Jim had to work today, so fully-recovered Addi and I went to Tjapukai, a 'living' aboriginal cultural museum. It was kitschy but very educational. We got our faces painted, saw some traditional dance, painted a 'story stone', got a didgeridoo lesson, saw a didgeridoo performance and learned some of the hunting, gathering and medicinal techniques. Addi managed to get invited on stage at the end, but got her first bout of stage fright.
We picked Jim up for lunch and spent our last cloudless afternoon in Australia at the beach and pool. We saw the lifeguard pull two baby box jellyfish out of the ocean and learned that these buggers can grow to the size of a human adult with a sting that can kill you inside of two minutes! Gulp! Jim wants me to remind you that he got stung by bits of this stinger a few days ago.
Tonight will be packing up for a day of travel to Bangkok tomorrow. This will close the first chapter of the Smith Family Odyssey (with the exception of Sydney, which we will do in March). It has been amazing and went by faster than I expected. A month was not enough to get the full Aussie experience. Although we visited the Australia most Aussies live in (and then some), we missed important culture and history by missing the west, north and middle of the country (Perth, Darwin, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, etc). Another month is in order....maybe next time!
So G'day Mates, for now! Tip a toast tomorrow for Australia Day- the national holiday for our friends down under!
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Is that a didgeridoo under your skirt, or... Sorry! Totally inappropriate considering Addi is in the photo with her new friends.
ReplyDeleteWho does Jim think he is wrangling deadly sea creatures and partying like a shirtless rock star? Crocodile Dundee? Be on the lookout for other signs - long hair, scruffy beard, leather hat, beaded necklaces and a belt with a knife holder. I'm beginning to think that Jim's transition back to CT might be harder than yours and Addi's.
I can't believe how quickly the month has passed and now you're on to Thailand. Safe travels and can't wait to shift gears from your tales of the land Down Under to SE Asia. xoxo
cheekycheetah you are a funny one. ( with good powers of observation ) How did you know I bought a knife and leather hat kit?
ReplyDeleteNjema safari, rafikis! (Have a good journey, friends!). Can't wait to hear about SE Asia. Xoxo
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