The Outback (No.. not the steakhouse!)

This past week I have been exploring The Outback with our IES study abroad group. It was an incredible experience and I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to see all of the things that I did. Here is how my week went:

Day 1: We flew into Uluru. The first thing I noticed was all of the red sand- its everywhere! Central Australia is called 'The Red Center' and now I know why. Once we got settled into our accommodation Charity and I walked up to a lookout point that overlooked Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Both are immense rock formations in the middle of the desert that hold deep spiritual significance for the Aboriginal people. We were able to get some good pictures of Uluru, but Kata Tjuta was a little further away. We had some free time in the afternoon and we lounged by the pool. It was so hot! Probably in the mid-high 90s, which is definitely a change from Sydney.

After we lounged for a while our group headed to the "Sounds of Silence" dinner. We arrived and had champagne on a little hill that overlooked Uluru at sunset. Then we had a 3 course dinner. The ground was sand, and there were no lights except for candles on each table. It was beautiful- there were so many stars! Unfortunately it was a bit cloudy and the moon was almost full, so there were not as many stars. The northern and southern hemispheres do not share all of the same stars, so I saw some stars and constellations for the first time in my life. I especially like the Southern Cross constellation. After dinner we were told some of the Aboriginal stories about the constellations, and we were even able to look through a telescope at the craters of the moon and Saturn. I could see the rings around Saturn which was really amazing.

Day 2: On Monday we explored Uluru and Kata Tjuta. We went to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and arrived at the Aboriginal Culture Center. For most of the morning we went on a tour of Uluru with two Aboriginals and translators. They told us stories about the land and shared their Dreamtime stories about Uluru. One part of the morning was spent learning the art of fire making. There was also spear throwing, and the girls tried on some of the traditional womens' items which include a digging stick and a bowl that rests on the head which carries fruit. The cool thing about seeing Uluru is learning how diverse the rock is. Most pictures you see online or in travel books is only of one side. The side often shown is pretty flat and uniform. However, the rest of the rock is incredible- there is a lot of erosion, making holes and hills all over. I was glad that I was able to see all sides of Uluru. Because of the iron content the rock is red, but the color changes shades all throughout the day, so that was cool to see too.

After lunch we headed to Kata Tjuta, where we did the Valley of the Winds hike. It was very hot so the hike was a bit rough at times, but it was very beautiful. There were just so many different rocks, most of which were red, and the scenery was very beautiful. By the end of the hike my legs/socks/shoes were all red!

From Kata Tjuta we went to the Mount Connor Bush Camp located on a huge cattle ranch. Mount Connor is similar to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, but is a less popular tourist spot. That night we had dinner, sat around a fire, and slept under the stars! Literally, we had a mat and a sleeping bag- no tent, no covering, just us and the stars. It was the first time I had ever done something like that, and it was incredible. It was a little scary because of the scorpions, centipedes, and snakes.... but luckily I woke up alive :) The stars were beautiful and I saw a few shooting stars as well. Something about the experience was so peaceful and something I probably would have never done otherwise, so I am glad we had the chance to do that.

Day 3: We woke up early and watched the sun rise. After breakfast Uncle (owner of the camp) took us around his land and showed us some bush plants that are safe for humans to eat and some fossils of algae from millions of years ago. The middle of Australia used to be an inland sea and so there are a ton of fossils all around.

Then we went to Kings Creek station where we would be staying in safari tents (small cabin with 2 beds). We were able to relax a little and have lunch, then we headed off for another hike. Some IES kids stayed behind but Charity and I thought it would be a great experience. We went on the Rim Walk hike in Kings Canyon. Overall it was easier than the hike from the day before, except for the first part of the hike which was an extremely steep climb up a tall hill. After that, though, it was pretty easy. The hike was probably 3-4 hours long, but very pretty. We stopped at a water hole called the Garden of Eden. Near the end of the trip I slipped and fell, and got a few good scrapes and bruises! Falling on rock hurts... but I got up and gladly kept going. I felt very accomplished afterward, despite my embarrassment.

Later that night we had an Australia version of s'mores around the camp fire, which were delicious. There are no graham crackers in Australia so we had to use another kid of cracker, but they were still good!

Day 4: On Wednesday we had a long drive from Kings Creek Station to Alice Springs. We stayed in the Desert Palms Resort, which was a nice change from the ground and safari tents! That night we took a camel ride. It was actually a ton of fun- it was slightly scary when the camel stood up and sat down, but the ride was fun and the camel was well behaved. Truly a unique experience. We had dinner at the camel station and I even got to try camel. It tastes just like salami.

Day 5: Thursday was our free day. I got up very early in the morning to go on a hot air balloon ride, but because of the wind it was canceled. So me and a few friends went and explored Alice Springs. We walked around town, climbed Anzac Hill and Billie Goat Hill, and got a couple souvenirs. Charity and I relaxed by the pool for a bit in the afternoon. That night our group had a nice meal (I ate a kangaroo fillet!) and went to a didgeridoo concert. It was more of a contemporary didgeridoo show, but it was fun. That night we went to the casino in Alice Springs for a little while. It was nice, but definitely no Soaring Eagle :)

Day 6: On Friday morning I tried again for the hot air balloon ride and this time it was safe to fly! I was really looking forward to it and it was a great experience. Watching the balloon fill with air was really cool. I got to watch the sun rise over the outback with was breathtaking. Luckily I did not feel sick or dizzy or anything during the ride- it was very smooth. The view of the McDonell Ranges was awesome. Afterward I helped put away the balloon and had a nice breakfast. Then our group left and headed back to Sydney.

This trip was unlike anything I have experienced before. I am certainly not a camper but I had such a good time. It was hot, dusty, and there were a ton of flies, but it was incredibly beautiful and peaceful. I am glad I got to see a side of Australia that most people never get to see (even many Australians never make it to the Outback).

Here are pictures from the trip:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2063236&id=15508583&l=d2738f40b5

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2063237&id=15508583&l=e5715550ab

I am now adjusting to life back in the big city. On Saturday Charity and I went to the Surry Hills Festival which was fun. There were a lot of booths selling clothing, art, jewelry, etc. and there was also a lot of live music, so it was a nice Saturday afternoon.

Next weekend I am going to see Joel Mchale from The Soup on E! and I am very excited :) Then, Charity and I leave four our 9 day New Zealand Trip on May 2. Green and cool New Zealand will be a sharp contrast from the hot and red Outback, but I am really looking forward to the trip.

Love,
Becky