Darwin and the big wet
looking back – I did beat a rather hasty retreat from Hanoi. some nagging health concerns made the decision for me. not physically up for the challenge of Laos and maybe reached my sauration point too. maybe another time. opted by fly to Darwin to get myself sorted out – and have now added a bad cold to my list of complaints. so will happily hang out here until I feel stronger – at least another week.
it was a huge change – arriving in a modern – green – orderly – slow-paced city. seems like the wet is here to stay – though no-one is really sure – i think it only becomes clear in hindsight. there is an ‘almost’ cyclone nearby – to the west – and so there is a lot of rain now – on and off but mostly on. it is strange rain here (well, for me) – the raindrops are so fine and light – its just that there’s a lot of them. but not like the heavy rain we get back home. and what a contrast there now – in the grips of a deep-freeze – ice and snow – while here in Darwin – it’s all enveloped in grey clouds and warm soft rain. so green and tropical. no need for the sunglasses now. headlines about a big croc in a city drain (i think that’s par for the course). check this link for a ‘gander at the local goss’ : http://www.ntnews.com.au/news/ . (this link has some great links to photos of the N.T. – great croc shots by the locals, lightening storms, etc.)
i might have just hit a very comfortable season. missed what is described as the unbearable ‘build-up’ to the wet. now is the ‘wet’ – which the locals seem to love (i think it has arrived a bit early). and then there is the opposite season of the ‘dry’ – when the red dust rules and tourists are here en masse to see Kakadu, Litchfield and Katherine Gorge. right now i have to say it is very pleasant and comfortable – happy to be here.
Tags: Travel
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