Didgeridoo, boomerangs and spear throwing. Such fun to learn these elements of aboriginal culture at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park. .
We began the day in the culture center where our guide taught us about the creation story, traditional cooking, songs and dances, symbolism in the art, languages and weaponry. We got to practice throwing boomerangs and spears. Only one guy in our group was able to hit the target with the spears, but Steve and I did pretty well with the boomerangs.
After a few hours, we took the Skyway Cable Car through the World Heritage Rainforest to the village of Kuranda. Skimming over the rainforest canopy, we could see the vast variety of trees and ferns far below. Constantly on the lookout for cockatoos, we were disappointed. Probably they didn't appear because it was at the heat of midday. The first twenty minutes was up, up, up to the mountaintop and then a plateau. The last twenty five minutes we saw waterfalls cascading over cliffs, deep gorges and more tropical plants. Finally, we reached Kuranda.
In the village of Kuranda, we were privileged to hold a young koala. We hesitated because we know how fragile they are. The conditions were tightly controlled, but I suspect the handling was still traumatic for them. What an honor it was to touch this precious creature.
The trip back down the mountain was via the Kuranda railroad. It twisted back up the mountain and then down the opposite slope. This time, we viewed the rainforest at eye level. And we learned about the struggles of the men who built the railroad.
By the time we returned to the hotel at 5:30, we were overheated and exhausted. After a quick shower and lots of fluids, we were off to a group dinner at the Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant. Another incredibly full day.
Both yesterday and today, I was dying to get back and find out how my gal Hiilary do against the "mainsplainer." She demolished him! I am so proud of Hillary!
Can't wait to post photos again!
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