4th May - drinks at marina - Indonesian rally - Bushfires restaurant - rainbow lorikeets

Saturday 4^th May

Last night we went to town, literally.  On the bus, from Blue Water marina.  On the way we stopped and spent an hour or so with neighbours from other boats, who were happily sitting in the dark on the terrace outside the manager’s office, sipping beer and wine and eating chips.  They were all very friendly, and some of them are trying to persuade us to go on a rally to Indonesia, which leaves from Darwin, I think, in July.  Pete has been staring intently at maps and charts and weather patterns, trying to work out whether we can fit everything in…

The bus system was very efficient, a nice new speedy vehicle, powering along the highway.  My only complaint was – yes I always have to find at least one small thing to complain about – the aircon.  It was brrrr cold on the bus!

I had offered to take Captain Pete out to a big Brazilian restaurant, Bushfires, recommended by Michael and his friends.  It was a fabulous experience.  I had a delicate little eye fillet, beautifully cooked, while Pete had the Churrasco Experience – Aussie Style - selections of chicken, pork, beef, chorizo, lamb, prawns, sliced off huge skewers.  (I made a slight error of judgement in having both a mojito AND a large glass of red wine, which meant I had to get up in the middle of the night and search for Aspro Clear, but never mind…it was a great night.)  And yes of course I have a complaint about this lovely big, well organised restaurant, with its cheery staff and great service and delicious food…the aircon!!  It was SO cold in there!!

Yes we did take photos but I am very kindly not publishing them because Pete looks very grim and I look like…The Devil!  You can just get a glimpse of Pete's hand, holding the nifty little tongs provided.  And here are the flames of hell MINUS The Devil Woman!

We were happy to be outside in the warm air, waiting for the bus in the bus mall.  There was a sudden sound of shrieking and right down the street, low to the ground, came a large flock of small speedy birds.  We were amazed – they seemed to be using the street as their very own thoroughfare.  We looked at each other and said, “What on earth was THAT?” and a silent young Islander man sitting on a bench said, “Rainbow lorikeets.  On their way to their roosting trees.  They do this most nights.”