Darwin

02/08

I think everybody among us agrees that our first night in Darwin was a catastrophy.

After hours looking for a decent internet connection (you have no idea, dear readers from overseas, how we struggle in Australia to get a decent public connection), it was time for us to find a place to stay overnight. Impossible to book 3 weeks earlier from Perth, we had no idea which day we would arrive at Darwin. Impossible to book few days before, no network. However we didn’t really know about the festival week coming the next week after our passage to Darwin. As a result everything was booked out. We spent 2 hours (consider 100 km drive around the city) looking for a Caravan Park willing to host us. They were either booked out or already closed (with a ticket delivered during check in to open the front gate). We then smartly rethought what to do on this evening and overnight. We then concluded: “well, we have no place to sleep right ? Why would we even bother about sleeping, let’s hang out overnight”. What a smart idea ! We thus headed back downtown. I tried to get Quentin smashed with wet pussies (I stop you right here, we are talking about alcohol shots, right?). We chatted with some very kind Australians who advised us a place in Darwin in which we could sleep in a park in front of the beach. It was of course not allowed to do so but they swore nobody used to check this place. Few hours later we decided to go to this park and set up the tent for overnight (or “overmorning”, it was already 3am). We stayed away from the shore, aware of crocodiles wandering sometimes in this area. 3 hours later, a strong light illuminated our tent. It wasn’t an UFO. It was actually the 4wd of rangers asking us kindly to move and telling us we were risking a 140 dollars fine (each). After explaining them our adventures around hostels and caravan Parks, they were very understanding and just let us go, free of charge.

A new day then began on Darwin. The first thing we did was obviously to book the first camping with places available, no matter the price. We also visited the CBD. It was also time for farewells. Quentin had to take his flight back to France, with his head full of memories. We then drove back to this camping park. We met very friendly Aussie guys (ask Lacey). I also pick up in the CBD a couple from UK, Lucy and Billy, I met 2 months ago in Melbourne.

The next day was the turn for Lacey to leave us. Pierre and I started driving south on Stuart Highway, heading to Cairns for new adventures.

Above, wonderful sunrise over the bay in Darwin. If I had taken this picture towards the other side, you would have a nice portray of the gentle rangers who kicked us out of this place.

Above, Darwin CBD in the morning.

Charles