A Town like Alice

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A Town like Alice 2014-06-08



Here we are in Alice Springs; 4 adults; 2 knee-hi’s; 2 car seats; 5 check in bags; 5 (or was it 10?) carry on packets and stuff. A long day; especially after the night before but very excited for our outback adventure to begin. Tomorrow we collect our campervan and ride into the sunset or whatever it is they do around here. I am excited to see Uluru.



It’s 19:45; half an hour earlier than it was yesterday this time and we are so ready for crashing. (Makes sense to you?) Traveling; picnics; late night parties and more travelling have got the better of us. We are checked into “Alice in the territory – Travellers’ Oasis” in Alice Springs. Yes that is the lodge name. As you can see on the photos it is nestled under a ridge somewhat reminiscent of Golden Gate back in South Africa but not quite so impressive; two long parallel double storey face-brick buildings, with palms and plants planted down the middle. I suppose that makes sense in a desert environment. Hard to believe it gets very hot here. There has been a crisp chill in the air since we arrived. It is winter.



This afternoon we had a quick huddle to plan the week’s menus and hit the town to go shopping for ingredients etc. What town? I must say it is bigger than I expected and the airport in particular is very modern.



I kept searching for connections between what we saw today and Nevil Shute’s “ A Town like Alice.” There is none; not for me anyhow. A pub lunch at Todd Tavern was long overdue and so restful and pleasant. No supper for any of us tonight.



Notice the pic of the Thirsty Camel; it is a drive-through liquor store; something unknown to us in South Africa. Police were checking ID’s of people driving up to the store. I think they were taking in a whiff or two just to check. It was quite busy this afternoon, tomorrow being a public holiday and in Alice Spring that heralds some or other Finke Desert Race. I gather that is motor cross racing. We are also in time for the Beanie Festival. Very cool coloured beanies are depicted in the posters but I have yet to see a real beanie. Oh yes, one little old lady was wearing a grey thingy on her head in Woolworths this afternoon. For the SA family; yes, there is a Woollies, but different to ours. Ours is classier. J



We watched the sun say good bye to Alice Springs from the memorial at the top of Anzac Hill and came back here to crash. Jurie is out like a light and I am fading fast. Good night.

Oh yes ... Todd was the Postmaster General of Australia in the 18-voortseks, Alice was his wife, and there's a spring somewhere there in the mix. 😊

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Photos

Full blooded 1956 V8 and a comtemporary old fart
That's older than me ( and that's old)

Comments

[Kelly]

V8
I recognise the V8 but who is the old geyser with the beard??

[GogoBuzz]

V8
Kelly: The old geyser says hehe and sends his love