I’ve always wanted to come here, and when we got there it was like magic. Took a bit of work though. We had to apply for a permit to enter (the number of white people allowed in is controlled). And there are a lot of conditions upon entry, like not bringing in any alcohol, sticking only to the one road, not bringing in any computer games, etc.
To get in we had to cross Cahills Crossing at low tide. I counted six visible crocodiles in the crossing. Scary stuff!!
We went to Arnhem Land to visit Injalak Arts in Gumbalanya. It sells traditional Aboriginal Art at wholesale prices, and you can watch the artists working.
Beautiful art, and you could spend hours browsing. Alas the boys were over it pretty quickly. We had a picnic lunch across the road at the playground and they met some local kids.
Mangoes were growing wild where we were picnicking.
After the mangoes we headed back to Kakadu and went on an inaugural art walk showcasing the new mural by the pool. It’s part of the Mabilil Festival. (Mabilil- afternoon breeze in Kakadu).
And some pictures of the Arnhem Land landscape.
Magical! I know you wanted to go there so glad you were able to. Love the pics of the boys and all the local kids. Kids just have a natural ability to get along. Jett looks so at home in the outback.
I’m surprised you were able to take pictures of the people. I heard that some aboriginal elders believe that cameras take a little bit of the souls with each picture taken so don’t like/prohibit photos being taken. Not sure if this was all communities. Was told this once when I was on a project to design some iPad apps for remote indigenous communities.
Yes- you always have to ask before taking a photo. In some places there are signs placed that ask you not to take photos at all, or to ask first. In some places you can’t take photos of the land. Depends where you are. The kids were playing with the camera and taking photos of each other. We were teaching them how to zoom in and out with the camera- they were loving it.
Glad you got to go Tanya! Sounds like a fantastic experience