Wednesday 29 May 2013



Washington DC

A short flight down the coast from Boston and I was in Washington DC. Looking out of the window in the plane, I thought I recognised what looked like Manhattan and as I have been there a few times I looked to see if the Statue of Liberty was there and yes it was a dot on the water. It is indeed a small world from the sky. I arrived at my final hotel (aptly for me called Hamilton), unpacked and off out to explore. 10 minutes and around 5 blocks later and I found myself outside the North side of the White House. It is very WHITE. So pristine and surprisingly very beautiful. It stands next to the Treasury building. It was Memorial Day here (like our Bank Holiday except they also remember their war dead) and there were parades and bands going on further down. As has become the norm, I bought a hop on/off bus ticket to get my bearings. Now if you like memorials galore, museums and galleries then DC is the place for you. I got off the bus at the Lincoln Memorial. It is a magnificent sight. I didn't get to climb us to see it in all its glory as an unidentified bag had been found and they cleared the place. The sight from there down to the Capitol Hill was so picturesque. I remembered the Forrest Gump film when he is at a protest there with his girl. I decided to walk from there to Capitol Hill. It was a long walk in the heat but lovely. Passed the long water pond and down to the World War II memorial which leads on to the Washington memorial. Unfortunately it is covered in scaffolding at present as it needs repairs following earthquake damage in 2011. Just to digress, I am having a nice lunch whilst writing this near to the White House and think the Presidents helicopter has just gone over. He knows how to beat the traffic. Anyway after the Washington Memorial there is a long line of museums and galleries known as the Mall. They are old, new and diverse buildings. I went into the Museum of American History. It's not that big but saw the dresses of many of the First Ladies including the beautiful dress and accessories that Michelle Obama wore to the inauguration ball. Also there are samples of the crockeries from the Presidents down the ages. Each presidential family has their own designs. I think I preferred the Reagans one best. It was also home to the ruby red slippers worn by Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. I walked on further and reached Capitol Hill, home of the Congress which again is a very large and ornate building. I discovered later that walk was over two miles. As it is very hot and humid I needed a rest. Later I decided to venture out a little from the hotel in the evening to find a little jazz bar.took the public bus up to U Street. It was chucking it down. I felt very uncomfortable in the area so had a quick bite to eat in what looked a busy Ethiopian restaurant and quickly went back via the bus again. It was also a scary ride. Reminded me of an episode in a previous visit to the USA with Ray and Sara. You may have heard the tale. Next day I went on a river boat cruise which was included in the bus ticket very conveniently. On then to Arlington Cemetary where rests a lot of military and famous figures such as the Kennedys. It is very large but a serene place. I am ashamed to say that I didn't venture as far uphill to the tomb of the unknown soldier as it was so hot. Went past the Pentagon which is a very uninspiring building and walked to the South Side of the White House where the balcony is. The gardens are so pristine. Michelle Obama has planted a kitchen garden with the help of local schoolchildren. The next day I opened the newspaper and there she is in a photo with children picking the produce from the day before. I must have just missed her. When I arrived in Washington I am ashamed to say that I did not know which state it was in. I thought perhaps Maryland but decided to google it so as not to appear ignorant in conversation. I was amazed to discover that it is not in a state but DC stands for District of Columbia and is surrounded by Maryland and Virginia. This is so that no state can claim to house the capital. Well my journey is almost at an end. It feels strange to be about to return home. It's been amazing, educational and more than I ever could have imagined. I have met some great (and some strange) and some different people all over the world. I will finalise the blog when I return. Thank you to all who have taken the time to read it. It's a privilege to have such great friends. Farewell Uncle Sam, Hello Blighty!

Sunday 26 May 2013


Boston

Arrived in Boston on Friday night from a 90+ degree Vegas to 56 degree and pouring rain. Got showered and changed and went out to explore. It was dark and wet so just really went round the block. Full of Irish bars. Next day I slept late and didn't come to really until about lunchtime. Got on a hop on off bus and stopped at the USS Constitution which is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Nicknamed "Old Ironsides" during the war of 1812 when the British fired cannonballs at her and they bounced off as if she were made of iron. Next got off at Boston Common where I walked down to the bar "where everybody knows your name". The owner gave permission for the Cheers programme makers to use the facade of his bar but cleverly kept the copyright. The next year he made $5 million from the gift shop alone. It bears no resemblance inside to the show, however there is a fake Cheers bar set up exactly like the show in Quincy Market. This weekend is Memorial weekend (like our bank holiday). It remembers all those who have fallen since the civil war. In the Common there were 33000 US flags each commemorating a fallen soldier from the state. What a sight. It also symbolises the beginning of summer. I went down to the docks to see the re-enactment of the Boston Tea Party. The British had been raising taxes with no consultation for a while and the final nail in the coffin was when they put taxes on tea. The British ships were in dock laden with tea crates and the people waited and eventually rebelled. They knew if they were caught it would be catastrophe. They raced down and threw the 340 crates into the sea. There is one original crate shown in the museum. It was the first rebellion leading up to Independence. Went to the fake Cheers bar in the evening where they had a singer and of course he played the iconic theme tune. Met 3 lovely sisters celebrating one of their birthdays. Was turning a special age and they all looked fab. Hope I wear as well when I get to that age. Cheers ladies! I decided to walk the Freedom Trail the next morning. It is 3 miles long and self guided. It starts in the Common and basically you follow the two lines of red brick on the road. Easy. Followed the guide book and saw the 16 historically significant sites related to the events of the Revolutionary era. They still stand amongst all the tall buildings that is now Boston. The prettiest is the old state house where the Declaration of Independence was read from the lovely balcony in July 1776. I also learnt that there was an influx of Irish people in the mid 19th century when the great hunger took place in Ireland. Boston kindly sent over a ship of food but never really expected to see so many cross the Atlantic after a new life in America. They didn't like it and wouldn't employ them. Many died however just trying to sail across. The ships became known as Coffin Ships as so many perished. They did eventually integrate and I guess that is why there are so many Irish bars here and why so many of the people claim Irish heritage. There won't be many more photos here as my iPad is now full except for perhaps space for one or two. Will be home very soon now so won't be taking many more now. Have taken around 1400 so will have to trim them down when back. Hope Sabden Live went well today. I hear you had good weather. Good luck for the same tomorrow. 

Saturday 25 May 2013

23rd May

Well aren't I the lucky one again? I decided to book the show for Donny and Marie at the Flamingo Hotel. Got half price tickets from the booth and when I arrived they put me on a table for four at the back on my own. Just before the show was due to start I was moved to a seat right in front of the stage which should have been $300. When they came on Donny went round the front row clapping their hands. Yes that included me! He then spotted an enthisiastic deary sitting a few away from me and came down and lay across about four of them and his head was right beside my lap. They were the consummate performers. What surprised me most was what an amazing voice Marie has. She sang an absolutely perfect rendition of Nessun Dorma. Now I wouldn't have taken her for that genre. Left to look around a few more of the hotels to find an interesting bar which I found in the Cosmopolitan. There is a lot to be said for that saying what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas and justly so. I will be off in the morning early to Boston and I really hate to leave. So farewell Vegas, was great knowing you. Hello Boston. xx

Wednesday 22 May 2013







I'm liking Las Vegas so much I've extended my intended stay by an extra day before the last leg of my trip next week. Had a very early start yesterday to go to the Grand Canyon. Three hours in the bus. Stopped on way to see the Hoover Dam. It's a magnificent structure however the only photo opportunity that we were given was from the rear. Disappointing. Some time later I arrived at the West rim of the Grand Canyon. Surprisingly for a major attraction in the US, 15 miles of the approach road was a bumpy, dirt track. It was very busy and chaotic but eventually got on a helicopter with 4 others who became my new friends for the day. It took off and almost immediately we were over the edge and wow! The sight was spectacular. This is my first time in a helicopter and ten minutes later we landed at a spot beside the Colorado river. Took a boat which sped along zig zagging. The boatman explained that the South side belongs to the Indians and the West to the National park. I was very disappointed that this was the only information given all day. After my previous travels, I had hoped to learn about its history and geological makeup but I suppose I will have to 'google' it like everyone else. The helicopter picked us back up and returned on a different route. (Pronounced rowt here in the US).  Then on to the Indian Hualapai ranch. It was laid out like a Wild West town. Lunch was in the dance hall and there was a jail, a hangmans noose, bar etc. Cowboys demonstrated lassoing skills and guns at dawn. There were horses and wagons and it was a lot of fun. Vegas continues to amaze me at night with different characters, people dressed in fancy dress. I have been told the reason the casinos are not very bright and that there are no clocks around is so that the gamblers are completely unaware of whether it is night or day. I've still not succumbed to a flutter in case I get carried away. Will just have to stick to shopping instead! xx

Monday 20 May 2013



Las Vegas

There was a large annual Bay to Bridges charity fun run on my way out of the city this morning and they were dressed strangely. In fact someone told me sometimes they do it naked but not sure if that's true.  Had a bit of a bumpy flight but landed after just ver an hour. Was amazed when out as there were slot machines in the departure lounge as well as the luggage carousel. They don't miss an opportunity. Arrived at hotel and as usual took me a while to get my new bearings. My sense of direction is not good as many of you know but I have no chance here. It is full of  gambling areas all looking similar and I'm afraid they are allowed to smoke. In fact a scantily dressed lady goes around with a tray around her neck (like the usherettes used to in the cinema) full of cigarettes, cigars and lighters. It is as noisy as the amusement arcade. Now I have used a casino before but this is a whole new level. I wandered around for ages and was amazed at how many different versions there are of games I have heard of. Many of the croupiers are dressed in not a lot and in fact at one table a few of them are provocatively dancing on tables behind. Assume it is to distract the gentlemen. Another interesting observation was a masseuse going around giving neck massages as men were playing poker at the same time. Spoke to a couple who were playing at the bar. There's no respite when at the bar as there are touch screen games on the work top. She told me that they had two hotel rooms booked in the city and did not know which one they'd use. I asked why and she said it is called double dipping. That is when they are invited to tournaments as they gamble a lot. They were both invited by two different hotels and don't have to pay for their room. Therefore they weren't sure which one they would go for! There were some interesting characters around and a lot of music going around. Will have to explore more tomorrow.




San Francisco

San Francisco itself has a relatively small population of around 812900, but including the Bay Area that increases to just over 7 million. As you can imagine many of those in the bay work in the city so that means rush hour is busy. One of the methods they use to try to help the traffic are the six lanes on the Golden Gate Bridge. They is a cone system not like ours but ones which can be fixed upright into the ground. In morning rush hour the cones allow four lanes coming into the city and only two going out. When evening rush hour they have the reverse. Three lanes each at other times. Great idea. As it is earthquake area, the severe ones being in1906 and most recently 1989, their buildings have to be built to certain criteria. There is an area where they look so close together but the stipulation is that they should be 1" apart to help if they start to shake. Think our builders at home are using that excuse already given the nearness they build their houses to each other. Well had to post another parcel home today to keep the luggage weight within rules. The post office was within Macy's. I didn't look at the rails but got a shock when I passed a mannequin and she moved! Yes they use real women (well I say real women, they are stick thin).  Went to Pier 39 next to Fishermans Wharf. There are many sea lions who have made their home there. They used to live at Lands End until sharks came to the area so they moved to Pier 39 much to the disgust of the large yacht owners who wanted them removed. They tried to move them on with no success and now they bask in the sun in the safe bay, make lots of noises, have fun and entertain us all. They are mesmerising, I could have watched them all day. Went souvenir shopping in Chinatown and had a nice meal. Ended up in a duelling piano bar. First time I have been asked for ID in 30 years. The two pianists took requests and were brilliant at interacting and involving the audience. Only problem was there wasn't anybody to talk to really as all the people were in groups or couples. There was a lot of dancing where folks seemed to dance wildly. In fact two guys who did not know each other started to try to outdo each other and eventually the floor separated and they danced it out. Only here! Wish I could spend another day here but off again tomorrow.

Saturday 18 May 2013




Chapter 5 - USA

Well, it was a long flight. Two hours delay on the runway at Fiji = first time I've had an hours sleep before the plane took off. I've learnt where the best single seat options are and sure I had two seats to myself. Flew over the international date line and so had two Thursdays at once. Just as well as because of delay I missed my connection at Los Angeles. Stood in express queue for immigration as a result (still an hour) and then another line to find another flight 5 hours later, then queued up to check in. Luggage cannot be sent directly in LA due to security. New flight was also delayed so got to San Francisco after midnight. Arrived at my hostel and have bunk beds with a towel and a set of ear plugs on top! I needed them at 3am when someone clattered a load of dishes in the corridor. Up for tour starting at 9.15am. Was grumpy and again thought what is this place about? When I have been in other places I have felt the same until I wakened up. Sure enough later on the world was well again. Went to Alcatraz in the morning. An amazing place. The rules are "you are entitled to food, clothing, shelter, and medical attention. Anything else you get is a privilege." Saw the solitary confinement cells. Black and in there for a maximum of 19 days, one of them quoted they closed their eyes and imagined things to get their own little stories going to keep sane. Alternatively if they were deemed eventually to be one of the better ones they were transferred to a cell where the sun came in and they could sometimes hear voices from over the water especially at New Year. The most amazing thing is this island has the most amazing views of the bay but they never got to see it. It also has the most lovely plant life. A group of volunteers look after it. Onwards to a half day tour of the city. Mostly it was on the outskirts. Over the Golden Gate Bridge and on to the twin peaks. Went past the Japanese gardens which I remembered from when I was 10 years old, the first time I visited. Had dinner in an Irish bar trying to find my accommodation. Decided to go back there in the evening where there was a guy playing a grand piano (actually it had an organ fitted in) but included everyone around. Names, nationality with naughty innovations. Good night. Back to my little hostel which is a block more than I would like to be for safety but am older and wiser now. Rules on door are on photo but include "don't run naked in corridors". Don't think it will be a problem. Also at breakfast a sign at the sink says "your mother doesn't live here so wash your own dishes". That made me laugh. So USA is fitting in well now so bring it on. Love to all xx

Thursday 16 May 2013




Fiji ends too soon

Fiji is such a relaxing place. I have done nothing but lie about and order the occasional drink. The humidity is really high and literally you drip wherever you go. No matter what I do my hair goes curly and my fringe is now so long I have started to comb it back. So, I have taken a new strategy. Soak it in coconut oil in the morning, comb it back and leave it like that until night. When washed it is beautifully soft, conditioned and looks fine. Works well in Fiji. Went to a fire walking show last night. There is a long story accompanies this. I couldn't quite understand the accent of the speaker but my taxi driver obliged today. Many years ago there was a storyteller who told some villagers in Nakarovu at he would tell them a story if they gave him a gift. One found an eel and thought that would be a good gift as he could eat it. He heard a voice behind him saying please don't kill me, I can give you a special power. When he looked back he realised the eel was talking to him. If you spare me I can give you the power to walk on fire. Ok he thought. The eel said that firstly he could not have coconut for it to work or be with a woman before. He thought that would be a more special gift and the eel was true to his word. That is how the art of fire walking began! We had a Kava celebration afterwards. It is a drink presented in a big bowl. All of it must be drunk. It is made from the roots and stem of a pepper plant. It looks like dirty dishwater and tastes not much better. It is the local tipple however and needs downing in one. It made my tongue numb. Won't be having that again. Am really sad to leave Fiji and start travelling again. It was nice to be able to unpack a case instead of continually travelling. Am in Fiji airport now waiting on my long flight to LA and onwards to San Francisco. Will cross the International dateline and so will arrive before I left! How cool is that? Farewell Fiji, Hello Uncle Sam xx

Tuesday 14 May 2013




Chapter 4 - Fiji

Arrived in Fiji in the early hours of yesterday. What a welcome. It must be the friendliest place on earth with a jolly band playing Caribbean style music on landing before passport control. A shell necklace placed round my neck too. I am going to love this treatment. A short drive by a friendly taxi driver who informs me that Fiji consists of over 300 islands but just over 100 are inhabited. I asked him why Fiji is so good at one of my favourite sports, rugby even though they are such a small country. He replied that from when the children are little they are out playing and there are so many coconuts around that they just pick them up and start throwing them around like a rugby ball. It's their favourite pastime. I reached the shore of where the resort is and a short ferry ride over and I arrive at a beautiful place. Palm trees (my favourite) and pretty flowers. When my room is ready I go and am amazed to find it is a house on a raised wooden structure with a verandah. It has 2 huge beds and the verandah has a sunken spa in and looks out directly to the beach. Wow. I didn't expect that. Chilled for the day. in the evening i was about to go to the room when i was surprised by many men in grass skirts shouting, singing and then performing. they all have such fabulous voices. the people here break into song at the drop of a hat. I was so tired that when I woke up I had had 10 hours sleep (unheard of for me) and I couldn't remember where I was for a few minutes. I suppose it had to happen some time. Had a long awaited manicure this morning and then chilled by pool. Thought of doing a few things but no, will be doing nothing here. I said to some before I left that I may come back with dreadlocks or something! No worries there but did get a tattoo today. Spur of the moment thing but it is only henna, but quite large and goes wonderfully with my Indian skirt. Off on my next leg on Thursday to USA and still have no firm plans yet. Not the usual organised me but as yet not panicking. It will happen soon.  Bula to all (not a swear word just what everyone says here all the time). Think it means hello, g'day and cheers all in one. Every time it is said it goes with a great big smile. So I am sending you all a great big BULA. Xx

Sunday 12 May 2013

Debbie & Loren - long time no see



Melbourne

Set off to meet Debbie and Loren in Federation Square for lunch. They used to live in Sabden and I didn't realise it was as long ago as 11 years. We had a lovely lunch catching up with the years. Loren drove us down to St Kilda afterwards which is on the bay. Art Deco buildings and a coffee on the boardwalk, more chatty chat and the day is almost gone! You haven't changed a bit girls. Thanks. Met up with Ulrike and Olympia for a last evening dinner which we had down by the river. There was a band playing and the food and wine were good. Will miss you guys. Last day now and I went to the Rod Laver arena for a tour of the Australian Open home of tennis. Very interesting but doesn't look anything like it does in January. Used for concerts during the year and the court is boarded over and the roof closed. Lots of building works going on too. A long walk to the Shrine of Remembrance. It is so peaceful. Set on the ground with a tall pointed ceiling above with a glass point. It is designed so that on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the sun will shine through this glass and on the word "Love" on the inscription. Very special. Another long walk back to the city and hopped on the tram to go round the centre. Was too busy to see much so hopped off around Chinatown. Had very strange late lunch. Ended up with lots of dim sum - yum! More walking and I was tired. No hotel as I checked out this morning so I will just have to go off to the airport early. To quote Billy Connelly when he finished travelling Route 66 - "glad it's over but sad it's over too". Total journey was around 10,000 kms and 4000 of those were in a tiny minibus. Goodbye Australia, no worries! Flight not until 00:45 hrs. Going to be a long night.
Ps Happy Birthday to Stuart. Another year older. xx

Saturday 11 May 2013

The Great Ocean Road - a war memorial






The Great Ocean Road

An early rise to ensure a full day driving along the amazing Great Ocean Road. This road is a war memorial to the fallen soldiers of World War 1 and was constructed by 3000 returning soldiers from the war to give them employment between 1912 and 1932. It is 243 Kms long from Warrnambool to Torquay. The first stop was at the Bay of Isles and then to London Bridge. It is a rock formation which is now separated from the land. A couple of walkers walked over to it in 1990 and the middle collapsed into the sea leaving them stranded. Next was Loch Ard gorge. It was named as a ship called Loch Ard was wrecked in 1878 and there were only 2 survivors, Tom and Eva. There are two arms to this part and they are named after these survivors. Too bad Tom drowned 7 years later. This coastline is notorious for shipwrecks having suffered more than 600. Richard in our group knew that there was to be a partial eclipse around 8.25 am and brought us all the appropriate strange glasses. We looked a fine bunch! Unfortunately it was a little cloudy but it was still visible. Thanks Richard. The next stop were the amazing 12 Apostles (even if there are only 9 still visible). These are limestone rock formations up to 45 metres high sticking upwards from the ocean and a result of erosion that began up to 20 million years ago. There is a 2 cm erosion each year. Magnificent sight and previously called the sow and piglet. On to a rainforest in the Great Ottway Park in Melba Gully. It was a bit of an uphill effort but the scents as well as the views made it so worthwhile. It turned out to be a loop so didn't have to go back the same way - phew. There was Annie's Cascade a small waterfall known to house platypus but there was not much water in. Spotting platypus brings good luck but alas I did not. Another waterfall later at Carisbrook and we were on our way to Melbourne. Our last night together. Back to travelling on my own from tomorrow. A daunting thought.

McKenzie falls and Lemon tree the kangaroo



Adelaide to Warrnambool

G'day.
After Adelaide we crossed the state line to Victoria. It was a very long drive to the Grampian mountains. We stopped at McKenzie falls late afternoon and walked down 262 steps to the bottom of the waterfall. Well worth the effort but a long way back up! The area is very reminiscent of Scotland and the mountains were named by a Scot who was reminded of the Grampians back home. There are many Scottish place names and towns so I like it a lot. The motel was Grampian Motel and I would highly recommend it as my favourite of all in Australia. Beautiful setting with kangaroos and emus and all other wildlife around. In fact, I decided to go to the laundry just after arrival and bumped into a kangaroo on the way - don't know which of us was more shocked! I could have spent a longer time here and walked in the hills. So peaceful. Huge welcome by owners who made a fuss of us and the wine was  more plentiful and cheaper so I was happy. Dinner was wonderful and the female kangaroo came over to the window. The lady opened it and gave her some bread but we were told if the big one comes over shut the window quick as he is strong. Sure enough he came bounding along. He stayed mooching all night. When we ignored him he stood up scratching his belly and putting on a show. The owner fed him quickly and shut the window. His tail was thick and strong. Later on I fed the female, imaginitevely call Mother. The next morning there was a mist on the bottom of the valley and a walk around showed all the baby Roos too. Very tame. Off again and stopped at the Tower Hill reserve on the way to Warrnambool on the ocean. Saw some wild koalas hugging their trees. My room smelt of sewage and they said they would repair it so had my shower and the receptionist came up to check. She said I couldn't stay there so gave me a key to the suite next door. Spa bath, kitchen, washing machine, 2 balconies, it was fab. Had a get together to finish off some wine we had bought at the winery and cheese. Nice night. 

Tuesday 7 May 2013

Great Barrier Reef photos







Onwards

After the festivities at Ayers Rock it was an early rise again. 800 Kms drive today towards Coober Pedy. The outback is a bleak place and this is the nearest town down the freeway. The scenery is always the same save for an occasional dead cow or other animal. We stopped just before we reached the town to see a place called Breakaways which was the location of a Mad Max film. Wasn't familiar with it as I don't watch them but others seemed to recognise it. Coober Pedy is where they mine opals and a lot of the people live underground. We stayed in a Mud Hut hotel where the walls were made from mud. Very effective. We went to see the opal mine called "Old Timers Mine/Museum. Had to put on a hard hat as we went underground to see how they mined for opals. Sorry but it reminded me of the old Sabden Treacle Mines. It was a bit of a joke. The woman there boasted she visited 30 years ago and just had to stay - why on earth would anyone want to??? Another 500 Kms and reached the next town of Port Augusta. It looks dead. Lots of bars and they all have gambling within them. The people are strange (that is when they come out). These towns looked like ghost towns to me. Even in the bar at night the few that were in looked strange and didn't smile. Weird. We left Port Augusta for the dizzy heights of Adelaide. We have now travelled 2000 Kms in our little mini bus and we can feel it. On the way to the city we stopped in the Clare Valley to visit a winery for some wine tasting. Now that was more like it. Wasn't keen on the whites but the reds and rose were good. Bought a couple for the city and we were off. Wow, we are back in civilisation. It feels so strange. The outback is an experience but not one I would repeat. Free day next day so went to the Australia museum to see the aboriginal artefacts. All free and really interesting place. Next had a walk to the Botanical gardens where we bumped into a couple who were on our tour the week before and who we left in Cairns. It is indeed a small world! On to the Parliament building of South Australia state. A man took us on a tour and it is very influenced by Westminster in the style. It also has two houses, the House of Assembly (Commons), and the Legislative Council (Lords). Even to the green and red interiors. The House of Assembly has a green carpet with a red line called a blood line around. It is traditionally meant to separate the government and the opposition and the width is two arms and two sword lengths apart! In the upper house the Queen has her own chair at the top and I got to sit in it. I've shared the throne! Saw a couple of interesting churches, one being a Scottish church which was familiarly laid out and really pretty. Adelaide is a lovely city, easy to get around with all free transport and very civilised. If you are in Oz at some point give it a go. Heading downwards tomorrow on the last leg of Australia. Feeling very nomadic these days, like this is my normal life but am sure will be brought back down to earth at some point. Hope all are well. Lots of love xx

Friday 3 May 2013

Ayers Rock - Uluru

Palya (Aboriginal hello)
Several days ago I flew to Alice Springs. The scenery changed quite dramatically as we flew. Terracotta colours combined with sage, ashen grey like ground. The sun is so strong here, if you miss just a tiny bit of flesh with sunscreen you are going to feel it. The red colour in the outback is iron oxide and it is literally rusting away. It is very arid with not much water. There is water underground however and there is a tree with a white bark called red river gum tree. Dig down a couple of feet beside it and you would have access to water. Alice Springs is a small aboriginal town and not safe to go out in at night on your own. However the hotel had a nice restaurant so all was well. Met up with some new guests on our tour. There is a Wild West style saloon called Bojangles. It had saloon doors and lots of silly rules and artefacts. There is a "beer and bullshit" corner that I felt would not go amiss perhaps in the Pendle Witch or the Hart! An early rise and we had 10 hours on the road on the way to Uluru. Stopped several times at service stations which just appear from nowhere in the outback. Now the most irritating thing I have discovered so far are the flies. Thanks Sue for warning me and lending me your hat net. It is a godsend. Will not win any beauty contests with it on but it is practical. A little way along the road and we had a puncture. All out in the flies for a half hour in the sun. Further along we came across a dingo. Thank goodness it wasn't around when we were out. Other wild animals around include camels, cows and wild horses. Lots of eagles and saw one eating a cat. Further along we stopped to visit Kings Creek canyon. My shoes are alway red as are the bottom of my legs and socks. A little later we came across what's know locally as Fuluru. It looks like Ayers Rock but isn't. Many people are fooled, however when you see the real thing you can tell the difference.
The camels can be a real problem here as if there is a waterhole they can suck up 100 litres at a time and there is none left for the other animals.
Around 7pm we reached Yalara (the Ayers Rock resort). We were supposed to have a BBQ where you buy the food from the hotel and cook yourself but were too tired so pizza it was. At 5.30 we were up and ready to go to sunrise at Ayers Rock. The Anangu people here have the land and they look at the rock as sacred. They do not like you to climb although there is a facility to. However it is very dangerous and 40 people have died doing so. The people get very upset by this and once you learn more about the culture you realise why. It is a matter of respect. The sunrise was amazing. The rock is a monolith, that is one solid piece of rock. They reckon it goes on underground for around 7kms. The Northern Territories are so large that you could fit in the Uk 7 times alone. Closely in the park is Kata Tjuta (also known as the Olgas). They are magnificent too in their own rights. We visited the cultural centre where I read all about their beliefs and culture. Very interesting. Lastly we had a walk to the waterfalls under the rock. The paintings on the walls were magnificent. The young boys when maturing were taken by their fathers to learn about manhood. A quick shower and out again for Sounds of Silence and sunset at the rock. It was in the middle of nowhere with the rock behind. Sparkling wine and canapés with the didgeridoo player behind. After sunset we had a bush tucker buffet under the stars. Wow. Lots of wine and a talk about the stars with the lights out. Saw part of the Milky Way. Magical. All too soon we were back at the hotel and dancing to a band. A great day.