Darwin
Trip Start
Jan 05, 2012
1
48
144
Trip End
Apr 29, 2012
Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
We went ashore around 9:00 AM, and found our way to the information offices to locate free wifi. An open air mall across the street provided free wifi so we sat in the sidewalk cafe and browsed the Internet with no hurry or agenda to guide us. A thunderstorm loomed all around us. We both enjoy thunderstorms and the feeling of excitement that accompanies a good storm. Before too long we agreed on a course for the day. I went back to the information office to gather maps and a bus schedule. The attendant was very helpful so within minutes we were on a public bus along the coast heading to Nightcliff. A pretty little beach town, where we hoped to watch the storm transition from sea to land. We could hear the thunder rolling behind us and see the storm towards the horizon in front of us. We met with some people on the beach who pointed out a Frilled lizard in a nearby tree. They can be seen lower in the trees when it rains as the bugs are more plentiful. Additionally we saw and heard interesting birds all around us. The storm did not land so we returned to the bus stop and headed to the botanical gardens.
The trees and flora found in the Darwin Botanic Gardens are the same as can be found on Kauai, HI. With her keen sense of smell JoRina was able to detect a mango tree in the vicinity sight unseen. Impressive. The gardens are in a park like setting that would be an ideal place to run, if it wasn't so humid. A very peaceful, serene and beautiful setting. To our disappointment there was no restaurant to eat lunch in so we rambled on. We found our way to a bus stop. While we waited for the bus we stopped in a Mercedes Benz show room to view the latest automotive technology. (I am more of a Toyota girl myself but it is fun to look). Mercedes is geared up to accommodate Apple products specifically. Apple does provide global technology that is embraced everywhere, easy to use and well made. I think they have hit a tipping point. ( Apple that is not Mercedes Benz).
Back in the center of Darwin we found an Italian restaurant where we shared bruschetta and chicken parmigiana. We partook in the free wifi while we ate and called home. When we returned to the ship we attended the sail away party. I left the party early to work out in the gym. Although I wanted to stay longer in the gym, I needed to return to the cabin with enough time to shower and dress for church/dinner(elegant casual) and dancing. Mass left me pondering the diverse ideals between Darwinism and Catholicism, as Ash Wednesday is a day to reflect and, if so moved, renew Catholic beliefs, and today we are in Darwin itself. I think where Darwinism is easier to believe Catholicism is more comfortable to believe, and the two ideals can co-exist as a belief.
Dinner was pleasant with good food and engaging conversation. We returned to the stateroom and collected our laundry, taking advantage of the ships laundry special. JoRina went to the movies and I went to the Royal Court Theater to watch an Opera singer perform. I went dancing, but my heart was not in in it so I left after 2 dances and joined JoRina in the cabin for some tea and movies. Tonight we set our clocks back 1/2 hour.
Kit
