It is a long, expensive flight from New York to Australia, but it surely is worth it once you get there. Above you are viewing indigenous artifacts housed in a cultural center that aims to teach Australians about the longstanding and respectable Aboriginal lifestyle of thousands of years ago.
The Melbourne Botanic Garden is free to enter and beautiful to walk around. A hydro powered rainman is situated in the middle of the pond and when it rains, he moves. Lentils As Anything is in walking distance and with the concept of pay as you can to eat healthy delicious vegetarian meals, it was a coveted spot of mine.
A quick trip to Cairns in Far North Queensland (FNQ) to partake in the vibes and experience of the Kuranda Music Festival gave me the energy and love that I needed after leaving the pseudo cooperative community of Mt. Murrindal in Victoria. I knew I was 'home' when my ride picked me up from the airport with no shoes on. On another day, after touring a rain forest and crocodile river, we stopped for ice cream. "Do I have to put my shoes on to go in?" I asked. The tour guide-driver noted, "Nah, this is a barefoot country." Otherwise known as heaven?
A quick trip to Adelaide and back to Melbourne, where I got a pedicure and a nose ring rounded off the two month trip nicely. I was also able to visit the Hare Krishna temples of St. Kilda and Adelaide. Yes folks, that is kangaroo meat in the supermarket. I have to admit that I did eat a kanga-kebob while touring the Tjapukai Cultural Center of the Rainforest People. I saw traditional dances, decorated a boomerang, learned to throw those and spears and made jewelry with a rainforest princess. I was also given a simple lesson in playing the didgeridoo. I ate wallaby as well when I took a day trip into Tasmania. To my lucky horror the Dark Mofo Festival celebrating the Winter Solstice was taking place. It was dark and festive. Off to New Zealand!