NT (Northern Territory) - Darwin - AUSTRALIA

In a place known for its tropical weather, crocodiles and deadly box jellyfish (who prevent locals from swimming at their beaches 8 months of the year!), Darwin is a very laid-back, northern coast town in Australia that offers even more to its residents and visitors. The beaches and harbors are beautiful, the neighborhoods are quaint and peaceful and the downtown area offers some cafes and a nightlife that could rival most major cities. Darwin also serves at the hub for traveling to the outlying parks (aka, "the bush") - Kakadu, Katherine Gorge and Litchfield. I only managed to make it to Litchfield, after my trip to Kakadu was cancelled last-minute. On the way to Litchfield our 4WD truck started smoking (never a good sign!) so we ended up on the side of the road for 2 hrs, creatively coming up with games to keep us entertained in the middle of nowhere! Once we made it to Litchfield we swam in two different waterfalls, and only took in the view of another two -- as they have not yet been checked for crocodiles this season! It was a less than "bush" experience, but it was certainly a good representation of what the landscape of the Northern Territory has to offer. Distant views reveal how undeveloped the surrounding regions are.

Since I had extra time in Darwin, I took to exploring as much of the area as I could. I rode a bike up the coast to East Point and Nightcliff one day & visited the local museum to learn more about the indigenous culture & region. The bike ride also offered me spectacular views of the coast line and mangroves, as well as the chance to explore a couple more local villages. Unfortunately, I didn't have any wallabies greet me -- that was my #1 hope for this "push-bike" journey! My visits to the Parap Market & Mindil Beach Sunset Market allowed me to see Jabaru twice -- an Australian band that is composed of a husband & wife (Renee & Rodger Bradshaw) and the 30+ instruments that they play -- their talent is beyond belief! I found myself lost in the awe of the upbeat and joyful music that flowed from their market locations, on both occasions. The neat thing was that I actually saw a Jabaru (a large, white Australian bird... almost egret-like) fly overhead en route to Litchfield the following day!)

I met up with Penni, my friend Jo's aunt, who lives in Darwin. I had the chance to meet more of her family (Aurora, Sue & Simon) and enjoy a lovely dinner at her home. Through our conversation, she was also able to direct me to the markets and some of the best coffee spots in Darwin. We met up for one more cup o jo' before I flew to Perth. Such a delight to spend time with local friends!

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING PENNI!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Arafura games were in town -- so athletes filled the streets, hotels and public busses during most of my visit. I took the time to visit with some of the paralympic athletes, and even end up on an evening walk n' roll with a few more wheelchair competitors... they were a trip! I was easily impressed with some of their 'tricks' in the chairs.

The Deckchair Cinema had just re-opened for the season, so I ventured over there one evening to see an independent film -- Burke & Wills... the film itself was not that impressive (rather dark, really)... but the environment of the cinema - kickin' it back in deckchairs - was fantastic! We were in the warm open-air, blanketed by stars above!