A strange day of contrasts. On arrival at Darwin, instead of passengers being able to get off within a matter of minutes, we apparently had a unionised welcome to Australia, with securing the lines taking more people than usual, but instead of the Dawn dropping its own gang planks and fitting the side nets over the water within seconds in its own well drilled way, we had to wait for the dockers to assemble their Meccano set of ramps, using a crane and forklifts. Not a speedy process and they weren't exactly rushing. Is it penal rates on Saturdays?
About 40 minutes after arrival, from our cabin, we noted the Princess tour passengers walking down the ramps and we waited until they had gone before heading down to deck 7. Suffice to say that the queue to disembark stretched two thirds the length of the ship as there was only one gangway operating and that meant just one security person scanning the cruise cards. Even now, after 85 days, unbelievably, there are still a fair few passengers who are fumbling for their cards, then they stagger slowly down the ramps, totally oblivious to the queue behind.
Ah well. Australian soil at last. The extremely pleasant park and small beach at the entrance to Darwin, already had its devoted sun worshippers. It was noticeable that most were relatively slim, were young and one or two young ladies had the St Tropez style one piece beachwear.
Up the lift to the walkway to town. This is a very well kept, attractive side of town with several attractive old buildings and immaculate gardens.
We headed straight for the bus stop, just a few yards up the street and on the right and much to my surprise, there weren't many cruisers around, probably because we had just missed the bus! When the number 10 bus arrived, the smiling driver hopped out and said he'd be back in a couple of minutes.
He was and said that as he'd kept us waiting, we'd have a free ride. We then found out that the drivers were in fact on strike and refusing to accept the fares. That saved us about $3.
We had ridden this bus before and had an inkling as to what would happen next – and we were half right. We sat right at the front, underneath the pine air freshener hanging from the rail. At the first or second stop in town, there were about 4 Aboriginals swaying around and when they found out that it was free, they yelled out to their noisy drunken mates who piled onto the bus yelling at the tops of their voices "bombers, bombers" – which we took to be some form of local sports team. (I must Google it... see footnote added Nov 5th). The chanting and yelling didn't stop once on the move and increased in intensity at each bus stop, urging the driver to get a move on. By this time the bus was full, with many passengers standing. The stench of BO, dirty clothes, stale tobacco and alcohol was unbelievable. One very pleasant youngish Chinese lady managed a discreet spray of perfume – thank goodness. One young Aboriginal female who was not part of the rowdy group, bravely told the ring leader to shut up, but to no avail of course. The driver, unheard by the mob, presumably fearing trouble, especially as a couple of smartly dressed black Africans seemed to be bearing the brunt of a lot of the noise, managed to radio for support.
Two stops later, two of the local transport police were waiting (wearing purple rubber gloves – so I suppose this wasn't exactly a rare occurrence) and the bus was suddenly rather quiet as they boarded. After a quick conversation with the driver, they elected to leave the rowdy mob alone as they expected them to get off a couple of stops later, but followed anyway.
Despite all this, the driver stopped at the next stop, got out of his seat and indicated to three lady cruisers that this was their stop for Spotlight.
The rowdy mob fell off at the next stop and peace reigned once more - and the air was suddenly cleaner. Full marks to Peter, the driver of bus 117, route 10 about 11:30 from Darwin to Casuarina Mall, for a very professional approach to the day, even though supposedly on strike.
The shopping centre was a bit of an anti-climax after that but we were only killing time anyway, so no big deal. The return ride was uneventful and we didn't bother walking into Smith Street to the shops, but we did stop at the Trampoline ice cream kiosk for a horrendously expensive ice cream each - $12+ for two small ice creams. We thought €2.50 a scoop in Europe was pushing it a bit, but Darwin took the prize by a comfortable margin – the ice cream was OK, but no better than the European stuff we loved.
The queue to reboard was as slow as always in Darwin, with just one scanner dockside, but at 2:15, we were enjoying a coffee with Norm and Marion, watching the quay appear as the ship rose on the incoming tide. I think it must have risen about 2 metres in the time we were chatting.
An afternoon blog writing, followed by the usual sailaway, where Ros and her team seemed to have been shopping for food, coming out with plates of dips and cheeses not available on board.
Early 6:15pm Vista show again – Adam Dean, illusionist and magician. Paula rather reluctantly joined him on stage for one part of his act and acquitted herself well. A pretty good act, but it seems that several illusionists have purchased the same tricks, so 7.5 out of 10.
After a welcome shower, we enjoyed a bite in the HC with my favourite eggplant parmigiana again, spicy prawns, rice and a nice chunk of stewed beef. We were joined by Teri and Alex and also Colin and Judy.
Up on deck, a noisy dance party with the streamers, dancers, and Epithani making the music. Lots of fun, but a bit repetitive and noisy after a while, so we retreated to a very quiet atrium for a coffee and retired about 11:30 and once again, put the clocks on 30 minutes. I think we are now three hours ahead of NZ and another hour forward before Sydney.
Well that is it then! Our last port and now we really are heading for home, with most people trying to avoid the subject of coming to the end of their adventure. Apparently, one or two husbands flew home from Darwin and one 77 year old Kiwi (who had a heart attack yesterday and had the ship team performing CPR on deck), also left the ship but by ambulance.
Occasionally, there is a mention of packing, flying, or home, but most are determined to make the most of the five sea days ahead.
Teri and Alex were thrilled to catch up with family and witness their grandson's contribution to a basketball competition win, by shooting three pointers at the end of the game.
In a strange twist of fate, I asked cruise director Mark, if our least favourite, listed comedian, was in fact joining us, as he was listed as being one of the acts still to come. Apparently not. He had an issue with the Indian Immigration. Oh what a pity…
Footnote - from Wikipedia: The Tiwi Islands Football Club, nicknamed, Bombers, began as a representative club competing in the Northern Territory Football League 2006/07 season.
The club is notable as being the first all-Aboriginal team to play in a major competition.
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