Uluru ~ Kata Tjuta ~ and...beyond!
The worst aspect is the separation of families and loved ones; intolerable in most instances - not knowing WHEN we will see the faces of those we love enormously - physically hurts and causes great distress.
The best part is people are genuinely getting out and about and discovering their own back yards. Australia has VAST and MIGHTY 'back yards' and Tinto and I were fortunate to experience some of Australia's true gems in a relatively short period of time - just a little under two weeks!
So, for my American mates - once international borders open, I plead with you to travel the great distance and come and see for yourselves. You'll need some time OR you simply choose a couple of states to tour instead of the entire country - either way, Australia is a splendid experience.
I have been to quite a few places already, but I had never travelled to the center of the country (which is basically Alice Springs!) and I certainly had no clue how Uluru would make me feel - in awe and wonder located in the Northern Territory. There is no way a human being can drive up to Uluru and...as you get closer...gazing upon its size...not be mesmerized. You instantly comprehend just how small and insignificant human beings are!
Plus, the 'WOW' factor was this: Tinto and I arrived before the school break - the place was practically deserted except for the sunset viewing which drew a crowd, but still, a relatively small, peaceful, and appreciative crowd.
What is Uluru? It is a sacred place for the Aboriginal people - Australia's First Peoples - and although millions have walked a certain section of this massively strong and glorious natural structure, as of the 26th of October, 2019 Uluru was permanently closed to walkers and hikers and all other interested persons out of respect and per the requests of the Anangu people. Dating back more than 60,000 years the Anangu culture has been a major part of Central Australian life. You do not need to walk up and down Uluru to appreciate its splendor and glory.
Uluru is important because it has been a monumental landmark to the Aboriginal people since the Beginning.
As we ventured towards a different part of Uluru each day, I looked up and asked Tinto if those were caves where dark crevasses appeared and his response? 'No, My Darling...those are just small indentions'. !!! Rightio!
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is Aboriginal land and jointly managed by Anangu traditional owners and Parks Australia. This is where Tinto and I were a bit disappointed because we saw no traditional land owners greeting us or sharing their knowledge of this sacred place. We were, however, more than grateful to be able to experience something so splendid that words (my words) would not do justice.
Kata Tjuta or The Olgas are located approximately 40km west of Uluru and they are breath-taking, too.
Kata Tjuta ~ The Olgas ~ Northern Territory, Australia
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