An Alphabetical Stroll Through Bali and Australia-A is for: A BIG, FAT FINALE!! Link to new Africa TR (4/5)

[missjackiemcg]

I love the advice to look behind you, where others aren't necessarily looking. Makes me think of the WDW advice to always look up! I do enjoy seeing the unexpected when you may be focused or distracted by something else entirely.

My low fuel light came on and I thought to myself, it’s all okay. Plenty of gas to get back to town…

Oh no....foreshadowing...

So, so stupid. I turned off the AC, putted at 40 mph, and held my breath.

GULP! I was so hoping that this wasn't going to come into play!!!

$200!!!!

Yikes. Terrifying price tag, but so much better than being stranded somewhere in the Outback with an even more costly issue of getting help and getting the car back, etc! Glad you had someone watching over you!!

 

[Steppesister]

S is for: Saying Goodbye to Uluru​

Miraculously being saved from a very hot, unintentional and horrible walk in the Outback, Anara and I packed up our luggage and aimed the now-full car towards the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. It would be our last activity in the Park before heading back to Alice Springs and ending our visit in the Red Center.

By then, it was crazy hot; the dry air made walking around outside almost painful. Luckily, much of the museum’s content is indoors and the remainder in the shade. This free cultural center is included with your park entry fee (about $25/pp for 3 days) and features talks by native people, park rangers, exhibits, a café, and shops that sell authentic arts and crafts made by Aboriginal People.

As you enter the museum building just after the welcome sign there are prominent messages asking you NOT to photograph or video so this chapter will be really sparse on pictures to share. But I can add some thoughts and impressions of what we experienced.

​

Here is the welcome sign that I was able to video before entering:

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The exhibits are really well done. There is a lot of focus on bush plants that are used for food, building material, medicine, etc… Not surprisingly, plants are also used for art and music.

One of our favorite things was a short film we watched that had really old footage from decades ago of Aboriginal life and people with narration of what we were seeing. Not much has changed in their way of life including the kids looking for and gathering a favorite treat- witchetty grubs. That’d be a hard pass for me personally, but then again, caviar would probably be the same for our Anangu friends. We also learned a bit more in depth about the land being officially handed back to the original inhabitants in 1985. However, “On 26 October 1985, the Australian government returned ownership of Uluru to the local Pitjantjatjara people, with a condition that the Aṉangu would lease it back to the National Parks and Wildlife agency for 99 years and that it would be jointly managed.” – Wiki

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uluru

The Wiki article is actually really great at explaining more of the history of the area and its recent politics and management. In a nutshell, the Australian Parks system has leased the land back for 99 years from 1985 and they are slowly transitioning management of the land to the Anangu but admit a co-management situation has been very successful. Both sides, according to the rangers that gave that talk, are learning from each other about how to protect and manage the land and its resources.

As I mentioned, video and photos were not allowed, but I did take the liberty to take some audio of some music playing as part of one of the exhibits. My phone was only filming the side of my leg, I promise!!! I know that should you be interested you can find oodles of Anangu singing or digeridoo online so if you want more, you’ll have to do that. Oddly, there was no digeridoo music or even any mention of it in the Center.

​

We browsed the exhibits from 10:00 until about 11:30. After we took our time with seeing what was there inside the main building, we parted ways for a bit. I went to the shops to see what Aboriginal Art was available. One goal of visiting this area was to buy some art, specifically a "dot" painting done by a local artist. It is so absolutely unique to this place in the world, and I wanted something to add to my Asia-Australia Trip wall collage. Remember, I had a Balinese mask, some Philippine and Balinese currency, and a few other trinkets that will look nice as a grouping.

It took me quite some time to browse through the dozens and dozens of paintings of all sizes, almost all of which are done in the “newer” traditional method of acrylics on canvas. This was made popular in the 1970’s and before that was done on bark or rock using the unmistakable technique of dot painting. The curator was absolutely FULL of wonderful information and helped me learn about what I was looking at. Each painting tells a story or is inspired by the land or societal interactions.

Here are some informational handouts I got with the art that I purchased:

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And now…. For the art itself. 2 pieces each about 10” x 24”. I can’t WAIT to be able to finally get them framed!!!

​

You might be asking what the meaning is behind these pieces. I’m glad you asked! Here is the information that I was given about them as well. They are 100% authentic in every way and one of the pieces was done by the very artist that was commissioned to do a piece for the first Aboriginal art featured on the livery of a Qantas aircraft. Here is her story as told on Wiki:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rene_Kulitja

​

Williamson is the daughter of another legendary Anangu artist Ruby Williamson.

I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to buy these and now enjoy them every day. I just love them and they fulfilled a big dream of my time in Central Australia. (Aside from seeing the inspiration of nature behind the art itself.)

(That is some force of Nature!)​

With my purchases carefully rolled with tissue paper protecting the painted surface, I went out to find Anara. It’s quite a small campus so we quickly hooked back up and decided to get Anara some lunch before the very long road trip back to Alice Springs. The hot dish featured that day was lasagna, so she got that. It sure looked good!

It was HUGE.

But she was hungry.

She ate it all.

I wouldn’t have refused a few bites.

You’re welcome for lunch, Kiddo.


I got a latte which was absolutely amazing and really hit the spot. It’d been quite a few days since I’d had a real coffee so I was pretty happy!

At 1:00, we were on the road and settled in for the 4 ½-5 hour trek back. We had one potty stop at Erldudna/Ghan about halfway back but otherwise filled our time with listening to Anara’s audiobook which I was thoroughly enjoying! Sadly, we also saw not one, but two, camels that were roadkill victims. It sure helped us understand the reason that trucks and cars alike all have “Roo bars” on them. Although, a camel vs. passenger car, roo bar or not, is likely gonna be ugly.

​

Before dark we found our next Airbnb- a private house that had extra bedrooms. Our 70-something year old hostess answered the door and seemed a little confused. “Oh! I thought it was just one person!”

I think this was 100% my mistake. I’d booked it before Anara decided to go and for only myself, forgetting to go back and change the number of people.

“No problem” she added quickly! “I will just move you to the double bedroom easy peasy.”

Phew! Crisis averted.

We tossed our stuff in the room, and I put my swimsuit on. There was a small pool in the back, and it felt wonderful to cool off then sit in the warm air and watch the plethora of birds visiting the birdbath and fruit trees in the yard. I only caught a few, but just those few were ones I hadn’t seen yet and could add to my growing long list of birds I’d “collected” on this epic trip!

(Australian Ringneck)


(Southern Whiteface)


(Spotted Bowerbird)​

Eventually, we got hungry and settled on a Korean place that was one of the options I’d put on the list prior to the trip. It turned out to be FANTASTIC! I think it was called Simply Korean, and we shared several dishes: Bibimbap, some dumplings, and a big order of spicy kimchee. I had a glass of wine and Anara pulled something out of the fridge- pop I think of some kind. During dinner we chatted with a German couple sitting next to us who had never had Korean food, so we coached them a bit on popular dishes to order. At some point, we were talking about a particular friend of Anara’s. I was asking how she was and if she’d seen her lately. She hadn’t. I kid you not, about 1 minute later she, Taylor, literally texted Anara! What a crazy coincidence! I was hankering for something a bit sweet and the dessert on the menu was a homemade mixed berry ice cream. YUM!

With full and completely satisfied palates and bellies we drove back to the house and pretty much fell into bed and asleep right away. Another day in the books. And one more yet to come in Australia’s incredible, beautiful Center.

​

 

[pkondz]

Miraculously being saved from a very hot, unintentional and horrible walk in the Outback

And having your car set on fire...

the dry air made walking around outside almost painful.

I'm curious.
You know the saying "At least it's a dry heat"?
How did it compare to a Florida (i.e. humid) heat?

there are prominent messages asking you NOT to photograph or video

Huh. Usually photographs are allowed. Interesting.

One of our favorite things was a short film we watched that had really old footage from decades ago of Aboriginal life and people with narration of what we were seeing.

I think I'd like that too.

witchetty grubs. That’d be a hard pass for me personally, but then again, caviar would probably be the same for our Anangu friends.

Good point.
But... I googled. Those grubs are big!
I'll stick to caviar, thanks.

On 26 October 1985, the Australian government returned ownership of Uluru to the local Pitjantjatjara people, with a condition that the Aṉangu would lease it back to the National Parks and Wildlife agency for 99 years and that it would be jointly managed

Interesting arrangement. But I guess it works for both sides.

Oddly, there was no digeridoo music or even any mention of it in the Center.

Really? That is odd. Unless it's more of a staple from other areas and not central?

One goal of visiting this area was to buy some art, specifically a "dot" painting done by a local artist.

I hadn't heard the term, but have seen (on the internet) some examples.

And now…. For the art itself. 2 pieces each about 10” x 24”. I can’t WAIT to be able to finally get them framed!!!

Glad you're happy with them. I prefer the first of the two pieces.

They are 100% authentic in every way and one of the pieces was done by the very artist that was commissioned to do a piece for the first Aboriginal art featured on the livery of a Qantas aircraft.

Nice!

I just love them and they fulfilled a big dream of my time in Central Australia.

(That is some force of Nature!)

I wonder what caused it? Snow or ice or something else?

The hot dish featured that day was lasagna, so she got that. It sure looked good!

mmmm...

She ate it all.

I wouldn’t have refused a few bites.

Sadly, we also saw not one, but two, camels that were roadkill victims.

Whoa.

Although, a camel vs. passenger car, roo bar or not, is likely gonna be ugly.

I'd think it would be similar to hitting a moose. Super dangerous.

Our 70-something year old hostess answered the door and seemed a little confused. “Oh! I thought it was just one person!”

Uh, oh...

I think this was 100% my mistake. I’d booked it before Anara decided to go and for only myself, forgetting to go back and change the number of people.

Glad it got sorted.

There was a small pool in the back, and it felt wonderful to cool off

Bet that felt good after that extreme heat!

Eventually, we got hungry and settled on a Korean place that was one of the options I’d put on the list prior to the trip. It turned out to be FANTASTIC!

Great!
mmmm... good food...

Bibimbap

Yum!!

During dinner we chatted with a German couple sitting next to us who had never had Korean food, so we coached them a bit on popular dishes to order.

I'll have to enlist you ladies to give me a primer. I've had very little... almost none... Korean food.

Lovely photo of you both.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I love the artwork that you bought. It must have been hard to just pick two. It sounds like a great day all around.

 

[missjackiemcg]

Oddly, there was no digeridoo music or even any mention of it in the Center.

Well that is odd! I would've expected a bunch. Jimmy had a sound book when he was little with instruments and animals from around the world. He was forever pressing the button for "Listen to Dingo and his Didgeridoo!" I hadn't thought about that in ages, but it came right back as I was reading your update.

2 pieces each about 10” x 24”. I can’t WAIT to be able to finally get them framed!!!

So beautiful! At first I thought they were stretched over a wood frame already and thought, 'how is she going to get those home!?' But I see further down, you were able to roll them. They're just beautiful. I'm sure it was hard to narrow it down!

 

[Steppesister]

*************** Time for a New Chapter!*****************
​

Hey there, Hi there, Ho there! Took myself a wee vacation before embarking on a new career adventure- TOMORROW! Tomorrow is the first day of my new job and I'm both excited and terrified. Wish me luck! I hope you all are well and life has been good to you. I'd love to hear what you've been up to! Share a line or two and let us know! I for one am looking forward to warmer weather and getting my beloved back deck all set up again for spending loads of time on. But even more than that, I'm looking forward to a BIG TRIP!!!!! I'm saving it for a huge surprise so for now all I'm willing to tell you is that I'M GOING TO AFRICA!!!! It's a big place and there are loads of potential styles of trips, so stay tuned! I'll be starting a brand new TR sometime in JUNE!! Meanwhile, I have one more day in the Red Center and 4 days in the Cairns/Daintree Rainforest area to share here and of course TONS of days of my Christmas Land and Sea Trip left. I still have some things to take care of to get ready for tomorrow and I'm headed to a Super Bowl Party in a bit, so today I'm just going to throw up some photos and call it good.

*******************************************************************************

T is for: Tjukurpa and A Whole Lot More!
​

The Cultural Center, as I mentioned in the last chapter, does not allow photos. The reason we were given is that the Tribal Elders want people to focus on fully immersing themselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of what they share. To make up for that and because they do want you to be able to remember what you've learned, they provide upon request a HUGE packet of wonderful color, glossy pages of information. I honestly was very impressed with the quality and content what they gave out! I have not read it all in it's entirety, but rest assured it's all going to go into my (eventual) Asia-Australia Trip Travel Display. Someday, I WILL get all of my trips' collections up. Sigh....
So, without further ado here are 2 posts worth of more information than you possibly have time for. But it's here for the taking should you find yourself with some extra free time. It's all quite fascinating for certain!
Next time I'll pick it up with how we spend our last day waterhole hopping along the McDonnell Mountain Range.

​

 

[Steppesister]

​

 

[Steppesister]

And having your car set on fire...

There's always that bonus.

I'm curious.
You know the saying "At least it's a dry heat"?
How did it compare to a Florida (i.e. humid) heat?

You know that's a good question. They certainly feel very differently, but I do wonder in which you'd become dehydrated in faster. Huh.... I don't like being "WET" in the humid heat (like in Bali or Thailand) but the dry heat kinda actually hurts sorta.

Huh. Usually photographs are allowed. Interesting.

Cultural request. I'm not entirely convinced it was because of the reason they stated but I respected it nonetheless.

Good point.
But... I googled. Those grubs are big!
I'll stick to caviar, thanks.

Huge, and NOT for me.

Interesting arrangement. But I guess it works for both sides.

It is interesting. I'm not sure any other place say, the US or Canada, is doing it that way.

Really? That is odd. Unless it's more of a staple from other areas and not central?

I honestly don't know. And there was really very little about boomerangs as well.

I hadn't heard the term, but have seen (on the internet) some examples.

It's so very unique and typical to this place alone on Earth and that's why I wanted some.

Glad you're happy with them. I prefer the first of the two pieces.

And I like the second if only for the cool/soft colors.

I wonder what caused it? Snow or ice or something else?

No, this is metamorphic in nature so heat and pressure made this cool formation.

I'll have to enlist you ladies to give me a primer. I've had very little... almost none... Korean food.

LOOOOOOOVE Korean food!! I love how at the more authentic places they start/accompany the meal with sometimes up to a dozen little tastes of various salads and goodies to go along with your rice and/or main dish!

 

[Steppesister]

I love the artwork that you bought. It must have been hard to just pick two. It sounds like a great day all around.

Sorry for the late in coming reply!!! Took me a little vacay to warmer places as a last hurrah before starting work.

It was SOOOOO hard. I spent almost an hour browsing and flipping through all the pieces hanging on the racks. OY!!

 

[Steppesister]

Well that is odd! I would've expected a bunch. Jimmy had a sound book when he was little with instruments and animals from around the world. He was forever pressing the button for "Listen to Dingo and his Didgeridoo!" I hadn't thought about that in ages, but it came right back as I was reading your update.


So beautiful! At first I thought they were stretched over a wood frame already and thought, 'how is she going to get those home!?' But I see further down, you were able to roll them. They're just beautiful. I'm sure it was hard to narrow it down!

Yes, I sure thought it odd too! Maybe we just missed that display too. Certainly possible in a museum! Such a weird, cool sounding instrument but a little sure goes a long way for me.

I do need to get them framed but am waiting for a few paychecks to start coming in.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Good luck on your first day at work. Hope you enjoyed your Super Bowl party and well deserved mini-vacation.
I’ve been busy organising repairs after Storm Éowyn. We were lucky not to have roof or house damage ( no idea why that bit is in bold ) but we did lose some fencing which our insurance company did not cover ( surprise surprise- they sent a blanket text the day before the storm hit to tell everyone they wouldn’t cover fences or gates). So £1150 later we have new fence posts and gate to side of house and I am grateful it wasn’t worse. I am sad that we lost the climbing clematis plants that my mum and dad bought us almost 10 years ago as a wedding anniversary gift. They were avid gardeners and so many of my plants were gifts from them. I miss them but am grateful to have loved them and had them both in mine and my children’s lives for as long as we did
My neighbours lost roof tiles which did £4000+ damage ( insurance did cover that) and my grandson’s classroom ceiling came down so he is currently learning in the PE hall which he loves though he says he misses the reading corner and it’s cushions
I am heading off on my own mini vacation this Thursday with my daughter to visit my nieces In Glasgow. The eldest girl ( who is also my Goddaughter) became a mum just before Christmas so we are getting to meet baby Lucy for the first time . My sister ( new Granny) is coming too.
Not quite as exotic as Africa but I’m excited nonetheless.
Haven’t read through all your posted info yet but wow they certainly provided you with plenty of reading material!
Good luck again for today

ETA just got a note through the door that there will be filming in my street on Wednesday for a tv series called Blue Lights so there’s an unexpected bit of excitement

 

[Wood Nymph]

Tomorrow is the first day of my new job and I'm both excited and terrified. Wish me luck!

Good luck! First days are always stressful.

I'm saving it for a huge surprise so for now all I'm willing to tell you is that I'M GOING TO AFRICA!!!!

That sounds amazing. My sister went to Egypt, which included a trip down the Nile. I can see you doing so much more than that.

they provide upon request a HUGE packet of wonderful color, glossy pages of information.

That is a huge amount of information. I'm going to read some of the parts that I am most interested in.

 

[pkondz]

Tomorrow is the first day of my new job and I'm both excited and terrified. Wish me luck!

Good luck!

I'd love to hear what you've been up to!

Trying not to freeze to death.

I for one am looking forward to warmer weather

Ya don't say...

But even more than that, I'm looking forward to a BIG TRIP!!!!! I'm saving it for a huge surprise so for now all I'm willing to tell you is that I'M GOING TO AFRICA!!!!

Oh, wow! That's cool!

The Cultural Center, as I mentioned in the last chapter, does not allow photos.

Ya...
Not sure if I buy the reason either.

To make up for that and because they do want you to be able to remember what you've learned, they provide upon request a HUGE packet of wonderful color, glossy pages of information.

Hah! You did an end-run around the rules. You took pictures of their pictures!

You know that's a good question. They certainly feel very differently, but I do wonder in which you'd become dehydrated in faster. Huh.... I don't like being "WET" in the humid heat (like in Bali or Thailand) but the dry heat kinda actually hurts sorta.

Which would you rather be in?

I honestly don't know. And there was really very little about boomerangs as well.

I'm not super surprised by that one, though.

LOOOOOOOVE Korean food!! I love how at the more authentic places they start/accompany the meal with sometimes up to a dozen little tastes of various salads and goodies to go along with your rice and/or main dish!

That food looks good! I'll have to dive into that some day.

 

[missjackiemcg]

I'M GOING TO AFRICA!!!!

Well how's that for an exciting announcement!?!

I hope day 1 (and 2 today!) at your new job went smoothly and that you're finding your bearings. I'm hoping it is a great fit for you and that you love your new "home."

Unfortunate that you weren't able to capture your own photographs, but they certainly do provide a generous amount of information and images to make up for it at least!

I am currently trying to survive this week of the 100th day of school, Valentine's Day, Parent-Teacher conferences AND an impending snowstorm tomorrow. Yippee!! Rob and I are headed to Wisconsin for the long weekend for some R and R while Jimmy hangs at home with Grandma and Grandpa. Can't wait to just lounge around and eat and drink gluttonously!!

 

[irene_dsc]

I hope the first day at the new gig went well! And looking forward to hearing more about the Africa trip!

 

[Steppesister]

Hey All,

I have read all of your wonderful replies (I do as soon as I see them!!) and promise I will reply myself this weekend! I love reading about what's going on in your life, Friends!

The job is going well and everyone I've met seems so nice and welcoming! I've had LOTS of training on Patient Communication, Billing and Coding, How to Avoid Lawsuits, Risk Management, etc... all of that stuff they don't teach you in school. Ugh. Useful and helpful, but not really what I want to focus on. LOL!! I'm finally going to be in the clinic tomorrow and will shadow the other NPs (my 3 co-workers in the office) for a couple of days then start shadowing through all of our specialty clinics and providers so I can meet them, see their treatment/management styles, know who I'm referring my patients to, etc... getting exciting!

Anyway, replies soon!

 

[pkondz]

Glad to hear the job's going well. Continued good luck!

 

[Steppesister]

Good luck on your first day at work. Hope you enjoyed your Super Bowl party and well deserved mini-vacation.
I’ve been busy organising repairs after Storm Éowyn. We were lucky not to have roof or house damage ( no idea why that bit is in bold ) but we did lose some fencing which our insurance company did not cover ( surprise surprise- they sent a blanket text the day before the storm hit to tell everyone they wouldn’t cover fences or gates). So £1150 later we have new fence posts and gate to side of house and I am grateful it wasn’t worse. I am sad that we lost the climbing clematis plants that my mum and dad bought us almost 10 years ago as a wedding anniversary gift. They were avid gardeners and so many of my plants were gifts from them. I miss them but am grateful to have loved them and had them both in mine and my children’s lives for as long as we did
My neighbours lost roof tiles which did £4000+ damage ( insurance did cover that) and my grandson’s classroom ceiling came down so he is currently learning in the PE hall which he loves though he says he misses the reading corner and it’s cushions
I am heading off on my own mini vacation this Thursday with my daughter to visit my nieces In Glasgow. The eldest girl ( who is also my Goddaughter) became a mum just before Christmas so we are getting to meet baby Lucy for the first time . My sister ( new Granny) is coming too.
Not quite as exotic as Africa but I’m excited nonetheless.
Haven’t read through all your posted info yet but wow they certainly provided you with plenty of reading material!
Good luck again for today

ETA just got a note through the door that there will be filming in my street on Wednesday for a tv series called Blue Lights so there’s an unexpected bit of excitement

OH wow! I had no idea there WAS a storm in your neck of the woods but I looked at it and what a nightmare! Holy smokes, winds of over 100mph! I'm so glad you were mostly unscathed aside from the fence and your damage wasn't worse. It sounds like others weren't so lucky. I'm sad too about your Clematis- they are such lovely flowers and it's even sadder that it was a special gift from your folks.

Sounds like every one is doing their best to find creative solutions.

By now you're off on your short adventure to Glasgow! Post a photo? New babies are wonderful. In fact, I will post one I got my of brand new grandbaby Ada Rose. Will you do anything there aside from getting some baby snuggles?

I didn't expect anyone to really read or study the info. Just browse as they found an interesting topic or so. But it's there for the taking anyway. The next update will be more fun.

 

[Steppesister]

That sounds amazing. My sister went to Egypt, which included a trip down the Nile. I can see you doing so much more than that.

Africa is HUUUUUUUUUUUGE with tons of various touring options. From deserts, to savannah, to tropical jungle- gorillas, the Big 5, sharks, coral, crocs, water, you name it. Anxious to share, but knowing how little extra time I have right now, it'll have to wait until my return.

That is a huge amount of information. I'm going to read some of the parts that I am most interested in.

Definitely not a load of info I expected folks would read! It's just FAR too much, but maybe one or two might have caught the eye and would be an interesting read for someone.

 

[Steppesister]

Trying not to freeze to death.

Yeah, it's not even that cold here comparatively, but cold for me; and I HATE it!

Oh, wow! That's cool!

Can't wait to share it all with you!

Hah! You did an end-run around the rules. You took pictures of their pictures!

I did!! LOL!

Which would you rather be in?

Definitely dry heat. In humidity you just burn through too many clothes WAY too fast. Too much laundry! And I hate the feeling of being in wet/sweaty clothes.

That food looks good! I'll have to dive into that some day.

Definitely worth it!!