Having a relaxing time in good old Darwin.
Finally had rain the other night although it was in the middle of the night so didn't get up to see it. By morning it was hot and sunny surprise surprise. Nothing much changes in this place!
Forgot to mention that even though Uluru is a big brown/red rock, after hearing so much about it, it didn't appear quite as impressive when stood right up next to it. The drive up has to be the most tortuous I've experienced in Australia. The Nullarbor was fine, the hundreds of Ks without seeing a soul in WA were fine, Darwin to Cairns was downright dull but Port Augustus (north of Adelaide) to Alice were total hell.
Nothing to see except the road, the occasional road kill, the occasional road kill killer road trains and nothing much on either side of the road itself. I think I could quite happily drive (if I ever get round to getting my licence) around Australia quite a few times before slowly getting the yawns.
Don't let me put any of you off though. Buy a big bus, chuck some paint on it, throw in a mini bar, a disco ball, an inflatable castle, a jacuzzi and Rolf Harris and it'll be that more enjoyable.
Well, walked down to Mindil Beach via the Botanical Gardens on Sunday thinking about maybe going for a swim. Went for a bit of a detour before hand to see the street they've named after me. Couldn't find Blake Street when I was here last but knew roughly where it was.
Anyway, tide always seems to be out in the day at Mindil. I would have thought that at some point during the year this would change but apparently not. Not that it would have made any difference though as the deadly Box Jellyfish are here at the moment. Saw one washed up on the beach but without its tentacles.
Not been out in the evenings yet so haven't met anyone. Been feeling a bit lost so have been taking my Rescue Remedy which 'comforts and reassures' according to the bottle.
Joined the video shop and rented Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. What a bizarre film. Highly recommended! Had to make notes and watch it a 2nd time. Was surprised that Tony understood what was going on when he started watching it halfway through and was talking about it. He didn't appreciate Spiderman 2 which I thought he would enjoy. Crap film though and I thought it was supposed to be better than the first one. Last time I trust Empire (or whatever it's called) for 'must see films'. Needless to say I'm going slowly mad in the hostel.
I've been trying to have a few conversations with Tony but no idea if he understands me or not. He's quite a deep little man and was talking about vampires in Queensland (rooted from watching Spiderman) and his Timorese friend who's in Melbourne and Brisbane, apparently simmultaneously. He's a lot easier to understand after a good old bottle of Coopers, I found.
There's an older Ozzie guy here who pops out (the TV and seating area is outside for those who don't know Harriets Place) for a cigarette, every now and then, joking with Tony. The other Ozzie guy keeps himself to himself and, according to Doug the owner (should never listen to him), likes to get busy with the Aboriginal ladies. There I was on Saturday night listening to music in my room and planning on going out when I heard a banging on the front door. Peered out and there's this older Aboriginal woman outside. Oh my God, it's his
missus! There was no way I was going to let her in but couldn't stop laughing out loud to myself. I thought Doug was joking as he likes to make up stories and spread rumours. Decided against going out in the end.
Must have been something afoot on Sunday as I got a call from Michel who was in Albany WA. Think he was working there. Hadn't heard from him since last September. I didn't even have his mobile number so no idea how he got mine. Strange that with some people getting my number! Anyway, got a call from Bruno (long haired German dude - sorry Bruno - I've still got the photo CD for you. Where shall I send it?!) a few hours later. He'd sailed to Tasmania and back and is now on the Gold Coast. Wants to sail to NZ next which is brave. I would love to do it but am terrified of rough seas and small boats on those
seas.
It was bad enough on the ferry from the South Island to the North Island in NZ and thought we were going to sink. Then got a call from my parents in the evening which was cool. It was my Mum's Birthday and forgot it was the 30th at the time but sent her a card beforehand.
Went out at 1am on Sunday night/Monday morning to check out the fire jam. Wasn't on which was disappointing. I know the police tried to shut it down last year but I read about it now being an official event in a certain travel book whose name I'm not even going to mention. I'll ask around if I ever leave to chat to anyone. Maybe I should go and live in a cave. Hopefully, Nirvana has the open mike night tonight. Used to like going there and it's only around the
corner from the hostel.
Is this the longest entry I've written..............nah! I've babbled quite a bit before for all you lucky people who have been selected to be on my distribution list. I have removed a couple of people.
No idea if there're problems with the mobile networks (Telstra is particularly unreliable as I found out when I was with them) as hardly anyone's replying to my messages....hello?
Gemma, I hope your friends turn up and come to the hostel. Hopefully Tony will spot them and let them in as it's closed. I can't really see myself walking the streets of Darwin trying to find a couple of Irish(I presume they are aren't they?) people I don't even know.
Well, there's always $2 night at Video Ezy. I can see myself watching all of the films in there before I leave. 2 videos for 1 for the 1st month too! Can't leave Oz until my bank eventually gets my address back home updated and sends my new bank card to my sister to send to me here. Don't want to risk it being sent to Asia.
Well, I'm going to let you all have a little lie down after this.
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