Day 41 (Adelaide - Rest Day)

Today was very busy. In the morning I had to pack all my stuff and go through all the bits and pieces that aren't necessary . I am starting to think about downsizing weight wise but more importantly space so I can carry all necessary goods for the Nullabor. After going through my bags all morning I was keen to head back to the Museum of South Australia. I went in the other day with the French guy and Austrian girl yet only briefly. The museum had a great section on Aboriginal history of Australia. It appears to be very informative and has a large collection of artefacts and culture teachings. When I came in with the others I decided straight away that I would come back alone as I knew I would of appeared extremely rude to them if I looked at the museum properly. As soon as I realised the extent of the section on Aboriginal Australia I had this rushed feeling of needing to know every single thing. I get this feeling a lot when I am in a rainforest, native bush land, read something related to natural observations or anything on indigenous communities and studies. I decided to be polite with the two foreigners and take my time explaining the history of European colonisation, right through to current times and conditions with Aboriginal people in Australia. As expected this museum did not touch on this stuff, the only museum I've seen that's done so had been in an aboriginal ran centre in Gariwerd.

The two had heard the same statements as most other people, particularly that they Aboriginal people are drunks and have trouble fitting into mainstream society. I explained that these statements stem from a large number of reasons. I delved into the issue of dysfunctional upbringings, on a generational scale, namely due to past discrimination and also being stolen or having family members that have been. They had not heard much about this issue and it made me realise how disillusioned mainstream Australian society is, particularly the government for ignoring this history in most facets of our society. We live in a community that is so quick to highlight negative areas of our Aboriginal people yet we never seem to highlight the mistreatment or even discriminating stereo types that practically every white Australian has.

After the museum I got focused on my trip and went to a camp store to pick up some last bits and pieces before I shoot off tomorrow. The main thing I needed was an extra water carrier, preferably one that was insulated to stop heat coming through. I now have roughly 17litres in water carriers, with rough capacity for 22 with all my bottle holders. Hoping this is enough.

After all this I finally met up with my mate, Johnno. This was great as I met him just a few hundred metres away from my hostel. He chucked my bike in the back of his car and we drove about 40 minutes to his place near the southern beaches of Adelaide. This is a friend I met a few years ago and we had got along instantly when we met. He coincidently has an interest in Aboriginal culture. It was a very special evening as not only did he tell me about the local Aboriginal culture but he also knew stories of the land and explained some political issues that are taking place at the moment. As the sun was going down we quickly went down to the beach for a refreshing swim. I was extremely glad to spend this evening with my friend and also appreciate the exact same things. On the way back to his house we drove past a few flag poles, bearing the Australian and Aboriginal flag. It made me proud, and I presume Johnno also, to see the Aboriginal flag. The reason it makes me proud is because it illustrates that Australia has an identity, and also a rich culture separate to our European history. When we arrived back at his house we cooked up a good feed and caught up on lost time.

Time for a good sleep as I know il now be in the bush for a number of weeks. Back on the road tomorrow!!