G'day mates

Well aren't we rubbish at this here blog thing. Sorry about that. Gosh, where to pick up from?
We really haven't done New Zealand any justice what so ever, other than our selfish endeavours of planning to get hitched... which probably won't be for over a year... So on to news of travels and adventures.

I guess (time allowing.. internet access ain't readily available I'm afraid), I'll work from tonight in Cooinda, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory. Streuth, Bruce! The flies, mozzies, heat, humidity and threat of estuarine crocs about is a bit of a worry. But, this place is amazing. Firstly, the Aboriginal people. I have lived in a country where some pretty racist folk slag off our 'black brothers' but have never even spoken to one. Well, I guess we've seen the gammet here. But just today, I got a big smile, hug and a kiss from one lady tonight, and we went on a tour led by a 20 year old lass who loves her people and her land. The few dispossessed Aboriginal folk we see in the cities are just that. They are without family and without tradition and culture to aid them. Without their land and culture, who are they? I guess we could all ask that question. Any way, it's been a delight to meet some happy and healthy indigenous people working together and with the Government. I've learned a lot more about Aboriginal culture and it's only strengthened my resolve that they are a good people whose ways need to be fostered and respected.

We're here in Kakadu at the end of the 'wet season'. As I type, the thunder and lightening loom overhead and the rain tipped down earlier today. It's been quite a sight to see the elements at their peak here. Unfortunately, though, this means a great deal of the roads and access is closed due to flooding and threat of crocs.

Most of the highlights have been in Litchfield National Park. Wangi Falls was blocked off from swimming due to crocs, however, we saw hundreds of bats shading themselves from the sun. We were able to swim in a water hole at the base of Florence Falls. It was utterly beautiful. I was kept amused for an hour watching Ben trying to get passed the enormous current of the falls to get behind (which he did) and try to climb up to the seat behind the falls like the local lads (which he couldn't quite manage). I had a magical viewing seat in the middle of the waterhole on a prominent rock. Cool water never felt so wonderful. The magnetic termite mounds rising from the tall grasses looked like a deserted and ruined city.

The sunsets and sunrises have been really quite stunning... the latter making the sleepless nights in the stuffy campervan slightly more tolerable ;)

Going backward to our couple of nights in Darwin was a lot of fun. It's a population of only 110,000 but a pumping night life on Mitchell Street none the less. There's a lot of WWII history relating to the Japanese air raids which I found interesting, and the museum gave a graphic representation of the devastation of Cyclone Tracy in 1974. The Art Gallery had a fantastic collection of European artists who had painted aspects of the Northern Territory which Ben and I both thoroughly enjoyed. The beaches of Darwin are idyllic, but the box jellyfish prohibit you from swimming for some 8 months of the year!!!!! This treacherous country full of itchies and bities!?

One thing Ben and I are unreservedly loving in Oz is the food. The Asian influences on the food and fresh produce is just yummo. Mud crab, barramundi, sumptuous fruits like pawpaw and pineapple... mmm.

We flew to Darwin via Alice Springs. Alice itself didn't hold a lot of appeal. The art galleries were grossly overpriced (some $20,000) just seemed a bit like... taking the piss to be frank. There were some real characters there which we probably wouldn't be able to comment on until we took some time to live out that way... and prepared to do that we ain't. So we hired a brand new car and hooned over to Uluru (Ayres Rock), the Olgas and Kings Canyon. What phenomenal rock formations! Just as I have wanted to do all my life, we visited the rock at sunrise and sunset to see the changing colours of red, orange, brown, ochre, and even purple! Amazing. But with all the hype, I would have to say Uluru was trumped by Kings Canyon for the varied walk, wildlife, different trees and shade and water holes. And at the Olgas I actually saw wild budgies! The birdlife here (eagles, kites, hawks, zebra finches, etc.) has been a real treat for me and the twitcher in me that seems to be revealing itself.

I'm sure I'm forgetting things here...

So I'll finish at this point with the promise that Ben will write when we get a decent connection and time to sit and ponder this all a bit more.

However, I just want to say how fantastic it has been to spend some time in my parent's home, see my dear Aussie gal pals, chin wag with mates, and catch up with the last five years here in Oz. It has been a delight to introduce Ben to Adelaide, my family and friends and see how people have quickly warmed to him and him to them and Adelaide. Although an Edinburgh boy he will always be, it was just nice to show him what this Adelaide gal loves about her home too. I think we have the best of both worlds. Aren't we lucky.

Love to all x Kel