I remember I did pay for the membership fee for signing up Unimates, the 2nd largest student club at the Uni. It’s quite new to me as used to be, I didn’t like any when on campus. This time, I guess I just want to hook around new places, so I chose it as it’s safer and convenient. More important, I can make new friends and observe human interactions more.
However, during previous weeks, I always went out with Kate or Meow-Ling for we found other places more attracting. This time, it’s to experience the Aussie aboriginal culture. I thought it’s a good opportunity to know some and after that when ppl ask me about it, I can have some knowledge toward it.
Here is the plan for this activity. There were about 30 of us in total.
Route1. Central Station to Penrith Station (by train, 1hr and 10 mins, AU10)2. Penrith station to Muru Mittigar (by minibus, 20 mins, free)3. Tour: (2 hrs, AU35)
4. Lunch together (optional)
As I woke up early around 07.00, I walked out around 07.55 and headed for Central Station to meet other ppl. To be honest, I was little nervous as Kate wasn’t able to come with me, so I had to be brave enough to have talks with other ppl. You know, actually I am not good at having conversations with ppl nor expressing with words properly. Usually, I think more than I can tell.
So, when I got there, it was 08.25 and I couldn’t see anyone who should look at students there! Many ppl came and went beside me. Then I was trying to text to Claire or Anna as they were responsible for the event. Suddenly there came Catriona, a British girl from London. “Are you here for Unimates?” “Oh, yes.” “Nice to know you, I am Ivy.” “I am Catriona.” …… soon, we had the talked through our whole journey…… (Can you believe we are now neighbours as she lives in Women’s college, just across the street of where I live.)
When we finally waited for all ppl, it’s almost 09.00. Well, this was little out of my expectation as I supposed ppl would make time, especially those who are westerners. A pretty girl once saw some guy coming close, she turned to them quickly. I guess she’s from Finland as I saw her email address within the letter. She’s really white and with truly blonde. However, she wore a hair pin with a big word saying “GUCCI”. I was really wondering about that as according to what I had read, most Nordic ppl don’t pursue fashionable stuff. Well then, maybe she’s the exception. Melina was from Austria, somehow, later on I found her little familiar. And I guess she found me the same or for other reasons as I perceived her looking at me for a long time though I really didn’t know why. She’s cool as she studies in peace and conflicts with another girl from Indonesian. They were classmates so soon they happily talked with each other.
When we finally hopped on the train, I miraculously ran into Monica (Aussie, the girl with my help to have her student card when we first met on the orientation day. We are at the same age.) just on the same train! She’s going to Blue Mountain with her other friends. How amazing! What a small world!
Then, Ais from Indonesian came to sit with Catriona and me. I like his active attitude as he’s talkative with us. Again, he studies in commerce. And apparently he wants to know me more. So now I came to the small conclusion: Guys who study in social science prefer independent girls while those who study in science or engineering prefer pretty girls (mostly are from social science). 3 of us were good friends then and later on I found them both Libra. Hahaha! That’s why we are good friends. :-P
Cultural Talk
An informative guided tour of Muru Mittigar's cultural museum covering the local Darug people, Cultural beliefs and stories from Aboriginal Australia and interpretive museum pieces.When we arrived, first it came the cultural talk. It was amazing again that many of them eagerly found a seat for themselves. I guess they were not much well-educated. At the same time, Catriona leaded me to the 1st roll! I was bit scared but still followed her. So, it’s good to have a clear view of all stuff made aboriginal. Totally out of my expectation, the guide at times passed down some stuff from me, and then we could have a close look. He even put on some daub on our faces for some good luck!! We looked funny!! Later on, I found some guys in the back asked for that too! I knew them from Germany and Netherlands and they talked about that all the time (Well, ppl kept asking one by one). Lastly, the guided was demonstrating how to make fire with the traditional way. One min passed, he couldn’t make. So, he said, “Some ppl are good at making fire and some don’t.” So we couldn’t but burst into laughs. He continued and showed, “So I prefer to make it with a lighter.” Again, we laughed.
Then it came the Q & A time. Many ppl asked different questions such as “How many ppl live in the traditional way?” “How many aboriginal ppl are there?” “Will you negotiate with the gov to take back your land?” … then when it came to quietness, I raised my hand, “What if the young generation refuses to learn from the traditional ways?” He looked at me deeply and said, “Well, look, so I started from giving them the traditional names. And I taught them the old cultures. Like me, I have 9 kids. I still believe, once they get more used to the other culture, they would easily lose the original one. But it’s very important as for example, our language is dying…” I agreed with him so I nodded. But in the mean time, his words were like big shock to me as well. As I am more used to the life here, am I losing my original one? Soon, I thought of my Mom’s words, “Being adapted to another new culture doesn’t mean you lost or gave up the original one. You cant accept the new one all for you need to distinguish the good from the bad. You are to improve and progress yourself.”
Didgeridoo
Our Didgeridoo presentation explains how the instrument is crafted, its origins and its cultural significance to many Aboriginal people.
It was little sad that they didn’t perform it with dance formally but they did little presentation on that special instrument during the cultural talk. The guide even could make the sounds of animals and driving sounds!! Can you imagine that?
Boomerang Throwing
Guests can join in boomerang throwing with experienced staff to offer expert advice and learn the cultural importance and history of this Aboriginal icon.
Then we went boomerang throwing practicing. It’s really whole new experience for all of us! The guide firstly showed how to play it. It seemed easy but it’s never to be! You need to use the power from your waist and control the direction well. Then, you will have it back and catch it. 2 Italian guys volunteered to do so. Though they tried their best, still, they couldn’t make it. After that, we lined up for trying. Each time, 4 ppl can be in the field. And I must say, the 2 guys from Germany and Netherlands were really good as they almost made it. Of course, a girl from Asian was much good as guys.
Bush Tucker Tastings
Enjoy sampling some bush tucker foods at Muru Mittigar: Kangaroo, Emu and Damper with an assortment of native jams.
After playing the boomerang, it’s noon. So they offered food tasting. I hardly could imagine that many ppl just squeezed toward the food as a tall guy asked for help to pass food. I perceived it annoying though he didn’t ask me to. An Italian guy next to me, who looked like a bad boy, looked at him with a strange eye as well. So now I know, the Italian guy was more well-mannered than that one who always wore a smile. I guess I really cant judge one person just with their appearance. I stood there showing my well-manners and looked at them all calmly. When it’s almost my turn, the Germany guy appeared and also waited patiently beside me. He turned to me and I found him the desire to talk to me and it’s also more polite to face the person, women in particular, the Dutch spoke with another Italian guy in back of us. So, we didn’t have the chance to. When it’s my turn, I only took a small piece of kangaroo and emu with apple juice. I was happy that at least I could have the apple juice. So, I told girls around me acting like a kid this good news. I felt happy with my apple juice as I love it so much! Well, I don’t think kangaroo tastes good as I found emu more tasteful. Besides, it’s kinda turkey. I love turkey!!
Yarra Walk
Learn about the traditional uses of local native plants by Aboriginal people, including medicinal, bush food or material resources.
It’s quite a short introduction as they only showed the small area of it. so we didn’t walk much.
Retail Gallery
Muru Mittigar's gallery contains authentic quality Aboriginal art and provides local and regional Aboriginal artists a place to display and sell their art and craftwork. The gallery also provides visitors with an opportunity to buy gifts to remember their trip to Muru Mittigar.
Actually I didn’t see many there. But later one, we did go into the souvenir shop. Though I was thinking buying a boomerang for my brother, I guess he wont have time and place practicing that. Instead, I turned to the Rosella jam made locally by Aussie for my Mom. Well, though it’s for her, I think all my family will have a taste of it when I am back for Xmas. :-P
Then before taking the train back, we went for some food as we were hungry. So we entered the mall toward fod courts. Then I ordered the Mexician one with lots of mash potato and veggie. The clerk wasnt very happy with me but once I spoke, she turned to be nice. This is really a "small town".
0 意見:
張貼意見