I take it all back. I lied. The red centre is truly red. As we flew on the 45 minute flight from Alice Springs to Uluru this morning all we could see were vast expanses of red dry desert. Took loads of pictures through the plane window.

Close to Uluru, as we were descending (bumpily), we could see vast dry salt lakes which were unexpected for both of us. Then, as we came into land, we had amazing views of first Kata Tjuta and then Uluru itself. Both truly amazing. All around the land is flat as a pancake and then out of nowhere come these huge rocks. I read yesterday that it is believed two thirds of Uluru lie beneath the sand. It is awesome and hard to get your head around (especially if you are a bear of little brain like me!)

As we walked from the plane to the terminal building it felt as if we were being baked alive. It was 42 degrees.

Hotel is good. We are in the Desert Gardens Hotel where we booked a room with a rock view. What a sight. We took the shuttle bus into the Ayers Rock Resort Centre, arriving just as everything was closing down for the day. The centre has a square where indigenous activities take place daily so I hope we catch some of those another day.

Walked back to the hotel. We've had a cold drink in the bar and are looking forward to dinner in the hotel later tonight.

Ok, now back from dinner and what a feast we've had. Both started with the Tastes of Australia plate which included four tiny tastes of Aussie meats. Started with a crocodile skewer (bit like a tough chicken, pleased to have tried it but I wouldn't rush to order it another time); next smoked wallaby (tiny chunks in a tomato 'marmalade', tasty); on to emu strips with red cabbage (totally delicious rich lean dark meat); and finally a teeny medallion of kangaroo fillet (so tender, cut through like butter, also delicious). What a great way to have sampled each of these meats - tiny portions of each so just a taster but enough to know whether or not you would order it another time. Emu was my favourite.

I then had Atlantic salmon, much meatier than salmon bought in the UK and packed with flavour. Eddie had red snapper, also good.

Now in bed catching up on emails and blog. We have an early morning call booked for 4.15 to go on the sunrise visit to the rock itself then a sunset dinner overlooking the rock. Busy day ahead!