We are back in civilization and with a couple of loads of laundry to do. Our lodging has a guest laundry. Lucky, for me, they are the more traditional washing and drying machines and I’m able to make short work of the chore.
We decide to spend our short time in Darwin visiting two of the local museums. It’s a smart choice given the level of heat and humidity today.
First off is the Military Museum. Darwin was subjected to hundreds of bombings by Japan during WW II and most of the city was practically destroyed. The first bombings occurred several months after Pearl Harbor, so there were also U.S. naval troops stationed here when it was bombed.
We move onto the Museum of Art of the Northern Territories. They have an extensive display of Aboriginal paintings and an impressive exhibit of Cyclone Tracy. Cyclone Tracy struck Darwin on Christmas morning in 1974 and essentially leveled the city. On a lighter note, they also have the stuffed remains of the legendary crocodile, known as “Sweetheart”.
After a nice dinner, we adjourn to our room to sort our belongings, take advantage of the wi-fi and get ready for “The Ghan” in the morning.
Mary
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Back in Darwin.
Darwin is an interesting town which is closer to Singapore than Sydney and the Asian influence is clear. The ‘high street’ is dominated by Thai, Malaysian, & Viet restaurants. It’s quite a lively scene. There’s a US Marine contingent housed a short distance from town, so folks aren’t too excited about ‘gringos’. There’s a brew pub on the main drag, evidence that culture has reached these parts.
The city has had its share of disasters – Jap bombings during WWII which leveled the city and surrounding areas and the more recent Cyclone Tracy (1974) which did the same. After the cyclone, only 500 of 4000 homes were left standing. The pictures and descriptions of the devastation were heartbreaking.
Savage I am, I had never heard of Laksa, a Malaysian specialty (nor had Mary, quite the savage herself). Nonetheless, Darwin is noted for the quality the dish. Oddly, in a chef-sponsored competition, the ‘Deck Bar’, a restaurant 2 blocks from our lodging, won 1st prize in the ‘Laksa 2017’ competition. An incredible meal – I’m a fan!
Dick