Day 50 of 102

AUSTRALIA

Being in Australia, my birthday falls in the early hours of March 2nd!  But, I’m celebrating today as if somewhere near GMT!  (I was born at 20.10hrs in Ashton Nursing Home, Sale, now Greater Manchester, where outside, a foot of fresh snow lay!  No wonder I am much happier in the tropical Northern Territory capital, Darwin!  

As in 2020, I chose a short shore excursion (with a not so early start) to allow time to chill out, open my presents, which I was not expecting, have an afternoon nap, and be bright and fresh for a small (in number) dinner party tonight.  It was always my intention not to do anything on this trip, but on sudden impulse, I decided that entering my 75th year was indeed worthy of marking somehow!  

I awoke (never to get back to sleep again) at the now notorious time of 05.40 hrs, having gone to bed much earlier last night.  Today should have been a sea day, but not being able to call at Bali a few days ago, it became possible to have two full days in Darwin.  My tour was to the Adelaide River, where each day, tourists can be taken on a Jumping Crocodile Cruise.  There are four of these per day, each lasting around an hour.  It took just over an hour travelling out of Darwin through the fascinating and pleasant green countryside. 

The actual purpose of the trip, to see crocodiles jump for food, felt a bit too well rehearsed, almost predictable. The guide on the boat was excellent and very informative. We ventured at impressive speed to where the wild crocodiles were.

We went to two such locations, and one very good thing about the boat was that every participant was able to have equal opportunity to watch as the crocodiles were attracted to the lumps of meat offered them on a long pole. The food would be raised above the water to encourage the crocodiles to jump for it. But somehow, for some reason, the animals appeared cheesed off with this routine.

The journey back was slightly longer, including a brief tour of the city.  I was back on board just in time for some shepherd’s pie in the Kings Court Buffet before returning to my room. 

After a brief nap, I opened my presents and cards. Already, I have less than two hours to prepare for dinner tonight in the Verandah.

Before long, it was time to make my way to the Verandah Restaurant, where one of their best tables had been reserved, prepared, and decorated.

Pre-dinner drinks lasted more than planned, but soon, we would choose our seats and be presented with menus. Dining in the Verandah is a high-end experience that should be reserved for special occasions. One fairly recent tradition is the raw cuts of meat, which are explained and presumably are the actual ones chosen by guests.

Next (and I didn’t photograph this), those choosing a steak are offered a choice of steak knife from several displayed before them.

I did stray from my diet tonight, and I may regret the small amount of cheesecake made specially for me.

I feel that the evening worked out well, and think that I got away with asking those present to sign my Laconia Portfolio. Unfortunately, I did not get my walking in today, but perhaps I could take the day off from my charity efforts.

I have to acknowledge Jo, who added the birthday touches to my celebration, as illustrated in some of the pictures. I enjoyed turning 74!

Many thanks for reading, David, 23.52 hrs The Carinthia Lounge, 1/3/23. GMT+9.5.