HOORAY!!! I made it.
Am staying at the Darwin Free Spirit CP and I have a lovely grassy spot surrounded by a little hedge and not far from the toots and showers. My body is going “What the heck? Clean every day?”
I had to go to Office Works to get some printing/scanning done and, of course, was chatting with everyone within earshot. A lady there told me not to go into the city after 10am because “it is so busy”. I was actually a bit anxious about going especially knowing that the speed limit here Is 130kph and people tend to drive like they’re in the Montreal Grand Prix.
But …. I got a park easily in the city and could have crossed most streets with my eyes closed and been safe. Obviously her idea of busy and mine are quite different.
Walked my feet off around town (yes, looking at the sites but also trying on clothes and shoes). Pretty much like every other city but in small scale. People here are very friendly and sociable. The climate, at the moment, is a steady 18° to 32° or thereabouts with not much humidity. There are some good cafes and a chocolate shop. I could live here easily if it wasn’t so far from family and friends. It’s beautiful, relaxed and warm.
Did the tourist thing and visited Cullen Bay. Looked at the lovely homes and marina.
Then on to Mindil Beach
and Nightcliff.
Darwin’s easy to get around provided you drive fast. However, I have not heard a car horn the whole time here. They’re obviously fast but relaxed.
Went to the Mindil Beach night market. Only had a quick look because there were a lot of people and that’s a bit of a worry these days. It was mostly just food stalls and the usual rubbish you see at all markets. Not sure what I was expecting but definitely something different. I’ve been told it’s currently only about a third of the size it normally is.
Came back to the park for dinner and was joined by a friend.
And so – Darwin’s done.