Sharing the pictures and adventures we will experience on our trip to Italy

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Alice Springs - Wednesday

Yes, it is Wednesday and this must be Alice Springs.

We left Ayers Rock this morning for a short flight to Alice Springs just a bit north. This town is out in the middle of the desert and even more dry than Yulara where we just came from. When we were out today for a tour the drive showed us dry river beds. They have the Henley Regatta every year with boats that have no bottom.

He drove us up to Anzac Hill which is a memorial to the Australian, New Zealand Army Corps who were killed in several different wars. They didn't have enough men for one army so they combined forces. They are also the inspiration for Anzac cookies, which we tasted and which are hard as rocks. Meant to be dunked in something.

Since this is such an isolated area we also toured the Royal Flying Doctor Base, which services the people in outlying posts. They can have a doctor to anyone in Australia in under 2 hours, even to the most remote locations.

We also visited the School of the Air which has distance learning for children in rural outposts. They used to use radios but now do everything online, paid for by the government. No discipline problems with these classes!

We went to the Overland Telegraph Station and also Mbantua Gallery which showcases Aboriginal Art. Quite interesting. Had the chance to buy a small example of this with the bio of the artist.

And who knew but this rural outpost has a little bonus for both of us. Got off the bus intown and we were right in front of a fabric store. I bought some fabric with Aboriginal designs to make my travel quilt. When do you think that will happen? And the hotel we are staying in has a casino. Maybe we can win the cost of this trip. What do you think?

We continue to meet the nicest people. Many conversations begin with - where are you from? Seems there are a lot of Americans traveling like us.

"It is good to know, even only in passing, charming human beings. It refreshes one like flowers, woods and clear brooks."

4 comments:

patty said...

AUNT FLISS,
SOUNDS LIKE ANOTHER WONDERFUL DAY THAT YOU TWO HAD. IT IS RAINY AND COLD HERE. NOTHING NEW GOING ON. I CANT WAIT TO HEAR MORE ABOUT YOUR ADVENTURES. I WISH YOU COULD FIGURE OUT HOW TO PICS ON THIS. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM. HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE. CHAT WITH YOU SOON
LOVE
PATTY

Alex said...

Enjoying your adventure vicariously. Keep the stories coming! After a couple beautiful Spring days here in the Pacific Northwest, we're having some cool, rainy days (even some light snow showers). I'm finally booking my rooms and tours for Istanbul and the Aegean coastal towns. Leave in a month. How's the wardrobe working out?

c said...

Nancy, I am really enjoying your blogs! I can't wait to see the pictures, especially over the Daintree rainforest. Dru and I read a book about that in lit lab.
Keep writing! Cindy

Natalie said...

Sounds fantastic! I can't wait to see the pictures either!

Guess who's having a town hall meeting at Hempfield High School - OBAMA!!! He's coming to Soldiers and Sailors Friday, but I'll be in Harrisburg for my shower :)

Can't wait to hear more about your adventures!