A big hello from the hot and humid Darwin. We arrived in the evening here and our first impression was that it was a pretty coll place. The hostel was nice and spotless, which is always a bonus. Cool is not a word you would have caught using the next day when we went to the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT. Not only was it a scorcher it was very humid - which made for a sweaty walk........so we got the bus. The galery itsself was quite fantastic - the normal stuffed animals, a section on cyclone tracey and some aboriginal art. Some of the stuff was unreal. We even came to face to face with a 15 foot Croc with nothing between me and its gaging jaw - "wow petes a brave guy" i hear you all say. If only - it was dead and been stuffed as an exhibit. After the Museum we walked along the beach to Darwin gaol for a look - nothing much to see but wouldnt have fancied being in there in the day - no aircon for a start. Next day we headed for the croc farm -i was excited but lou was abit apprehensive shall we say. We headed for the pens to watch the huge beasts be fed a nice dinner of raw backpacker. Only kidding chicked was on the menu. My god you just wouldnt stand a chance. Amazing how something so big and heavy moved that fast. I loved it. Lous apprehension wasnt help by one huge croc jumping and hitting the board walk over the pens - its seemed he fancied backpacker afterall. We held a baby croc - check out lous photo - shes scared!! Our final time was spent in Kakadu national park....such a huge amazing place. We has an a aboriginee tour guide who told us all about their enviorment and how they use it to surive. He also told us about hunting, punishment, celebration through dance and song and diet. Roman also showed us tools that they still use today.We took us on a cruise up the river - it was full of crocs. Although we didnt see any we def heard them and Roman pointed out where they were. Lou again was scared. This guy was so intune with the enviroment. Here we also saw some amazing rock art. These paintings portrayed everything from their laws to old age legends. A totally sureal culture. The views from the rainbow lookout were amazing - cant really describe you need to see it for yourself. The way the aboriginee people have such a respect for the land and their enviroment is a lesson that is badly needed in the Western World. Their culture is amazingly complex but at the same time amazingly simple. From spending time here in Kakadu we really feel like we have learned alot about these people and now understand the changes/demands that they have had to face. Its no wonder that some turn to drink and become aggressive. With a new found respect to these people we purchased a aboriginal painting from a family based in the Kakadu region - i had to stop Lou buying one of every style. What is it with Women and shopping....oh and making decisions? After some unreal time in Kakadu it was to Darwin to prepare for a long journey down to Alice springs....not that we are complaing thou.....the good definately outweighs the bad. Speak to you from there. P&L XXXX