Lowest Point on Earth

After Baptism Site, so here is a story about the sea whose the name sounds kinda creepy, Dead Sea. I believe it called the Dead Sea because nothing can live in it. There's no sea plants, fish or any kind of swimming creatures living in or near the water. What I saw instead is white, crystals of salt covering almost everything. I guess it's no ordinary table salt. The salts in the Dead Sea are mineral salts in extreme concentrations, which contains more than 35 different types of minerals that are essential for the health and care of the body skin.

The water in the Dead Sea is deadly to living things. But the good news is it's NOT deadly to human. What's so cool about the Dead Sea, that is because of the extremely high concentration of dissolved mineral salts in the water, means our bodies are much more buoyant. People can just easily float, and hard to actually swim. Hubby had tried, and it's true! Other people (including hubby) also covered their bodies (and face!) with Dead Sea mud, which was available free on the side of the sea. As for me,.. uum... I wasn't really sure to give myself to be covered by black sticky mud and float in a rather blacky salty water that day. Maybe next time, because we will (hopefully will) come back. This unique place is only about 30 minutes drive from Amman, and has modern hotels, nice public swimming pool and beach. Good destination to just have relaxing time on the water on weekend.

Have I mentioned that this place is only 420 metres below sea level. Its shores are considered as the lowest point on the surface of the Earth. How cool is that?! (Well it's actually very hot when we were there ;p). On the way there my ears was rather hurt like when I was in a plane because of the pressure. It's also make the place very very very hot in summer,but pleasant warm weather in winter.

The warning board seen along the main street. I thought it's hilarious.

The hotel we stayed in. Very satisfactory. Nice room, nice food, and it has massive and lots of pools!

floating hubby

Rocks on the seaside covered with salt

View from the one of the corner of the hotel outlooking the pool and the sea.

Private beach at the back of the hotel

The seaside

Evan doesn't look so impress :)

A River of History

It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me,

whose sandals strap I am not worthy to untie.

" This all happened at Bethany on the east side of the Jordan River,

where John was baptising. (John 1:27-28)

After almost a year since our visit to Mount Nebo, we finally had a chance to go to the baptism site, Jordan River, which is believe was the place where Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist.

Now this place is open for public and pilgrimage, and are welcome to have a baptism ceremony here. However, due to earthquakes in the region and time the Jordan River has shifted, the actual baptism is no long in the path of the Jordan River. There is a small stone bowl filled with jordan river water on the side of the river available for people who want to have baptist in this site.

It's rather amazing to see that Israel is only a few feet away, separated by fences only. The river which also flows across that country made it possible to have a Baptism site on their end. However it believes there is no archaeological evidence has been found over there. Whilst on Jordan side, the excavation which were began in 1996 have uncovered more than 20 churches, caves, and baptism pools from Roman and Byzantine periods. This place also has endorsed by the Pope.

From the ticket office where we had to park our car, we then should wait for a shuttle minibus to take us to the site. We were then surprise that we actually have to walk for about 2km through the jungle of Jordan until we find the actual place where believes is the place where Jesus was baptised and where John's the baptist church is. The walk should be easy, but we found it hard. Not because of the footpath, but it was burning hot! I just realised that it's located nearly the lowest point on earth (the lowest point is Dead Sea), at over 350m below sea level. The air is thick and hot, and the temperature might be about 41C at that time.

While it's a sacred place, where we should pray and contemplate, but no time and desire to do such thing. The heat and poor Evan trapped in his hot stroller made us just to have a quick look, Can't wait to go back or be under the shelter. The souvenir shopping after that was quite good, though. Some shops have the AC on, which was a relieve, where we found some unique souvenirs to buy. We then could not wait to have a nice lunch and cool rest in one of the hotel in Dead Sea where we going to stay for a night. Off we go to Dead Sea!

Note: The actual trip to baptism site and dead sea was made on 3-4 July 2008.

waiting for the shuttle minibus

Jordan River

The actual baptism site, and John's the Baptist church and ruins at the back

place where people have baptism ceremony

New Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist at the background. Look at Evan,... struggling with the bright sunny hot sun. :0

The other country, just across the fence.

Good Listener

A Wonder From The Past

After more than 1 year living in this country, last weekend we finally went to Petra, 3 hours drive from Amman. That was our first long trip with Evan. Travel out of town with bub was a challenge. Our luggage was massive for only to stay for 2 nights as we brought everything for him. From powder to nappies, from milk to steriliser and thermos.

Evan is still too small for exploring Petra, so we take turn to go to the site. Someone should stay at the hotel with Evan, and therefore we can not explore the site too long.

Petra itself is huge! It takes more than 3 days if you want to see everything in details. I and mum managed to walk only to the amphitheater, which was not even the half way, whilst Hubby able to walk further to the Monastery.

As we thought we have taken everything with us, we forgot to bring little single thing: camera charger. Found out later that it was a big mistake! Even though we had more than 300 photos, we still missed so many things, especially the walk from Amphitheater to the Monastery. That's the only downsize of this trip.

I may not explore the whole Petra, may not walk up to the Monastery, may not satisfied with the photos, but I can say I've been to Petra ;p I've seen the great Treasury and gone through the long walk, the walk I didn't image I can do considering my c-sec wound still hurting (Yes, still!! :( .... ). I've experience the atmosphere, the place, surrounding, and the locals, which were all amazing. We might not be able to reach Petra if my mum wasn't here. So thanks to mum :). She's enjoying the walk and scenery too, of course. At the end everybody's tired but happy. :)

Check out more photos here

Unexpected Holiday

Unlike last week’s snow where snow flakes fell down nicely and peacefully, it was only last for about half a day, leaving us only thin snow on the ground which then completely vanished the next day.

It was on Tuesday night, when the snow began to fall again quite heavily together with gusty wind. The city had hit by a blizzard! It went on all night, and didn’t really change on the next day. Though, we woke up in the morning with excitement, look out the window, everything covered in white, whilst the wind and snow still falling quite heavily. Grey sky, gloomy, cold, and silent!

One thing we just realised, that here, snow means time off!
No work, no school, no shopping, no going outside. Everything freezes. Just snow and waiting. Wait for the snow to accumulate, and then melt. Then everything will go back to normal, after a few days.

Anyway, it was gloomy and miserable day. But Hubby and I enjoyed it. We stayed in a warm house (thank God the heating works!), and got everything we need at least for a few days in the house. We looked out the window now and then, waited for the snow to stop falling. We couldn’t wait to go out and play on the snow. It was like a holiday! We went out couple of times that day when the snow and wind wasn't to strong. The snow was about 10 cm deep. It was cold because the wind and snow still falling.

That day was the day when I had my first walk on the snow, had a feel of it on my bare hand, stood under the snow fall, and first time for Hubby and I had snow fight. Was great! Although it was a terrible weather and we were technically trapped in the house, the snow also brought excitement and happy feeling. Wish to have it on Christmas day. That would be perfect.

It was Thursday morning, and snow still falls! But this time not as heavy as the last 2 days. It was nice flaky snow without gusty wind. The sky was clearer too. The snow storm has finished. What happened after snow storm was amazing. The view from the roof of our apartment building was fantastic. Everything is covered with snow,… and it’s thick! Maybe about 20-25 cm deep, made it harder to walk on. Lots of cars got stuck in the middle of the road and abandoned. Cars on the side of the road were buried about half of their tires. Definitely another day to stay at home. Also a perfect time to play on the snow again! Another day for Hubby to skip work, so we had a wonderful time at home and playing on the snow again - just two little kids. (*grin*)

This time we have companies. Some people and kids lives on our street were out too, just to have a little visit to their car or tried to drive their car out. Some people built snowmen in front of their houses, or had snow fight. As for myself, I built a tiny snowman outside my bedroom window. It wasn’t too cold as the gusty wind has gone. Again I and Hubby had snow fight (of course I got hit more!), walked bit further down the road, and took few beautiful photos.

Yesterday is Friday, snow was no longer falling, sky was clear, but still cold. Stack of snow everywhere paralysed city's activity. Supermaket started to run out fresh vegetables and fruits, people dig up the street and pathway so they can get their cars out, snowmen started to melt, snow and ice falling from the roof, and some people start to go to shop or work (only if they really have to - as Friday and Saturday is a weekend days).

And today, the sun is shining, the sky is blue. Snow blast has finished, no more excitement although everything still covered in white. Most of the snow on the trees and roof has gone. Leave alone snow on the ground, on the empty land and streets. The roads are wet and slippery, made it hard to drive on. More cars on the road, piles of snow in the middle or on the side of the road. The city started to be alive, but not completely normal. Snow became annoying. I can't wait to be able to mobile again as usual.

This city and it's citizen has never experience snow this bad since more than 20 years ago! People said they never seen this such of degree, weather, and snow. Apparently weather is going crazy everywhere in the world. Jakarta and NSW got flooded, South Australia got toasted by 47 degree, and many more - at the same time! It's crazy!

Snow is beautiful, it's cool, it's fun. But being snowed in, is not too fun! Back to the old school advise, it's not good to have too much on something, and it applies to everything.

Now it's time to see some cool pictures. :)

Promised Land

Top of the mountain where I can see Dead Sea in the distance (left side)

"Go up unto...Mount Nebo in Moab, across from Jericho, and view Canaan, the land
I am giving the Israelites as their own possession. There on the mountain that
you have climbed you will die."
- Deuteronomy 32:49-50 -

And there was I standing on that mountain. A biblican place full of history, one of the important pilgrimage site located in Jordan. On this mountain is where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, a land he was himself forbidden to enter. He died at aged 120 and was later buried in the area, but the exact location of the burial site is unknown.

Enough about the history, the complex itself is a sanctuary completed with museum, some stone marks, old church, old ancient mozaics, a hugh artistic monument inspired by bronze snake upon a pole used by Moses, and shaded with some pine and olive trees .

I couldn't believe that we were supposed to be able to view Dead Sea, Jericho, Jordan River and Jerusalem (which is in Israel - different country!) on a clear day. Unfortunatelly it was a bit hazy when we were there, I could only see the Dead Sea vaguely in the distance.

This plaque is a direction finder points that shows various locations throughout the region.

I never seen a bus full of group tour in town, but there were few of them there up in that mountain. Every group accompanied with tour leader who were busy explaining the history of the place. I couldn't understand a thing, as they spoke no English. Not sure, but they might be Italian, Greek, Japanese, or Korean, and Philipino. But out of the blue, I heard someone said "Ini loh tempatnya Musa....",.. "panas ya, mustinya bawa payung", "jangan cepet-cepet!", "ayo-ayo foto disini"...... a group of people who are definitely from Indonesia!. :D They were just practically walked past us, and ignored us. I and hubby could only smile and look at each other, amaze to see a bunch of people talking Bahasa. ;p

After about 2 hours wondering around and took pictures, we headed back. On the way back we dropped by to a mozaic and souvenir shop full of tourist. Lots of nice things there, i felt like I shopping! Best thing was that we got half price discount on everything in the shop as we are residence of Amman. So I knew that they charge tourist double price! What a pricey...
As we have to go through a town called Madaba, we did a bit of exploration there. We went to St George's Church, where we saw interesting mozaics. We were tried to see other recommended church, but it was closed, and I started to get tired from long walk,...we were then drove back home, which only took us about 45 minutes.

Nice day, good to be out and about again. Check out more pictures HERE.

Experience Damascus

coffee/tea seller in Al-Hamadieh Soukh

I'm not sure how, but I got quite busy lately. Since I got back from Damascus, I had to attend so many appointments, helped a friend moving out and attended so many lunches. Not only that. Hubby was sick, and I've been not feeling well too. Fatigue. feel tired, feel like want to sleep all day, and almost everyday have new things to complain about.

You might be waiting story about Damascus. I might not have many words to tell about Damascus and its tourism site, as I didn't go to any tourism site such as mosques or museums even though I stayed for 5 days. Partly because hubby was there for work, so I had to explore the city by myself in the afternoon. So mainly I just enjoyed the hotel and looked around and shopped a bit. I gave up exploring the city at the 3rd day, I felt so tired from 3 days full walk, and it was very hot (40-42C in the afternoon). I spent the last 2 days in the hotel, enjoyed the pool and spa, or just sit by the pool and read, and have room service. Very nice treat.

Damascus, Syria, was a busy and alive city, very different than Amman. That's strange, considering it’s only take about 3 hours drive from Amman. It totally a different city. It packed with people (population might be triple than Amman), and of course heaps of vehicles, and more pollution. Houses, apartments and buildings closed to each other, narrow streets, little alley, and traffic jam everywhere. But I supposed nothing can compare to Jakarta if we’re talking about traffic. It has a lot of cafe and restaurant. I could see a lot of green such as parks around the city or farms out of town. Also lots of old maintained building. They use it as residences or shops, or restaurant. Local people are very more friendly and relax. They don't care what skin colour you have and will not hesitate to offer you tea or coffee in their shop. I felt more relax and safe to walk around and shop by myself.

The unique place to visit is of course the soukh (market). Unique because it sells most of fine middle eastern antiques, furniture, ornaments, linen, and jewellery. It located in a very old area with lots of old building, places that you never imagine. It huge and crowded, and dirty. Reminded me to Jakarta Kota and Pasar Baru. Shopping is good. Lots of nice thing to buy, you can go crazy. But you have to know good shop and bargain to get best price. The antiques of course not cheap, but lot more cheaper than in Australia. For me, Indonesian furniture and etnic ornament's price are still more reasonable.

Slightly out of the topic, of course I and Andrew as a foreigner were excited to see everything in the soukh. The place itself, the people, the shops, building, what they sell, etc were all new and interesting. But not for Ms M, the local from Amman who is hubby's staff who came along for work. She is still very young, maybe in her mid twenties. I could tell that she didn't have any interest at all in everything in the market. All the amazing furnitures and paintings, fine and unique table clothes, walk around crowded dirty streets, all seemed too boring for her. I'm sure she is more interested in malls and all modern clothing shops. Reminded me to myself back in Indonesia. Since when I was interested in indonesian traditional dance, batik, songket, wood craft, wayang, etc? Maybe only since I met my hubby. I remember when I was a little, I always get bored if we (I and parents) went to the Indonesian handicraft section in Sarinah. I always say no if my mum wanted to buy me batik clothing, I learned ballet dance instead of Bali dance, and switched the channel if it showed traditional dance or wayang. It's funny that now I appreciate them more. Seeing foreigner amazed with our culture and tradition made me proud of my country. I think at the moment that's the only thing that Indonesia can be proud of. Anyway, Ms M was excited when I told her that there are more modern shops like Kookai, Benetton, GAP, etc not far from the hotel. She went to the a mall (which she found not impressing) and walked around modern shops the next day, while I and Andrew went back few times to the soukh. She may appreciate middle east handicraft and antiques later when she is older. :)

The other interesting thing was driving. There was no speed limit. On the highway you are welcome to speed 100-200 km/hour. The scenery out of town wasn't so appealing at all. But we found some un-common things on the way, which we captured on the camera. We had to go through immigration and customs in both Jordanian and Syrian borders. Although it only take about 2 hours to reach Syrian border, but it takes about 1 hour to process everything in both borders. We had to go through all the 'important' immigration and customs process, including registering and apply for insurance for our car. That's when I learned that people here are also doesn't have enough patient and attitude in taking line/queue. I may say it worst than Indo. ;p I might still laugh of their rude attitude, as such attitude didn't surprise me. But no for my hubby. He thinks it's totally unacceptable and the most annoying attitude, ever.

Damascus photos are now available. See in "Picture Of My Life" list at the right side bar, or simply click here. You need to click the little image to see bigger and clearer image.

Long Live Indomie

Look what I found on Damascus trip!

An old bike parked on the side of the Straight Street at the Old Market, with Indomie box on its basket!

Big billboard of... Indomie! Not sure name of the street and location. Captured this from taxi on the way to Soukh Al-Hamidieh

Can't get away from it.... bump into this truck on the highway (still in Syria) on the way back to Amman.

I know it was just only Indomie. But this product is amazing. Save me lot of time from hunger (*grin*). Easy and taste good, everybody loves it, even my hubby. And more amazingly its available everywhere! well at least it's in every countries I've been to so far. Even in this area where hard to find Indonesian products and food. Hope to travel to other countries and will take picture anytime I see Indomie in different countries :) That's my plan. :D

Curious if I have some Indomie at home? Of course I have. Here is the picture (only) few packs of Indomie I bought here, in Amman, Jordan.

Back In Town

I've done Damascus, and now back in town. It was an interesting and relaxing trip. Just wished the temperature was more friendly. I think my skin is doubled darker now, not tan. I can't be tan. Just simply become darker :(. Stories and photos of the trip will be posted later. Have other things in mind at the moment and not feeling too well, as well as hubby. Think we caught up Syrian bugs. Hope won't be too bad.....

Inget Kampung

Kemarin, tiba-tiba saya pengen nonton Harry Potter. Setelah ngeluarin segala bujuk rayu, akhirnya si hubby mau juga nemenin. Tapi bisa-bisanya kita keabisan tiket, padahal kita datang 1/2 jam sebelum film dimulai. Emang sih disini film ini baru keluar. Masih fresh dan rame, terutama kemarin yang notabene malem sebelum weekend. Ngomong-ngomong tentang keabisan tiket, kapan ya terakhir saya nonton keabisan tiket? Nggak inget. Mungkin juga karena kita gak terlalu sering nonton, tapi juga karena sebelum ini kita tinggal di Darwin, gak ada acara macet dan gak pake acara ngantri di bioskop. Mau film paling top, paling rame, ato paling heboh, kita bisa pegi dari rumah 10 menit sebelumnya, dan nggak pernah keabisan tiket ato dapet tempat duduk yang gak enak. Enak banget :)

Karena gak jadi nonton, jalan-jalan lah kita. Ketika mulai lapar, kita mutusin buat nyoba satu restoran asia yang katanya 'enak'. Setelah nyoba makan makanan asia di 4 tempat, sebenarnya saya sudah mau menyerah buat makan makanan asia di negeri ini. Selain gak autentik, juga rasanya biasa aja. Tapi karena rekomendasi teman-teman, akhirnya saya n hubby mencoba restoran Noodle House.

Aneh tapi nyata, saya hampir gak percaya sama pendengaran saya saat masuk dan memilih tempat duduk. Tapi benar! saya benar-benar mendengar lagu Yang Terbaik Bagimu-nya Ada Band! Lalu disusul lagunya Letto (lupa judul), lalu Satu-nya Dewa... dan seterusnya. Aaah.. jadi kangen Jakarta. Eerm...mungkin buat orang lain biasa aja. Tapi buat saya yang tinggal di negara orang, yang jauh dari peradaban Indonesia, rasanya benar-benar aneh dan surprise bisa mendengarkan lagu-lagu yang biasa saya dengar di Jakarta, dengan bahasa indonesia, di tempat umum di suatu restoran di kota ini. Senyum pun mengembang (*grin*).

Senyum semakin gede setelah melihat apa yang tersaji di meja.... pot-pot sambal! termasuk salah satunya cabe ijo kegemaran saya! Jadi saya bisa bebas ngambil sambal semaunya. yay! Catatan: Ini pertama kali saya liat ada sambal nangkring di atas meja restoran. Makanannya pun ternyata gak mengecewakan,..seenggak-enggaknya jauh lebih baik dari pada restoran asia lain yang pernah saya coba.

Kesana lagi? Pastinya!

Old Music, Old Theatre

In an old Roman Amphitheatre at downtown of Amman last Thursday, we sat under the stars and spent the night listening to classic music concert complete with the Choir. They played famous classical numbers such as Choral Fantasy (Beethoven), Rhapsody in Blue (Gershwin), and Carmina Burana (Carl Orff).

I'm not an expert in music, but I love classic music and enjoyed listening to it every now and then. The concert was good. The Orchestra and Choir were professional. The musicians played very well, and the choir did a great job especially on Carmina Burana. But there's something I can't explain that I think was missing. I didn't get a dramatic sensation or goosebumps I thought I would get. I'm not sure why. Might be the sound system, or might be my expection is too high, or might be because I didn't sit at the middle,...I don't know.

Anyway, listened to old classical music at the old ancient Roman Amphitheatre..... I would say that's a rare experience and I'm glad I was there to experience it.

and here is a bit of the video from the concert when they performed Carmina Burana. This time the video is originally uploaded by me. Yes, I'm starting to upload own video on utube now. :)

Enjoy!

First Concert

Last Monday we went to the a concert of a female singer called Souad Massi. Who the hell is she? we did not know. We never heard her name before, nor hear her songs. But we don't care. We were still very interested to go. Why? Because of where the concert gonna be held. It would be a concert under the stars, in one of the roman amphitheater in the ancient city called Jerash, about 1 hour drive from Amman. How cool would it be??!!

And I was right. Everything was great. The singer, the songs, the location, environment, crowd, all were fantastic. Only one thing, I couldn't understand any words they said. People on stage, including the singer spoke and sang in French and Arabic. But it's ok, not too annoying. I was surprise that the performance was far from glamorous. Massi looked very modest and simple, nice and humble. She wore very simple white top and pant, not much make up, no special hair style, and no jewellery. Most of the songs have nice beat and rhytym, mix of folk, rock, and traditional Algerian music. Very easy to listened and enjoyed, especially for us who listen the songs for the first time. She also play guitar. Always like singer who can play music instrument. And apparently she is quite famous. Chek out more about her in here. If curious what kind of music and song she had, check this out.

And about the place itself, the amphiteater... it was amazing. Was built thousands and thousands years ago (sometimes BC!), I was thrilled! Kind of place that gave me goosebumps. I imagined people who built it, try to picture this place and Roman people and the small village surround it at the time when it was built. How they died and the place extinct and buried....... Hiiii.....
Was it looked like roman village we saw in the movies ??? Who knows....
Another thing is the village of Jerash used to be called Gerasa or Gerasene. And Gerasene is mentioned in bible! (Mark 5:1 and Luke 8:26). Am I a little be too excited here? :D
But truly, standing, sitting and looking at that historical place, it's just.....amazing....(*excited sigh*).
As I am now live near to all the places that also mentioned in bible and all of historical places, dont be surprise, dont get bored if I say 'amazing'... over and over and over again. ;D

Anyhoo, time to shut up and start cook dinner. Here is some PHOTOS for you to enjoy.

Cerita Liburan

Katherine Gorge at Nitmiluk National Park, NT

Yep, ini adalah cerita lanjutan tentang jalan-jalan waktu liburan Natal & Taun Baru kemarin.

Meskipun udara gak bersahabat buat saya (= sangat panas), kami sempatkan juga untuk mengintip Territory Wild Life Park, Museum and Art Gallery of The Northern Territory,dan exploring kota terbesar ke 3 di daerah NT, Katherine selama 3 hari.

Territory Wild Life Park cukup menarik. Berada di lokasi sekitar Berry Springs, kurang lebih 1 jam dari Darwin. Idenya kawasan ini adalah seperti cagar alam, yang melindungi binatang dan tanaman serta ekosistemnya. Jadi selain ada exhibit aquarium, aviary (kandang burung besar), reptiles, juga ada kandang2 binatang khas Northern Territory seperti kerbau, babi, dan wallaby. Area yang cukup luas, dari exhibit satu dan lainnya dipisahkan oleh pohon-pohon besar, danau, dan sungai, sehingga terutama buat saya yang gak hobi jalan kaki, gak mungkin melihat semua exhibit dengan jalan kaki. Apalagi kami harus jalan kaki lumayan jauh di dalam setiap exhibit. Jadilah kami harus menggunakan shelter bus untuk mengantarkan dari satu exhibit ke exhibit lainnya. Pada saat kami disana. Panasnya sekitar 34 derajat C,... cukup panas buat saya (Tidak terlalu panas buat hubby dan orang tuanya). Tolooong! :) Keringat bercucuran, terutama di muka. Bisa dilihat di foto, betapa glowing dan shiny - nya muka saya :) Sangat sangat tidak nyaman dan melelahkan (Tapi senang kok.. he..he..) Sayangnya kami tidak sempat pergi ke sumber mata air panas, Berry Spring, tidak jauh dari lokasi wild life park ini, karena hujan mengguyur cukup deras tepat pada saat kami akan menuju kesana dan hari sudah cukup sore.

Look at my shiny-wet forehead!

Museum and Art Gallery of NT juga menarik. Sangat berbeda dari Museum dan Art Gallery di Sydney atau Adelaide. Disini lebih banyak menampilkan budaya dan art Aboriginal, penduduk asli Australia. Tapi buat saya, art gallery di Sydney lebih menarik.

Yang jadi 'highlight' dari liburan kali ini adalah kunjungan kami ke wilayah sekitar Katherine. Dibutuhkan sekitar 3 jam naik mobil dari Darwin. Kami juga berkunjung ke kota yang berada di tengah-tengah antara Darwin dan Katherine, yaitu kota bersejarah, Pine Creek. Penduduk awal yang datang dan berdiam di kota ini adalah imigran-imigran yang datang untuk menambang emas. Banyak ditemukannya tambang emas di sekitar Pine Creek sekitar tahun 1800an - 1995.

Keterangan tentang kota ini bisa dibaca di papan.

Katherine hanya kota kecil di sekitar wilayah Katherine. Penduduk pertama yang mendiami wilayah ini adalah orang Aborigin, suku Jowoyn dan Dagomen. Pada tahun 1862, John McDouall Stuart (Penjelajah dari Inggris) melewati daerah ini dan menamakan sungai yang melintas di daerah ini "Katherine" sesuai dengan nama anak perempuan James Chambers, orang yang mensposori dan membiayai penjelajahan John Stuart dari Port Augusta - Darwin. Kota ini mulai berkembang dengan dibangunnya Stasiun Telegram tahun 1872.

Di Katherine, kami menginap 2 malam di Knott Crossing Resort. Cukup nyaman, dengan kolam renang air asin yang menyejukkan dan service yang baik. Tetapi dapet pengalaman terburuk dalam sejarah makan malam di restoran. Malam pertama kami makan malam di Katie's Bistro, restoran di resort tersebut, kami harus menunggu lebih dari 2 jam untuk mendapatkan menu utama kami. Alhasil, maag saya kambuh malam itu. Rupanya banyaknya pengunjung malam itu tidak normal, alias 2 kali lebih banyak daripada biasanya. Pelayanan bistro normal kembali keesokan harinya.

Disini kami sempatkan untuk mengunjungi Katherine Museum, naik kapal menyusuri sungai Katherine, menikmati pemandang Katherine Gorge di Nitmiluk National Park, mengagumi indahnya staglatit, staglanit, kristal, bebatuan, dan colon di Cutta Cutta Cave, berangin-angin di Edith Fall, dan terheran-heran melihat perkampungan termite,... dengan giant termite mound-nya. Lagi-lagi, udara sangat panas selama 3 hari itu. Dan celakanya kami harus ber jemur-jemur ria pada setiap tempat yang kami kunjungi. Panas dan keringatan sih sebenernya gak masalah. Cuma yang paling saya gak mau, dan adalah kalau kulit saya tambah hitam.... dan rasanya waktu itu saya sudah tambah 3kali lipat lebih hitam :( ... Terutama pada saat kami mengikuti cruise tour di Katherine Gorge, kami harus naik turun kapal dan berjalan diantara bebatuan dan dibawah teriknya matahari menuju kapal selanjutnya, saya satu-satunya orang yang paling siap dengan peralatan perang untuk melindungi kulit, yaitu kacamata, topi, celana panjang, sepatu, pasmina, dan payung. Dimana orang lain memakai baju seminim mungkin, n pake sandal. Pasti mereka pikir saya orang paling aneh di dunia. :D

@ Katherine Gorge dan Cutta Cutta Cave

Giant termite mound and the museum in Katherine

Thousand Candles

Following to the last posting..... Not long after, a thunder storm - heavy rain was pouring down. It only went for about 1/2 hour, but it was cloudy and dark..., looked like going to rain again, and the grass in the park must be damped. We were quite sure that they will cancel the Carols by Candlelight. As we have prepared everything, we were a bit dissapointed... But an hour later we saw the news on TV that the show will still go on. Yay! My friend still interested to come, and the sun was showing its rays a bit for sunset, so off we went to the park! Last year I went to the same event in Adelaide. But I just realised that Carols by Candlelight is only happen in Australia. It's actually an Australian Christmas tradition.

Here is information I got this from a website:

Carols by Candlelight hold a special place in the hearts of most Australians as these unique events brings families together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas

The inspiration for Carols by Candlelight came in Melbourne in Christmas 1937. Radio veteran Norman Banks MBE while walking home, noticed an elderly lady sitting by her window, her face lit up by a candle as she listened and sang along to Christmas carols on the radio. He was inspired to organise the first gathering of people to sing Carols by Candlelight.

In 1938, 10,000 people gathered at Alexandra Gardens to sing carols with a choir, and the Fire Brigade Band. A new Australian Christmas tradition was born. The event started a tradition to an entire nation.

Carols by Candlelight is now held every year in the week before Christmas, when thousands of people gather in the parks of most of Australia's larger towns and cities to sing their favorite Christmas carols.

In Melbourne the RVIB Carols by Candlelight now attracts a crowd of over 30,000 people and in Sydney over 100,000 people attend Carols in the Domain which has helped raise millions of dollars for the Salvation Army Oasis Appeal for Homeless Youth. These two major events are telecast nationally on TV and the local state capital events statewide in other states, with Sydney's Carols in the Domain attracting around 2 million TV viewers.

Food and drink stalls are often organised at these events by local Rotary or Lions Clubs. Most people bring a rug to sit on or a portable chair for seating as well. Some bring a picnic meal and of course everyone needs a favorite candle. There are a wide range of candles in the market palace including unique Christmas candles at specialised Christmas Shops.

Most Carols by Candlelight events feature a band or an orchestra, and well known entertainers who sing and lead the audience in carols. Father Christmas usually appears, and most events have a Nativity scene on display, and at bigger events the evening ends with a fireworks display. Carols by Candlelight, truly a great Australian Christmas Tradition.

So, that's the history.

The lights candles in the park last night was beautiful. The Carols were lovely. Foods were yum! (Kaori brought yummy sushi). People and companion were wonderful. My Japanese friend, Kaori, was impressed. It was the first carol for her. I think she enjoyed it. :) You may need to enlarge the picture by clicking it to get clearer view. Wish everyday is Christmas....

Festive Season

Few pieces from Darwin Festival....

The FourPlay,

an Electric String Quartet band group, was a highlight for me. 4 talented musician played diverse range of artists from Beastie Boys, Radio Head, Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley, to Metallica, as well as played arrangement of their compositions, which I think was brilliant. I dont mind to buy their album!

The Surrender,

a unique repertoire played by Chris Abraham and Robert Curgenven. Chris is an Australian improvising expert pianist, performed a solo piece on a grand piano in surround sound. Robert Curgenven performed a field recording, an amazing-excentric electronica music, recorded in a nature, harmonic, ambient and overtune sounds with fantastic field video

as the background. The combination turned to be outstanding. He also played a short solo piece with world renowed classical Sitar player, Kabita Ghosh. Too bad I forgot to bring camera that time.

The Strange Fruit,

a performance of an arts troupe was amazing. This group is based in Melbourne, produces an art performance that combine theatre, dance, and circus using unique elevated medium, which is a 4 metre pole. The group delivers performance, bending and swaying in the air.

Malam Budaya Indonesia,

I initially did not want to go. But Andrew was excited about it. Presenting 4 traditional dances from Aceh, Jakarta, Kalimantan, and Papua, that was the first time I watch professional indo traditional dances live, on stage! Oh, and it also showed traditional indonesian martial arts, Pencak Silat, performed by a group from Melbourne, combination of local and Australian. I am impressed with the 'bule' boys who dressed like a real Indonesian 'pendekar', wanted to learn Silat, able to do it well, and even can talk Indonesian.

Malam Pesona Indonesia,

This was a big event of Indonesian community, with the big stage, more performances, and plenty of Indonesian food (which was the best thing). Without too much to say, just take a look of these pictures and story behind it.

For some reason we couldn't go to some shows that we would like to see, such as, The Mr Big dance show, Cantonese Opera, Offenbach's Comic Operetta, and Sophie Koh. But still, we did pretty well.

Last picture on the left is showing lamps decoration around Botanical Garden, a place where most of the shows on stage held. Pretty, hey?