As my time in Australia was drawing to near, it became evident that there was so much I wanted to see that I had not.  So I started planning to go places with every free moment I could spare. But sometimes life has other plans. Like an ear infections, cancelled flights, flooding. But I did manage to see a fair bit.

Funny enough, I found myself back in Sydney,playing tourist again. My cousin was visiting from the States.  So we did the requisite walk thru the Botanic Gardens, before heading to Bondi for lunch.

 

I continued my Australia on roller skates tour and headed to Uluru/ Ayers Rock or the Big Red Rock in the middle of Australia. It’s about a 3 1/2 hour flight from Sydney. If you go, try to get a window seat on the left side of the plan.  It was pretty cool to see an aerial view.

Since I was traveling alone and short on time, I only booked an overnight. Plus it’s really kinda of expensive.  So if you are looking to do this on a budget, I would suggest driving and considering camping/backpacker options.  If money is not object I suggest checking out Longitude 131.  Sadly it was $3,000/night with 3 night minimum so I had to pass.  But lucky, Voyages has accommodations for all, from the backpacker to the more luxurious.  If you are like me,  and only doing one night, do not go too crazy with accommodations, it’s all on the same compound.

I booked The Night at the Field of Lights tour., which was great since I had such a short time. It was started with watching the sun go down while viewing the rock.  The outback canapes included crocodile and kangaroo. I would like to say I tasted crocodile but I passed because of my food allergy. But I did try the kangaroo. It’s gamey

This followed by the Sounds of Silence of dinner and an enlightening talk about the stars. Which was fun being in the Southern Hemisphere.  And then the best part of the night, the Field of Lights. A light installation by Bruce Munro. Words and pictures just do not do it justice, it was AMAZING.

I had a few winks before getting up for the sunrise over the rock.  A few observations, I longer I looked at the rock the I agree that color does change depending on the sun.  And it sort of looks like a elephant on one side.

I suggest if your budget/time allows make the trip before the light installation is gone. There is a energy that is indescribable. I wish I had spent more time.  I am glad I went though, even it it were for such a short time.

I had time between hotel check out and the shuttle back to the airport so I walked over to the on site Art Center. They have local aboriginal artist in residence, that you can watch paint. Indigenous art tells a story. They are abstract because they have a sacred meaning and they design to disguise their meaning from western eyes.  The artist in residence that day had just finished a painting that was really eye catching to me and quite small. Meaning it would be easy to transport and find a place on a wall. WELL….. there was a line at the checkout. So I wondered off.  I just let the photos speak for themselves….

It’s actually stunning in person. I am quite happy with my purchase.

Until next time, safe travels!