Friday 6 July 2018

Leaving Jan at Yoga Space for her hour of lying around (she claims they do all that yoga stuff you hear about or see on telly, but think that's just a story), had record number of people blocking bike paths. Although not entirely today, the typical obstructions are clusters of aboriginal people sitting across the pavement. Not sure why this is better than softer grass on the side, perhaps a habit sustained from wet season when it's soggy. As the average blood alcohol level seems to be above the threshold for physical discomfort, they may not notice. Besides on the sidewalks and paths, you see many at the hospital, frequently for diabetes related illness, and in town harassing restaurant and bar customers. There are over 500 different aboriginal clans in Australia, but the Larrakia predominate in this area. N.T. population is nearly 27% aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders - national percentage is about 3%. If you would like to develop a high opinion of indigenous Australians (they have inhabited Australia for 65,000 years or longer and developed many diverse, fascinating cultures and art (as an aside, ubiquitous dot painting is beautiful, but surprisingly only originated in the early 1970s and the boomerang was not original to Australia)), don't come to Darwin.

Sunday

By disintegrating, pressure water system has just volunteered to be the last minute crisis that is obligatory before every major departure. Giving up all at once, suppose after twenty years plastic is just tired. No less than seven separate leaks at cracked fittings. Enough spares for now, but of course Australia doesn't have required parts - maybe South Africa. Water heater is another kettle of fish with element plate and gasket getting on the bandwagon. Parts on order, expedited from US at twice parts cost, but working on jury rig for backup due standard delivery efficiency in Oz. Cold showers.

Jack