G'day all

We arrived in the Northern Territory's capital, Darwin. I do believe that a wednesday night in Leyland is busier than a saturday night in Darwin. Its a strange place, difficult to describe, there is so much space and very little traffic and unfortunately there are a large number of aboriginal people which alcohol problems shouting abscenties around the place. But despite this the place does have an underlying charm, the people are indcrediably friendly and helpful, the weather is just glorious (not a clound in the sky), barramundi and chips on the whaft is delicious (especiallywashed down with a Thooeys stubby), the deckchair cinema is novel and the most exciting thing is that right on Darwins doorstep in the amazing outback!

Darwin is the place were we purchased 'Matilda' our 4WD Landcruiser, she is no spring chicken nor is she any oil painting, but she has heaps of character and came with everything we needed for camping in the bush. So the adventure began.......

We spent time in both Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks and Katherine Gorge. Immediately we both adapted to the great outdoors. Pitching the tent every night, Neil weilding his axe chopping firewood and making tea on the open fire. There is something so satisfying and earthy about the whole experience. Neil became a true hunter/gatherer after catching a 55cm barramundi from the crocodile infested river. I felt slightly uneasy when I actually saw a crocodile in the river where he was fishing, but to the people over here its just the norm. They are so used to the fact that their country has so many dangers and hazards. I mean where else in the world would people drive throught fire on either sides of the road and not bat an eyelid? Anyway fish for supper was such a lovely surprise and so tasty (I was secretly glad that Neil didnt ask me to gut and fillet the fish, dont think I could quite stomach that). Its a great feeling when you feel pretty much self sufficient.

The Aussie outback is just so much fun, camping in the bush with no amenities and very little light makes for an amazing sky at night, full of more stars than either of us have ever seen before. There are lots of interesting and unusal noises to be heard (especially at night and I am not referring to Neil snoring!). However I must admit, initially I was a little scared when I popped my head out of the tent and the light of my torch caught the glistening eyes of a dingo and the first time I was awoken by wallabies munching the grass around the tent. But I became use to it and found it hysterical watching Neil chase after a wallaby in order to retrieve the bread buns it just stole from the back of our van. Being 'the man' he did not return empty handed! During the day there were plenty of scenic walks to do, waterfalls to see, giant termite mounds to look at, fishing, canoeing through wonderful gorges, viewing interesting aboriginal rock art and swimming in some beautiful rockholes. The outback is really quite amazing!

Naively I thought Australia would be pretty similar to home. After 6 months in Asia I was quite looking forward to being in a country where they spoke the same language and that people would easily understand me. I could not have been more wrong......people talk about putting snags on the BBQ (thats sausages to you and me)....wearing thongs on there feet (now I imagined that be be a somewhat bizzare sight until I realised they were referring to flip flops).....purchasing a goon of wine (whats wrong with just calling it a box?)....you dont get a glass of beer, its a schooner.....I could go on but I am already aware that I write far to much.

On last thing. The vastness of Australia is unbelievable. I though India was a big county but this place..... Neil, Matilda and myself embarked on a road trip from Katherine (Northern Territory) to Townsville (North Queensland) which was 2200km. It took us 5 days! I mean we did take in some of the 'sights' (I use that term loosely), but most of it was driving. It was barren bushland or dessert for miles and miles, just nothingness. Australia has so much empty space, its amazing and its fun. We did laugh when we passed one town with a population of 2! Why?

Tan & Neil