Dual Loyalty

As writers and bloggers are so fond of saying; you couldn't make it up. You don't cross the Iron Curtain and come out without scars ...
· Jozef Imrich, Survivor of the Iron Curtain Crossing

Monday, August 29, 2011



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Based in Katherine in the Northern Territory since 2000 Top Didj holds something for everyone. FiDj stocks an extensive selection of Aboriginal paintings from the wider regions of Katherine and beyond. We were impressed with the Cultural Experience in its two-hour activities. We loved the way Manuel and Adriene both are part of Desert and Top End Aboriginal culture and we were able to ask questions about their culture whilst being educated on the significance of their painting depictions, weapons used and how they lived off the land. The highlight of the Cultural Experience and what sets it apart from other cultural experiences, is the painting styles which are demonstrated by the Aboriginal artists. We had the opportunity to complete a painting of our own. The artists, Manuel and Adriene, taught us how to paint such styles as cross-hatching and dot painting, which are famous in the Northern Territory. Manuel signed our dijireedoo Top Didj

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Aboriginal Art - The Time Traveller t Nitmiluk aka (Katherine Gorge)
There's nothing like immersing yourself in the tranquility of such a wonderful place, and taking in the reflections and ambiance after a refreshing swim.

This entry is also a way of expressing Media Dragon's appreciation for the service and accommodations we received at Nitmiluk on 10 and 11 August 2011.
We have traveled extensively throughout the NSW. Queensland and Northern Territory...
Comparing to some of the accommodation in other states everything at the Nitmiluk was excellent! The staff at the front desk were warm, as well as courteous, responsive and helpful.

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The dinner cruise was outstanding - all staff greeted and treated us on a personal basis and were prompt, courteous, and helpful; especially when they managed to deliver burrumundi in order to meet Mal's special requirements as slamon is something she cannot eat ... Rocky was on a day off but jumped on a boat and delivered a wonderful feast to the first Katherine Gorge where we were watching the sunset ... Housekeeping at the lodge and chalets were just above our expectations as we have stayed in the past at luxury accommodation be it nunneries, manors,headmistress cotages and we have never come across such happy and easy going staff ...


• One of the main Australia tourist attractions is of course the Australian Outback itself. But the Outback is a huge place. Most of the Australian continent could be classified as Outback. If you want to see "the great Australian Outback" you will have to focus on one part of it, you can't see it all... Endless Appreciation ; [Images of Art ;Dine under the stars in the tranquil surroundings of Katherine Museum. Watch the wallabies and hear the local wildlife in the surroundings reminiscent of an outback stockman's camp Camp Tucker ]
• · It is a loooong drive from Sydney to Darwin. We foud the drive itself attractive: the endless horizon, the sense of space and freedom, the everchanging landscape, the slow change from red desert interior to lush, green tropics... But not everybody agrees. It is a long drive, and there is not much on the way in terms of fauna and flora and storytelling ... Nothing compares to the thrill and adventure which is experienced meeting this hulk of the horizon which is so lone and impressive at Tatranka - also known as Mataranka where you will bathe in hot springs, and from there it's only 105 km to Katherine and one of my favourite attractions in Australia: Katherine Gorge. Northern Territory is recognized as real Australia ;To all croc and eagle seekers! If you want to see guaranteed crocodiles, the place to head is Yellow Waters and Ubir. Walkabout with Natasha - Bill's Ganddaughter
• · · Outback, mountains, jungle and scrubby outback-Australia is flat, it's vertical, it's soaking wet and bone dry. Choose the mainland or sail between any of 12,000 islands. ; Many of Australia's journeys bring you closer to the world's oldest culture. Having read a few books related to Aboriginal people and their culture-and having been highly fascinated, I was curious to interact with the native people. It's estimated that their culture and way of life has existed without outside influence for anywhere from 10,000 to 60,000 years, depending on different expert speculation. That blows me away, especially in this day and age. Arrival of the Europeans, especially the British colonists, in the late 1700's wrought havoc and decimation to a great number of Aboriginals. Who says all humans need to be brought into the 21st century? I find their culture beautiful and extremely harmonious with the flow of the natural world. Modern society has a lot to learn from many of their ways. Unfortunately, our superior attitude and lack of respect for those different from us stunts our ability to grasp the messages others are here to teach us. Australia's Red Center
• · · · From deserted islands to actual deserts, you'll find the perfect backdrop for romance in Australia.; DREAMTIME
• · · · · Waterfalls and Crocodiles! ; The seasons in Australia’s “Top End” come in two distinct flavors: torrential wet and mud-cracking dry. Teeming with wildlife, you’ll find 60 species of mammals including kangaroos, wombats, dingoes, possum, bats and dusky rats. The Park is also famous for its reptiles like the awesome and dangerous Australian Saltwater crocodiles (salties) that patrol many of the Park’s waterways. Watch for large monitor lizards (goannas) and colorful frill-necked lizards, too. ; Healing the past will not be achieved by alienating others. Invasion or arrival?

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Bill's Granddaghter, Natasha, who has some Scandinavian background:
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Tuesday, August 09, 2011



Australia: Red in the centre, blue on the outside with a ribbon of gold in between. And enough thrills and spills to turn any experience into a blockbuster. Whether that be trekking through the rugged heart of the Outback or exploring its never-ending coastline.
No adventure to the Red Centre is complete without a self-drive trek to the most famous rock in the world. Known to you and I as Ayers Rock, the legend of Uluru dates back 20,000 years, and what better way to go around it than on a camel? It’s most beautiful at dawn, but dinner at Uluru accompanied by the rock’s spectacular light show is simply awe-inspiring Epic adventures in high definition ; Wet, wild, wonderful ; Show-off croc likes to pig out

Wet, Wild, Wonderful FEAST FOR THE SENSES
Featuring running waterholes , rainforest canopies and exotic wildlife, the second day takes the agents to Australia's largest National Park - Kakadu. As some agents quiz Ted on the meaning of the Aboriginal art enshrined on the passing rock faces, others venture towards the Ubirr lookout to prepare for another glorious sunset. As the day draws to a close at the Gagadju Crocodile Holiday Inn - the only resort in the area - the agents exchange photographs before indulging in another feast of local produce and retiring to their cosy apartments to recharge for a final day of sightseeing in the Katherine Gorge.


As the agents wipe the sleep from their eyes for the early morning start, Ted explains how each Inspiring Journeys adventure is based on the four pillars of discovery, exploration, learning and relaxation. As the coach ploughs across the floodplains en route to our final destination, the agents agree they've explored and learned, and have no doubt the relaxation element is well and truly covered. The discovery element becomes apparent as we arrive at the Edith Falls shortly afterwards. Some agents opt for a short wander among the greenery, while others make the most of a final opportunity to have quick dip before the finale to the trip - a sunset dinner cruise along Katherine Gorge. As the boat gently chugs through crocodile infested waters, past towering sandstone cliffs, agents chuckle among their newfound friends and another delicious meal makes its way to the table.
Cradling glasses of chilled wine, they share their experiences of the short journey and the tales they will choose to share with their clients. The general consensus was that the scenery, wildlife and dazzling sunsets were worthy of a mention, along with Ted's tantalising tales and broad grin. All of these, it was agreed, would whet the appetite of their clients. Whatever the verdict, the agents were convinced Ted's warm character would continue to entertain many more travellers into the future as he leads from the front seat of the Inspiring Journeys bus.


Inspiring Journeys [ NT Holidays: ; The Territory.com.au: ; Tourism Top End: ; Darwin City Council: ; Northern Territory Holidays: ]
• · It has been a cold and frosty start to the day across much of southern Queensland, with the mercury plummeting to almost minus 4 degrees Celsius in Roma and minus 3 degrees in Dalby and Oakey Charleville ; Roma ; Shivers
• · · At a fabulous party at the Aviation Institute last night, Festival Artistic Director Jo Duffy launched a fascinatingly diverse Darwin Festival program 11 – 28 August Festival ; This year’s program sets the scene for a sensational dry season of arts and culture with Jessica Mauboy in her first ever solo show in her hometown, the return of the wonderfully seductive Meow Meow, lively, feel good pop-rockers Little Red, dark, funny, risqué circus treats from Strut & Fret’s Cantina, US funny man Arj Barker, the simply stunning Drags Aloud with the Sistagirls, ultimate organ salesman and showman Barry Morgan, Jason De Santis’ mischievous and inventive pantomime Wulamanayuwi and the Seven Pamanui and auditory delights from ACO2’s Bach and Schubert ; Darwin is arguably Australia's most cosmopolitan city, boasting a population made up of people from more than 60 nationalities and 70 different ethnic backgrounds. Darwin's traditional owners, the Larrakia people, are prominent and active members of the community, and many still adhere closely to their traditional beliefs and customs Visiting Darwin ; On the job compo taken to new level: worker hurt during sex in hotel -An Australian government employee injured while having sex during a work trip has taken her fight for worker's compensation to the Federal CourT. The lawyer representing a woman who was injured while she was having sex in a hotel room during a work trip in rural NSW says his client was undertaking "normal behaviour" akin to bathing or sleeping and is entitled to compensation On the job compo taken to new level: worker hurt during sex in hotel‎
• · · · Eremita's Great Adventure Mataranka is a one-street town with a population of 400. The biggest attraction is the Mataranka Hot Springs Hot Springs in Mataranka ; Fran of Fran’s Devonshire Teahouse/defunct police station & jail renown (needless to say there was no such listing and all my entreaties to the operator that in a town of two residences and 6 - 8 people – she could not be too hard to locate, unfortunately went unheeded) Fran