Sexy blancmange

How very uncheesy. Ah well, it was fun. For the record, Uluru is a sexy blancmange from a distance and a lot bloody bigger than you expect up close (took us 1 1/2 hours to walk round it). We got both the geological and Aboriginal explanations for its creation, must say the locals' version is a lot more fun - involved a mud fight and waggling bottoms (I was called upon to act this out with the tour guide, a highlight). We also took in the Olgas, a stunning group of 36 sandstone formations a few miles away. For some reason they reminded me of pregnant bellies. Hmm...

Up in the Top End now following a 22-hour Greyhound ride from Alice; they certainly don't skimp on the miles here. Darwin could take on Bangkok in the humidity stakes, everyone's got that slightly damp look I'd forgotten about. Palm trees everywhere. Will hang out here for a little while I think, partly in an effort to restrain spending, partly cos the weather isn't conducive to doing too much other than reclining with a cold one. Speaking of which... ta ta for now.