I were joined by Chantal who was in my room at the hostel (German but not one of the 'three'), Chris and Simon an Australian couple and Kirsten and Bronwyn, Australian sisters. A good group and we got on well.
Day 1 started with a short-ish drive to Fogg Dam Conservation centre. Well, we drove down the road and back looking at the birds on either side in the wetlands while trying to see if any crocodiles were hanging about. It was a great introduction to the whole concept of real wetlands (not the place in Barnes!), where huge areas flood every year. Everywhere was green and luscious; there were lots of birds but no crocodiles. Beautiful. Most stunning, and large, were Jabiru - black and white storks.
Then to the exciting bit. Jumping crocodiles! You get on this boat and sail a little way down (or up, who knows) the Adelaide River. The crocodiles have learned that these particular boats mean food, and they swim over if they can be bothered. It's not as cheap and touristy as it might sound. The people take care not to over feed or always feed the same animals. The crocodiles are not forced to do anything. However, if they fancy a snack they can jump out of the water and have some meat. Pretty incredible to see. We were also incredibly lucky to see an eagle in a tree which swooped down to take some food. Amazing.
We went to Mamukala wetlands which was vast. Took in the Bowali Visitor Centre which was not half as good as the Warradjan Cultural centre we went to on the second day. Went to Ubirr to see aboriginal rock paintings - fantastic, followed by more at Nourlangie Rock. Towards the end of the day, we walked and climbed upto a lookout, possibly Mirrai (will see if Kathy can confirm). The view was stunning. The Kakadu escarpment in one direction, with the flood plains in the other. Breathtaking and peaceful. You had to stand and simply absorb the beauty of it all.
We camped at Jabiru, using only the inner lining of our tents for anti-mosquito purposes. Life was good.
Day 1 started with a short-ish drive to Fogg Dam Conservation centre. Well, we drove down the road and back looking at the birds on either side in the wetlands while trying to see if any crocodiles were hanging about. It was a great introduction to the whole concept of real wetlands (not the place in Barnes!), where huge areas flood every year. Everywhere was green and luscious; there were lots of birds but no crocodiles. Beautiful. Most stunning, and large, were Jabiru - black and white storks.
Then to the exciting bit. Jumping crocodiles! You get on this boat and sail a little way down (or up, who knows) the Adelaide River. The crocodiles have learned that these particular boats mean food, and they swim over if they can be bothered. It's not as cheap and touristy as it might sound. The people take care not to over feed or always feed the same animals. The crocodiles are not forced to do anything. However, if they fancy a snack they can jump out of the water and have some meat. Pretty incredible to see. We were also incredibly lucky to see an eagle in a tree which swooped down to take some food. Amazing.
We went to Mamukala wetlands which was vast. Took in the Bowali Visitor Centre which was not half as good as the Warradjan Cultural centre we went to on the second day. Went to Ubirr to see aboriginal rock paintings - fantastic, followed by more at Nourlangie Rock. Towards the end of the day, we walked and climbed upto a lookout, possibly Mirrai (will see if Kathy can confirm). The view was stunning. The Kakadu escarpment in one direction, with the flood plains in the other. Breathtaking and peaceful. You had to stand and simply absorb the beauty of it all.
We camped at Jabiru, using only the inner lining of our tents for anti-mosquito purposes. Life was good.
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
What an absolutely fabulous day!
Which actually started off with a true tourist cock-up. I went to the bus station to go to see the crocodiles and realised it was a bit quiet thereabouts. Hmm it's a public holiday. Inspects bus timetable "No buses run on public holidays" on route 5. But buses 4 and 10 to Casuarina were operating so, a quick change of plan, and I took the scenic route (no. 4). Casuarina is home to the biggest shopping mall in NT hence the buses still going there.
Of course, I window shopped for severalhours minutes, bought minor provisions and decided that I would check out the Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Despite the advice that my bus ticket would get me 'there' (or nearer) as for $3 you can hop on and off as many buses as you like for three hours, I decided to walk. It was quite funny, as I seemed quite confident in what was the right direction from a very vague map. And I was right!
The beach was amazing. Fabulous fine sand, blue seas, hardly anyone about. Walking down some steps to the sand, I stopped to remove my thongs (do fit flops count as thongs?) and had a brief chat with this chap who was pausing to remove his vest. He said "Ah well, don't you worry about the box jellyfish. I've being swimming here for 6 years and I haven't been stung" which was quite encouraging for my intended paddle. Until he said "Fingers crossed".
Anyway, paddle I did. And I proceeded along the beach wondering where everyone was on this public holiday. At a suitable point I left the beach. In fact, the sand was bloody hot. Up along the
grass alongside the beach was a walk/cycle path all the way back to Darwin. I ate my lunch at a picnic table, in the shade and the world was perfect. I became quite emotional. Beautiful scenery, a simple lunch, music in my ears, no pressure, no deadlines (until 06 June :-) ), what a Perfect Day.
I decided that, with all the time I needed, I would walk back to Darwin. A sign said 14km at some point. Who knows. Who cares. When you're walking, you have time to observe; to take things in. To get distracted. There was a pier which I think was there for fishing purposes, although the end bit did have stairs down into (or up from) the water. There were young people at the end, enjoying themselves, so I pootled on down to see what they were up to. Two girls, perhaps 15 years old were on the wrong side of the railings and dived off . One forwards and the other with a back flip. They both smiled at me before they went. Was I supposed to be the 'adult' who said "Don't do that"? They were fine, of course.
The lizards got bigger, the houses changed from luxury to Northern Territory government places. The dragonflies kept flying. It was fascinating to see how things pan out in another place to the one I'm used to.
On reaching Darwin, I bought a new goon bag of Chardonnay, met up with mates and had a jolly good evening. It's now 01.20 and I'm the only person left outside. I have eaten all my meals - bar one - outside since arriving. Tomorrow, I'm off on a three day, two night trip to Kakadu. I'm anticipating no communciations technology being available, so will be leaving ipad in Rosie's custody. I'm taking the elderberry as it serves the purpose of being a clock and alarm.
I'll be right back on Thursday. I think he didn't say that either.
Of course, I window shopped for several
The beach was amazing. Fabulous fine sand, blue seas, hardly anyone about. Walking down some steps to the sand, I stopped to remove my thongs (do fit flops count as thongs?) and had a brief chat with this chap who was pausing to remove his vest. He said "Ah well, don't you worry about the box jellyfish. I've being swimming here for 6 years and I haven't been stung" which was quite encouraging for my intended paddle. Until he said "Fingers crossed".
Anyway, paddle I did. And I proceeded along the beach wondering where everyone was on this public holiday. At a suitable point I left the beach. In fact, the sand was bloody hot. Up along the
grass alongside the beach was a walk/cycle path all the way back to Darwin. I ate my lunch at a picnic table, in the shade and the world was perfect. I became quite emotional. Beautiful scenery, a simple lunch, music in my ears, no pressure, no deadlines (until 06 June :-) ), what a Perfect Day.
I decided that, with all the time I needed, I would walk back to Darwin. A sign said 14km at some point. Who knows. Who cares. When you're walking, you have time to observe; to take things in. To get distracted. There was a pier which I think was there for fishing purposes, although the end bit did have stairs down into (or up from) the water. There were young people at the end, enjoying themselves, so I pootled on down to see what they were up to. Two girls, perhaps 15 years old were on the wrong side of the railings and dived off . One forwards and the other with a back flip. They both smiled at me before they went. Was I supposed to be the 'adult' who said "Don't do that"? They were fine, of course.
The lizards got bigger, the houses changed from luxury to Northern Territory government places. The dragonflies kept flying. It was fascinating to see how things pan out in another place to the one I'm used to.
On reaching Darwin, I bought a new goon bag of Chardonnay, met up with mates and had a jolly good evening. It's now 01.20 and I'm the only person left outside. I have eaten all my meals - bar one - outside since arriving. Tomorrow, I'm off on a three day, two night trip to Kakadu. I'm anticipating no communciations technology being available, so will be leaving ipad in Rosie's custody. I'm taking the elderberry as it serves the purpose of being a clock and alarm.
I'll be right back on Thursday. I think he didn't say that either.
Monday, 21 April 2014
Easter Day
And so to the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. I slightly mis-read/mis-remembered the route so after I'd done my washing, I got there via the Gardens Park Golf Links, The Gardens Road Cemetery and past a sports ground.
The golf course was not as ugly as I have proclaimed recently.was alright really. The cemetery was quite small but I went in as I think you can learn a lot about a place from its churches and graveyards. The thing that struck me here was the age of people. They were young - 30s, 40s, 50s - hardly anyone of a 'good old age'. The cemetery opened in 1919 it must have been a tough life here then. There was a corner for babies with tiny plots and memorials. The item I've linked to says over 800 people were buried there, but there didn't seem to be anything like that names remembered. What I can only assume were burial plots were identified only by a number on a circle of concrete in many cases. There was a group of headstones with the engravings in an oriental script; there were Greek names; descriptions of people's lives and deaths (several described as 'accidentally killed'); one or two for people of aboriginal descent and family names with which I have become familiar through the war stories. A reminder of real people living in truly hard times.
The Botanic Gardens were great. The vegetation round here is lush anyway, but it was like being in the palm houses at Kew except you were outside and it was an enormous scale! Yes, I have taken pictures and some of them are quite alright thank you. I have been wondering how on earth to photograph the amazing dragonflies which feature on Darwin insignia and logos everywhere. Today was the first time one of them cooperated by sitting still long enough. I got one photo but it's not the best. I'll keep trying. Apparently, the first dragonfly appearance is supposed to make the end of the wet season. Oh yeah.....
At the gardens the newly opened coffee place is in a re-located and renovated Wesleyan Church which is the oldest surviving building in Darwin. Pretty amazing to have escaped cyclones and WWII since it was first put up in 1897. Shame they couldn't keep it as a chapel really. The inside is pretty, the outside looks like a simple building of no particular note. Pictures to follow, eventually.
You'd think I'd be getting used to lizards running around by now but I was still taken by surprise when one (relatively large) ran up the wall behind me while I was sitting in a small 'room' at the gardens. Very close to a comedy moment....
Last night, after midnight (letting it all hang out), there were some fireworks over the way but we couldn't work why the loudest ones weren't visible. We found out today that it's because the loudest noises were dynamite being ignited by local Greek people at the Orthodox Church to celebrate Easter. Traditional, allegedly.
Happy birthday to little bruv for today/tomorrow.
Crocodiles next!
The golf course was not as ugly as I have proclaimed recently.was alright really. The cemetery was quite small but I went in as I think you can learn a lot about a place from its churches and graveyards. The thing that struck me here was the age of people. They were young - 30s, 40s, 50s - hardly anyone of a 'good old age'. The cemetery opened in 1919 it must have been a tough life here then. There was a corner for babies with tiny plots and memorials. The item I've linked to says over 800 people were buried there, but there didn't seem to be anything like that names remembered. What I can only assume were burial plots were identified only by a number on a circle of concrete in many cases. There was a group of headstones with the engravings in an oriental script; there were Greek names; descriptions of people's lives and deaths (several described as 'accidentally killed'); one or two for people of aboriginal descent and family names with which I have become familiar through the war stories. A reminder of real people living in truly hard times.
The Botanic Gardens were great. The vegetation round here is lush anyway, but it was like being in the palm houses at Kew except you were outside and it was an enormous scale! Yes, I have taken pictures and some of them are quite alright thank you. I have been wondering how on earth to photograph the amazing dragonflies which feature on Darwin insignia and logos everywhere. Today was the first time one of them cooperated by sitting still long enough. I got one photo but it's not the best. I'll keep trying. Apparently, the first dragonfly appearance is supposed to make the end of the wet season. Oh yeah.....
At the gardens the newly opened coffee place is in a re-located and renovated Wesleyan Church which is the oldest surviving building in Darwin. Pretty amazing to have escaped cyclones and WWII since it was first put up in 1897. Shame they couldn't keep it as a chapel really. The inside is pretty, the outside looks like a simple building of no particular note. Pictures to follow, eventually.
You'd think I'd be getting used to lizards running around by now but I was still taken by surprise when one (relatively large) ran up the wall behind me while I was sitting in a small 'room' at the gardens. Very close to a comedy moment....
Last night, after midnight (letting it all hang out), there were some fireworks over the way but we couldn't work why the loudest ones weren't visible. We found out today that it's because the loudest noises were dynamite being ignited by local Greek people at the Orthodox Church to celebrate Easter. Traditional, allegedly.
Happy birthday to little bruv for today/tomorrow.
Crocodiles next!
Sunday, 20 April 2014
Day 4 Easter Saturday
Having declined the offer of a trip to Litchfield in a car share with two guys from the hostel, I caught the free bus to Parap Market with Kathy, the Yank from the cinema going team yesterday. She's ok actually, lives in Irvine, California when she's not travelling.
Apparently, Parap Village is host to Darwin's Boutique Shopping Centre and the Famous Saturday markets. Well, it had 'ethnic' clothes, jewellery, food from lots of different, mostly Asian countries, some plants, the occasional healing balm, massage. Basically, a bit Camden without the piercings, and smaller. And hotter. I bought a string shopping bag.
Kathy had chatted up the bus driver and he dropped us off at a corner so we could make our way to the Darwin Military Museum "straight up the road, over the hill, turn left and it's down there". Which it was but not quite as near as that might sound. More like an hour's walk in direct sun and 30+C. We decided we would hitch back if necessary! The museum is in the East Point reserve which was absolutely lovely. Some very upmarket houses with incredible views over blue seas to Darwin. There were signposts warning of wallabies although we didn't see any. The museum itself was excellent, lots of 'memorabilia' which sounds tacky but wasn't at all, artefacts, recovered items like guns and vehicles and simply a huge amount of information about Darwin's and Australia's military history. Yes, there are photos but I'm a bit behind on that front.
And we didn't walk back an hour to a bus stop. A very pleasing young man from Melbourne, on hearing us enquire as to the bus situation, offered us a lift back to Darwin in his nice air-conditioned car. He works in HR and had stayed over for the long weekend as he hadn't been to Darwin before. I said I'd keep an eye out for him in Melbourne!
A little bit of shopping for more veggie burgers and an Easter Egg was followed by a natter in the pool with Rosie and then some swimming with bats flying overhead :-) Lucky I do head up sploshing or I wouldn't have seen them.
After dinner, I found out how the Litchfield trip had gone and then settled in for a drink and a chat with Rosie and various other residents. Strangely, it got funnier as time passed. Particularly side-splitting tears-rolling-down-the-face were our efforts to teach two Italians some more Australian and English vocabulary! You had to be there.
More walking about, discovering places and things tomorrow. On the schedule are
the Botanic Gardens and Mindil Beach but things can always change!
Happy wedding anniversary Mum & Dad xxx
This is yesterday's bat.. (Hiding in a small white square masked by technology - aarrggghhh) I shall keep trying.
Apparently, Parap Village is host to Darwin's Boutique Shopping Centre and the Famous Saturday markets. Well, it had 'ethnic' clothes, jewellery, food from lots of different, mostly Asian countries, some plants, the occasional healing balm, massage. Basically, a bit Camden without the piercings, and smaller. And hotter. I bought a string shopping bag.
Kathy had chatted up the bus driver and he dropped us off at a corner so we could make our way to the Darwin Military Museum "straight up the road, over the hill, turn left and it's down there". Which it was but not quite as near as that might sound. More like an hour's walk in direct sun and 30+C. We decided we would hitch back if necessary! The museum is in the East Point reserve which was absolutely lovely. Some very upmarket houses with incredible views over blue seas to Darwin. There were signposts warning of wallabies although we didn't see any. The museum itself was excellent, lots of 'memorabilia' which sounds tacky but wasn't at all, artefacts, recovered items like guns and vehicles and simply a huge amount of information about Darwin's and Australia's military history. Yes, there are photos but I'm a bit behind on that front.
And we didn't walk back an hour to a bus stop. A very pleasing young man from Melbourne, on hearing us enquire as to the bus situation, offered us a lift back to Darwin in his nice air-conditioned car. He works in HR and had stayed over for the long weekend as he hadn't been to Darwin before. I said I'd keep an eye out for him in Melbourne!
A little bit of shopping for more veggie burgers and an Easter Egg was followed by a natter in the pool with Rosie and then some swimming with bats flying overhead :-) Lucky I do head up sploshing or I wouldn't have seen them.
After dinner, I found out how the Litchfield trip had gone and then settled in for a drink and a chat with Rosie and various other residents. Strangely, it got funnier as time passed. Particularly side-splitting tears-rolling-down-the-face were our efforts to teach two Italians some more Australian and English vocabulary! You had to be there.
More walking about, discovering places and things tomorrow. On the schedule are
the Botanic Gardens and Mindil Beach but things can always change!
Happy wedding anniversary Mum & Dad xxx
This is yesterday's bat.. (Hiding in a small white square masked by technology - aarrggghhh) I shall keep trying.
Saturday, 19 April 2014
Friday - I hate technology
But apart from that it's been a good day. Last night, Rosie invited me to join her and new room-mate on a trip to the cinema today. Given that pretty much everything was going to be shut it seemed like a good idea. In the end, four ladies of an age (or thereabouts) - two Aussies, a Pom and a Yank - went to see "The Other Woman". I think the lead actress was Cameron Diaz. It was very a much a chick flick but good and funny, with the traditional syrupy ending. Now, if it had been made for me to see when I was here last time, it would have been the perfect film.....
As if me going to a chick flick wasn't bad enough, I then turned down the offer of 'celebrating' Good Friday with champagne and cheese! I thought that would be the day written off (the film ended a little after 2). So I wandered back into town, went past the Tree of Knowledge (a banyan), settled on the grass for a while and looked at maps and thought about making some plans. The tree is by the library and I had noticed two things: a huddle of people sitting outside tapping away at their keypads and, a big sign saying free wifi! So I went back, took some photos of things nearby and went to find the interweb. Quite soon, it started to rain. It had been trying earlier. Then it started RAINING. That was fun. I moved up a bench to join the other surfer slightly more sheltered from the deluge (yes I was going to say Sheltered from the Storm but that means something else to some of you). It's quite nice being outside watching the rain but not being in it.
A curious thing happened. There was some clanging. Must be a church or chapel nearby and there was a potential building in sight. After all this is one of the holiest days of the year. It kept going. Became more tuneful. I laughed, as did my companion. Finally, it clicked. The sculptures I had been photographing were in fact series of bells. The HMS Beagle Ship Bell Chime, commissioned in 2009 to celebrate 200 years since the birth of Charles Darwin. There are 11 bells, 10 with a bird atop, the other with the Beagle itself. Brilliant!
I finally moved on and pottered further. I fancied a coffee (and cake of course) but couldn't really find anywhere. I had in mind to find a place called Frog Hollow, mainly for the name :-) Walking along fairly deserted streets, trying not to look the lost tourist, I heard shrieking in a tree overhead. Aha! Immediately, I saw bats having an argument and stopped to get my camera out, thus reinforcing the lost tourist image after all. It was fabulous. I love those little, or big, flying mammals and here they were on a street corner, not even in a park. Nice new camera did me proud and I have the most lovely bat picture to show you. One day. If. When. I can get the camera, the ipad, google+, blogger and possibly the world to talk to each other over super-slow YHA wifi. I may have to go back to the library! But if you can wait, it's gorgeous! If you can't, go to twitter and follow someone called @runningwomble and you'll be able to see it there.
I did find more bats along the way and attempted to take pictures of them flying, but I'm not the best photographer.
Back at the ranch, sorry YHA, my stalker caught up with me again. I tried to make use of him, quizzing him over the intricacies of ipad folders. His answer didn't work. Pah. You see, the trouble isssss, photos from the camera end up in a folder called Imports or Latest import. Blogger now insists that it can only access photos in certain ways, and directly from your ipad is not one of them. So I'm supposed to use Google+, but that only seems to look at Camera Roll (sorry if this is boring you but I'm hoping someone can help), so it's not updating with my wonderful bat picture. Anyone who suggests getting a bat phone loses straight away.
Tomorrow, I'm going to a local market and hopefully seeing some other stuff. Monday will be crocodile day. And, if I can get it booked, Tuesday I'll be off on a tour to Kakadu.
<phew>
As if me going to a chick flick wasn't bad enough, I then turned down the offer of 'celebrating' Good Friday with champagne and cheese! I thought that would be the day written off (the film ended a little after 2). So I wandered back into town, went past the Tree of Knowledge (a banyan), settled on the grass for a while and looked at maps and thought about making some plans. The tree is by the library and I had noticed two things: a huddle of people sitting outside tapping away at their keypads and, a big sign saying free wifi! So I went back, took some photos of things nearby and went to find the interweb. Quite soon, it started to rain. It had been trying earlier. Then it started RAINING. That was fun. I moved up a bench to join the other surfer slightly more sheltered from the deluge (yes I was going to say Sheltered from the Storm but that means something else to some of you). It's quite nice being outside watching the rain but not being in it.
A curious thing happened. There was some clanging. Must be a church or chapel nearby and there was a potential building in sight. After all this is one of the holiest days of the year. It kept going. Became more tuneful. I laughed, as did my companion. Finally, it clicked. The sculptures I had been photographing were in fact series of bells. The HMS Beagle Ship Bell Chime, commissioned in 2009 to celebrate 200 years since the birth of Charles Darwin. There are 11 bells, 10 with a bird atop, the other with the Beagle itself. Brilliant!
I finally moved on and pottered further. I fancied a coffee (and cake of course) but couldn't really find anywhere. I had in mind to find a place called Frog Hollow, mainly for the name :-) Walking along fairly deserted streets, trying not to look the lost tourist, I heard shrieking in a tree overhead. Aha! Immediately, I saw bats having an argument and stopped to get my camera out, thus reinforcing the lost tourist image after all. It was fabulous. I love those little, or big, flying mammals and here they were on a street corner, not even in a park. Nice new camera did me proud and I have the most lovely bat picture to show you. One day. If. When. I can get the camera, the ipad, google+, blogger and possibly the world to talk to each other over super-slow YHA wifi. I may have to go back to the library! But if you can wait, it's gorgeous! If you can't, go to twitter and follow someone called @runningwomble and you'll be able to see it there.
I did find more bats along the way and attempted to take pictures of them flying, but I'm not the best photographer.
Back at the ranch, sorry YHA, my stalker caught up with me again. I tried to make use of him, quizzing him over the intricacies of ipad folders. His answer didn't work. Pah. You see, the trouble isssss, photos from the camera end up in a folder called Imports or Latest import. Blogger now insists that it can only access photos in certain ways, and directly from your ipad is not one of them. So I'm supposed to use Google+, but that only seems to look at Camera Roll (sorry if this is boring you but I'm hoping someone can help), so it's not updating with my wonderful bat picture. Anyone who suggests getting a bat phone loses straight away.
Tomorrow, I'm going to a local market and hopefully seeing some other stuff. Monday will be crocodile day. And, if I can get it booked, Tuesday I'll be off on a tour to Kakadu.
<phew>
Friday, 18 April 2014
Thursday's photos
The first if you're feeling peckish.
The second was a case of "Haha, looks like it's raining over there"
Day 2
I had a good sleep, finally awoke at 10.15 only to discover that all three of my room mates were also still in bed. Youth of today... I went walkabout, going to the beginning of the Esplanade and Bicentennial Park. But before I got very far at all, I found a gym with a per visit charge with a decent cardio room and Concept 2 (you haven't heard about my rowing exploits?).
I knew, but had forgotten, about Darwin's role in WWII. There are a huge number of memorials to those who died in the Battle of Australia 19 February 1942. The place was devastated by Japanese bombs. The park runs next to the sea but they make it difficult for you to get to the water. I'm one for following paths that go off in a strange direction and they got me nearer to the sea. They also revealed something of the 'other' life of Darwin. Where people go to drink, smoke, whatever off the beaten track. There was litter, sadly but even that was interesting. Unlike at home, it wasn't bottles or cans of ridiculous strength lager or cheap cider, it was goon bags (wine boxes in English). This was helpful later on in the day.
I read all the signs and kept walking. I found the wave lagoon - an outside pool with the waves switched on permanently. Right next to it is the recreation lagoon where you can swim for free. Simply walk down and get in. It's sea water but roped off and in the harbour area. You may laugh (especially if you know my love of swimming) but I may well get myself and cossie down there. I went up to Survivor's Lookout, apparently named from when the locals looked out on the disaster burning below in the harbour. I went round to Stokes Hill Wharf which was one of those which suffered badly in the bombing. It seems to have been redeveloped largely as a place for cruise boats and eating. Sadly, not that exciting really. I did go swimming later at the hostel which has a small pool. I did lots of lengths, honestly it must have been half way to France (if you start mid-Channel).
I pottered about and had a coffee and muffin and free wifi. I pondered the day so far. Wildlife count - flat toad in gym car park; lots of butterflies; enormous dragonflies, tiny lizards - the tiniest I've ever seen; a black bird with a thing on its head (I'll look it up); some pretty fish with really shiny underbellies and, what my Aussie friend Rosie assures me was probably, a possum here at the youth hostel. No spiders. I'm disappointed to reflect that I have seen many aboriginal people here, the local people are Larrakia, but they still seem to be the underclass. Sitting on the pavement, being refused entry to the bottle shop, begging. The indigenous people have a traditional way of life that deals with the heat and the fierce conditions of this magnificent country but it seems everyone is struggling to find a good way to co-exist in these 'modern' times. It makes me uncomfortable and I look forward to hearing the views of my best friend on the subject. She is very wise.
I decided to visit Woolies (yes Woolworths survives here as a supermarket) to see how it compares to Coles and to compare prices of booze. Remember the goon bags. Now I understand. You can get 30 cans of VB (Victoria Bitter it's ok) 375ml size for $55 or you can get 2 litres of wine in a goon bag for $10. The maths on $ per unit of alcohol points heavily in the direction of the wine. Call me a student, go on! And this chardonnay is perfikly drinkable.
I'm sure there's lots more I could go on about but it's getting late. There are at least three of us oldies here at the hostel and I've been chatting as well as typing. I do have a picture for today but it's not on the right piece of technology at present.
I knew, but had forgotten, about Darwin's role in WWII. There are a huge number of memorials to those who died in the Battle of Australia 19 February 1942. The place was devastated by Japanese bombs. The park runs next to the sea but they make it difficult for you to get to the water. I'm one for following paths that go off in a strange direction and they got me nearer to the sea. They also revealed something of the 'other' life of Darwin. Where people go to drink, smoke, whatever off the beaten track. There was litter, sadly but even that was interesting. Unlike at home, it wasn't bottles or cans of ridiculous strength lager or cheap cider, it was goon bags (wine boxes in English). This was helpful later on in the day.
I read all the signs and kept walking. I found the wave lagoon - an outside pool with the waves switched on permanently. Right next to it is the recreation lagoon where you can swim for free. Simply walk down and get in. It's sea water but roped off and in the harbour area. You may laugh (especially if you know my love of swimming) but I may well get myself and cossie down there. I went up to Survivor's Lookout, apparently named from when the locals looked out on the disaster burning below in the harbour. I went round to Stokes Hill Wharf which was one of those which suffered badly in the bombing. It seems to have been redeveloped largely as a place for cruise boats and eating. Sadly, not that exciting really. I did go swimming later at the hostel which has a small pool. I did lots of lengths, honestly it must have been half way to France (if you start mid-Channel).
I pottered about and had a coffee and muffin and free wifi. I pondered the day so far. Wildlife count - flat toad in gym car park; lots of butterflies; enormous dragonflies, tiny lizards - the tiniest I've ever seen; a black bird with a thing on its head (I'll look it up); some pretty fish with really shiny underbellies and, what my Aussie friend Rosie assures me was probably, a possum here at the youth hostel. No spiders. I'm disappointed to reflect that I have seen many aboriginal people here, the local people are Larrakia, but they still seem to be the underclass. Sitting on the pavement, being refused entry to the bottle shop, begging. The indigenous people have a traditional way of life that deals with the heat and the fierce conditions of this magnificent country but it seems everyone is struggling to find a good way to co-exist in these 'modern' times. It makes me uncomfortable and I look forward to hearing the views of my best friend on the subject. She is very wise.
I decided to visit Woolies (yes Woolworths survives here as a supermarket) to see how it compares to Coles and to compare prices of booze. Remember the goon bags. Now I understand. You can get 30 cans of VB (Victoria Bitter it's ok) 375ml size for $55 or you can get 2 litres of wine in a goon bag for $10. The maths on $ per unit of alcohol points heavily in the direction of the wine. Call me a student, go on! And this chardonnay is perfikly drinkable.
I'm sure there's lots more I could go on about but it's getting late. There are at least three of us oldies here at the hostel and I've been chatting as well as typing. I do have a picture for today but it's not on the right piece of technology at present.
Thursday, 17 April 2014
Wednesday, 16 April 2014
Arrived! Day 1 - Darwin
Finally got here. Landed Darwin 16.20 local time Wednesday, only 33C and a bit humid.
Let me rewind a bit as I've done a lot of travelling over the last day or so. Coming in to land at Changi (Singapore) it occurred to me to wonder what you can tell of a place from the plane. Well, the approach to Changi is over water which I always find disconcerting for some reason. I like to see the tarmac we're aiming for. There were lots of boats - container ships, small boats... large numbers of them. And there are all these thin artificial barriers/pontoons poking out everywhere. The land is all green and lush but the very first bit you fly over is a golf course with its universal scarring of bunkers everywhere. Personally, I think golf courses are ugly.
The airport itself seemed fairly quiet and very clean - we landed at terminal three which I imagine was quite new. However, as with all airports these days it's like a huge shopping outlet with half decent international transport links attached. Terminal two was definitely a bit older, more lived in and, yes, smelly. Both terminals had indoor gardens and koi ponds of which they seem very proud. Some of the koi were huge.
It was all well organised and I didn't have any nasty queueing situations at all. Thinking about it though, yesterday morning at terminal 3 Heathrow was pretty amazing for the speed I got through to departures too. That must mean I'll have an awful journey back. Eventually ;-)
The approach to Darwin was very green and lush with lots of water channels and ponds. Not like my experience of other parts of Australia but this tropical here. There are palm trees and it's hot and humid. The airport is tiny! Changi is pretty big and Heathrow, well nuff said. Again, I sailed through immigration. None of the bag search looking for grains of soil from Richmond Park which might pollute this wonderful place. Perhaps I look too respectable (or old). There was a sniffer dog in baggage reclaim and he's obviously had the full H&S training to enable him to run along the moving conveyor belt while wagging his tail. Labradors always look like they're enjoying themselves.
Having got through immigration so quickly I sussed that it would be ages before the city shuttle bus left because a notice said it would for people arriving on any particular flight (see what I mean about small!). I splashed out on a taxi and found the youth hostel. I'm in a room for 6 which seems mostly to be populated by German girls. You come all this way.... I've been to Coles for some groceries, chatted to another 'more mature' lady (Australian) who's staying here, had my tea, and erm now I'm in the bar, enjoying the wifi. There seems to be a marathon on Fox Sports2 which I think might be Berlin but the sound isn't on. Aha, it's Rotterdam. Half way in 1.02.40.
Anyway, it's about 8.50pm here, so I'll say goodnight and try to sort myself out with some sleep. There is aircon :D
For the football followers, I was going to post a sign from outside the bar. But google+ is taking so long to do whatever it does, I'm going to bed.
Let me rewind a bit as I've done a lot of travelling over the last day or so. Coming in to land at Changi (Singapore) it occurred to me to wonder what you can tell of a place from the plane. Well, the approach to Changi is over water which I always find disconcerting for some reason. I like to see the tarmac we're aiming for. There were lots of boats - container ships, small boats... large numbers of them. And there are all these thin artificial barriers/pontoons poking out everywhere. The land is all green and lush but the very first bit you fly over is a golf course with its universal scarring of bunkers everywhere. Personally, I think golf courses are ugly.
The airport itself seemed fairly quiet and very clean - we landed at terminal three which I imagine was quite new. However, as with all airports these days it's like a huge shopping outlet with half decent international transport links attached. Terminal two was definitely a bit older, more lived in and, yes, smelly. Both terminals had indoor gardens and koi ponds of which they seem very proud. Some of the koi were huge.
It was all well organised and I didn't have any nasty queueing situations at all. Thinking about it though, yesterday morning at terminal 3 Heathrow was pretty amazing for the speed I got through to departures too. That must mean I'll have an awful journey back. Eventually ;-)
The approach to Darwin was very green and lush with lots of water channels and ponds. Not like my experience of other parts of Australia but this tropical here. There are palm trees and it's hot and humid. The airport is tiny! Changi is pretty big and Heathrow, well nuff said. Again, I sailed through immigration. None of the bag search looking for grains of soil from Richmond Park which might pollute this wonderful place. Perhaps I look too respectable (or old). There was a sniffer dog in baggage reclaim and he's obviously had the full H&S training to enable him to run along the moving conveyor belt while wagging his tail. Labradors always look like they're enjoying themselves.
Having got through immigration so quickly I sussed that it would be ages before the city shuttle bus left because a notice said it would for people arriving on any particular flight (see what I mean about small!). I splashed out on a taxi and found the youth hostel. I'm in a room for 6 which seems mostly to be populated by German girls. You come all this way.... I've been to Coles for some groceries, chatted to another 'more mature' lady (Australian) who's staying here, had my tea, and erm now I'm in the bar, enjoying the wifi. There seems to be a marathon on Fox Sports2 which I think might be Berlin but the sound isn't on. Aha, it's Rotterdam. Half way in 1.02.40.
Anyway, it's about 8.50pm here, so I'll say goodnight and try to sort myself out with some sleep. There is aircon :D
For the football followers, I was going to post a sign from outside the bar. But google+ is taking so long to do whatever it does, I'm going to bed.
Are we nearly there yet?
No, this is Singapore. Darwin is still another 4h30m (or so) away.
The flight here was pretty good. I do rather like Singapore Airlines on the showing so far. I had selected a seat in the upstairs cabin (behind business class) and it was great. The plane was an A380-800 if you're interested. Like being on a smaller plane without any children! Pretty whizzy in flight entertainment but then I haven't travelled long haul for a while. Once I found the instructions for the remote I watched a programme about a sloth sanctuary - they are cute but with long claws. Then, oh heaven, I spotted one of my absolute favourite films in the listing - "Il Gattopardo" starring Burt Lancaster as an Italian prince. So that was next, followed by three episodes of Master Chef which I happened to have with me.
Of course, I decided to try and get some shut eye minutes before they put the lights back up and produced breakfast. It should mean that I'll conk out on the flight to Darwin.
They like their koi here. I've found at least two ponds of them! Anyway, enough of all this chatting and free wifi, I'd best go and find the gate (which has changed)......
The flight here was pretty good. I do rather like Singapore Airlines on the showing so far. I had selected a seat in the upstairs cabin (behind business class) and it was great. The plane was an A380-800 if you're interested. Like being on a smaller plane without any children! Pretty whizzy in flight entertainment but then I haven't travelled long haul for a while. Once I found the instructions for the remote I watched a programme about a sloth sanctuary - they are cute but with long claws. Then, oh heaven, I spotted one of my absolute favourite films in the listing - "Il Gattopardo" starring Burt Lancaster as an Italian prince. So that was next, followed by three episodes of Master Chef which I happened to have with me.
Of course, I decided to try and get some shut eye minutes before they put the lights back up and produced breakfast. It should mean that I'll conk out on the flight to Darwin.
They like their koi here. I've found at least two ponds of them! Anyway, enough of all this chatting and free wifi, I'd best go and find the gate (which has changed)......
Tuesday, 15 April 2014
It's really happening!
Daughter wanted to catch up with me before I left so she came over and supervised packing this afternoon and evening. Not that it took that long but there was distraction activity going on. Well, why otherwise would I have put slug pellets on the shopping list for today?
Yes, I have been stressed and excited and feeling strangely sick! I've fought with BBC iplayer and 4OD so that I can try and watch some things on the flights. We also cleared out space on my elderberry so as to fit in more music. See what I mean about distraction? I have been known to go on most holidays to-date without these worries.
I have an old-fashioned notebook (£1.50 thank you WHS) to write in should I feel the need, a womble, spare gonk and some polos (for the oldies amongst you). If it ain't packed now then I either don't need it or I can buy it.
Flight is 11.30 tomorrow. Terminal 3. Eeeeekkk.
Yes, I have been stressed and excited and feeling strangely sick! I've fought with BBC iplayer and 4OD so that I can try and watch some things on the flights. We also cleared out space on my elderberry so as to fit in more music. See what I mean about distraction? I have been known to go on most holidays to-date without these worries.
I have an old-fashioned notebook (£1.50 thank you WHS) to write in should I feel the need, a womble, spare gonk and some polos (for the oldies amongst you). If it ain't packed now then I either don't need it or I can buy it.
Flight is 11.30 tomorrow. Terminal 3. Eeeeekkk.
Monday, 14 April 2014
That's the marathon done...
Some folk may laugh but in planning this trip certain dates had to be considered: Christmas (a complete no-no); children's birthdays (July & August); studies (failed on that one :-( ); a certain graduation ceremony and, the London Marathon! All in all that left a window of just the right length meaning that today was spent shouting "jelly babies" at thousands of runners while drinking beer and getting sun-kissed (who ever remembers to put on sun cream in April in London?).
So Mo Farah's debut was only 2h 8m 21s. For goodness sakes, he's a (very good) 10,000 metre runner. The marathon is 42195 metres - four times as far! And he was 8th in a field which is almost certainly the strongest ever assembled at London. He says he will return and you can bet he'll go faster and have more race experience.
Anyway, slightly behind Mo were many other people doing their first, third, thirty third marathons (or 302nd in the case of one friend....). Each of them with their own targets, dreams, reasons, pain and joy. I was at a support point opposite Mudchute station with a bunch of friends. We cheered on the fast and the slow, the sleek, the rhinos, the visually impaired (I cannot imagine doing that), and of course the wombles. We handed out jelly babies, orange slices, banana chunks, cake and much more. It's wonderful how polite people are too! It was very warm but that didn't seem to stop a lot of friends producing personal best times. A fabulous day, as ever.
And now, I must pack.
So Mo Farah's debut was only 2h 8m 21s. For goodness sakes, he's a (very good) 10,000 metre runner. The marathon is 42195 metres - four times as far! And he was 8th in a field which is almost certainly the strongest ever assembled at London. He says he will return and you can bet he'll go faster and have more race experience.
Anyway, slightly behind Mo were many other people doing their first, third, thirty third marathons (or 302nd in the case of one friend....). Each of them with their own targets, dreams, reasons, pain and joy. I was at a support point opposite Mudchute station with a bunch of friends. We cheered on the fast and the slow, the sleek, the rhinos, the visually impaired (I cannot imagine doing that), and of course the wombles. We handed out jelly babies, orange slices, banana chunks, cake and much more. It's wonderful how polite people are too! It was very warm but that didn't seem to stop a lot of friends producing personal best times. A fabulous day, as ever.
And now, I must pack.
Saturday, 12 April 2014
Last day at work
It was all very strange. Jack asking how I was on arriving didn't help. I really did feel like bursting into tears. Anyhow got through the day, caught up with Leslie (big boss), and made my way back to the office where I was ambushed! Don't suppose I thought I would get away with simply leaving and I didn't! A card, jar of Vegemite (yummy) for my return three months hence and some cup cakes all made their appearance. A lovely send off - thank you to everyone for your kind thoughts and words. I have tried very hard the last few days to step back and let the team take over and now, yes, it is all theirs. Good luck to Brendan, Jack and Rich in sailing the good ship SS for the next three months. I'm sure she's in safe hands (as long as you share out the multi-tasking ;-) ).
Thursday, 10 April 2014
The Plan (draft)
Two days left at work! I'm sure there should be one or two lists somewhere with a few things crossed off by now. Somewhere. Anyway, people keep asking what I'm going to be doing:
15 April 11.30 take off at Heathrow
16 April 16.05 arrive Darwin. Check in at Darwin YHA Mitchell Street for a week
06 June go to see Pet Shop Boys at Carriageworks bay 17, Sydney
10 July 18.20 take off from Melbourne
11 July 07.35 arrive Heathrow
You'll notice that one or details still need to be firmed up. I'll get back to you on that when I find out!
In the meantime, last minute sorting out is well underway. Currency to be picked up tomorrow, some random shopping to be done, packing to be started (and finished).
I am excited but not nervous, calm but excited, panic-stricken but calm. It's going to be fabulous - I'll be discovering more of my second favourite country, spending time with some very special friends, hopefully meeting the newest addition to their family, chilling, sinking a few tinnies, and not working for 3 months.
Now, where are my thongs, pants and sunnies?
15 April 11.30 take off at Heathrow
16 April 16.05 arrive Darwin. Check in at Darwin YHA Mitchell Street for a week
06 June go to see Pet Shop Boys at Carriageworks bay 17, Sydney
10 July 18.20 take off from Melbourne
11 July 07.35 arrive Heathrow
You'll notice that one or details still need to be firmed up. I'll get back to you on that when I find out!
In the meantime, last minute sorting out is well underway. Currency to be picked up tomorrow, some random shopping to be done, packing to be started (and finished).
I am excited but not nervous, calm but excited, panic-stricken but calm. It's going to be fabulous - I'll be discovering more of my second favourite country, spending time with some very special friends, hopefully meeting the newest addition to their family, chilling, sinking a few tinnies, and not working for 3 months.
Now, where are my thongs, pants and sunnies?
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