Well, it's the end of October (tomorrow is anyway) and time to write some more. I decided not to write anything for September by itself as not much happened. We had the Mahbilil (Wind) festival in Jabiru. It only goes for one day, but it's pretty good. There are stalls, including a lot of indigenous arts and crafts, cooking competition, and entertainment. The entertainment came from as far as Bali (dancers), which I guess isn't that far when you are in the northern part of NT. I helped out in our stall, for a couple of hours, where we sold indigenous art, and then just hung out. I was hoping I could tell you a website to check out with photos etc, but I can't find anything for 2010 and the 2009 sites show very little. A bit disappointing, I might have to mention that to someone. By the way the festival started many years ago as a boating/sailing day out on the Jabiru Lake, created by Rio Tinto (who run the mine here) for their employees and community.
Other than that I just went to Darwin a couple of times to do some shopping and to have the starter motor in my car replaced. Have to say walking into a shopping centre after so long was a bit strange. And there were so many people!!
Let's see, October. Well, I went back home for a few days for a flying visit. I actually had Qantas credit I had to use by the 24th October, so I managed to fly home for about $50, not mentioning of course what I paid in the first place. I didn't do much at home, just relaxed and hung out with the family. It was good to see everyone after 5 months, especially my niece and nephew who had both grown so much. The flight down was not good. My plane was scheduled to leave at 1250 Saturday afternoon, but because of weather etc in Sydney (where it was coming from) and water getting into the plane, I ended up leaving at 10.15 that night. I arrived in Brisbane at 2am and because I wouldn't let anyone pick me up at that ridiculous time, slept on the floor (the seats were taken by backpackers etc who had arrived earlier) at the airport for a couple of hours before Dad picked me up at a respectable time. There were about 15-20 people sleeping at the airport when I arrived, so I didn't feel uncomfortable or anything. It's practice for when I start traveling, as I will sleep at airports to save money. There is even a website dedicated to sleeping at airports, rating them etc. Check it out
www.sleepinginairports.net
The other evening was a bit interesting. The Fire Station crew needed to practice rescues, and wanted to use the dongas (where I live) as a 'collapsed' building site. So they came and had a chat making sure it wouldn't bother me. No problem. Then decided to ask if I would be the victim, as it isn't good to use crew members all the time, as the 'rescuers' get a bit blase etc. Ok, I'll do it. Not doing much else. Great, well if you are willing to do one, will you also let us rescue you off the roof of the Fire Station, as we also need to do a heights rescue as well. So that was what I did for the evening. I had 'spinal' injuries as well as other pains and was moaning and yelling etc. Especially after one of my 'rescuers' knelt on my fingers under the building, and another pinched my arm in the strap on top of the building when they were strapping my into the safety tray thing, ready to lower me down the ladder. It was a bit of fun.
Last thing for today's blog, but also the most important. Today is Noah's (my nephew) birthday. He is one today, and will be having a big party tomorrow with the family and friends. So 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOAH', wish I could be there, and a big kiss and hug to you. Also, a big kiss and hug to Bayli (my niece), miss you both.
Sorry there are no photos this time. I forgot my camera for Mahbilil, and my visit home, and whenever I do anything. I need to maybe attach it to me permanently, somehow. Bye for now.
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