Dreamtime Story

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I purchased a small piece of Aboriginal art today as a souvenir since I haven't bought anything and I wanted something to represent my three and a half weeks in Australia.

"Long time ago, there was a time in Blackfellows Land when the night came down like a black cloud. Putting the world in darkness. Neither the moon nor the stars could be seen. As Bohra the Kangaroo liked light, he objected to this darkness and being a great wise one, he felt determined to put an end to it. So he ripped the darkness as if it had been a rag and let in the moon and the stars. He felt very pleased with himself being able to feed during the night, going about on four legs. In those days Bohra went on four legs like a dog. One night while feeding he heard noises away in the bush, he followed them to a camp, where he saw people singing and dancing on two feet. Bohra started to dance with them and jumped on the ground, leaving marks on it. The men let him dance and jumped on the ground, leaving marks on it. The men let him dance with them because he showed them a new dance. So forever shall his tribe move about like this, jumping on their hind legs and their forefeet shall be used as hands and the tail drag behind him forever."

A very simple, beautiful story explaining the origins of one of Australia's most beloved icons. What I also loved about the story was how the kangaroo opened up the world to new possibilities for himself and to those around him.

Australia has done the exact same thing for me. I have always been fascinated by this vast and enormously distant land. When planning my year off, I teetered back and forth about whether I should include it or not as it was somewhat "off track" in terms of my "route". Now, as I look back at all of my pictures and stories, I am so glad that in the end I decided to take the plunge and explore this incredible continent. From the genteel avenues of Melbourne, to the funky streets of Sydney, to the harsh and burning fire of the desert at Uluru, to the tropical waters of the Queensland coast...I feel I have only "touched" upon the many adventures that await someone who visits. And of course, due credit must be given to the incredible variety of vegetation and wildlife that continued to excite and thrill me like the little boy who read an encyclopedia about these creatures so many years ago.

Thank you Australia for letting me enjoy your abundance of gifts.

In my swanky hotel room, the chamber maid comes in every night, turns down the bed and puts on a tiny light. When I enter the room it always looks like a tiny star glowing by the bed. Such a sweet way to end the day when I put out that little "star". Tonight it will take on special meaning as I prepare for the next adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia. I will put my little "star" out but know that somewhere out there in this vast continent, I have a kangaroo to thank for brightening up my world and opening it to an array of endless possibilities.

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Comments

[walt]

Wow
Thanks Kevin - very moving Blog. I enjoy your insights and interpretations. You are a wonderfylly skilled writer Happy travels W

[Jude]

Dreamtime Story
I have enjoyed these Blogs from Australia immensely. Thank you for taking me on this journey with you, i feel like I've been on this trip too! And how sweet "the little nightlight" when you are weary and enter your hotel room in the evening. That warmed my heart. Well Kevin, I'm so glad you DID make that final choice in the end to visit Australia, ahhhh I know you are glad. These pics are beautiful. I think I see a little "Cheeky Bird" there or very similar. So excited for you and can't wait till the next entry. wow! Enjoy Kevin, take care...... we're all thinking bout ya xo