Kakadu National Park

Happy 4th of July! Ben, our fantastic Delegation Manager, greeted us this morning wearing an American flag bandana. We began our adventure to the Outback with a stop at Window on the Wetlands, about an hour southeast of Darwin. Student ambassadors planted native trees near the Visitor Center to combat erosion. This community service project was greatly appreciated by the Wetlands management and the Northern Territory government. After working up a sweat, students enjoyed a rest and a snack of green ants – picked up right off the ground. Everyone agrees – they’re not too bad if you like lemon-line.

Our adventure continued as we drove into the Australian bush of Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage site. At the border of the Aboriginal Reserve Arnhem Land on the Alligator River, students embarked on a cruise led by aboriginal guides to search for saltwater crocodiles. The river was actually named by an American in the late 1800’s who thought the huge reptiles were alligators. Another case of mistaken identity! Thomas and Robert were specially chosen by one of the guides to throw a traditional spear across the river. What an honor! We then continued on to Ubirr Rock where we examined fascinating examples of thousand year old aboriginal rock art that depicted what animals were good to eat. We even saw a painting of the extinct Tasmanian Tiger. Climbing to the top of an outcrop of rocks, students witnessed a spectacular sunset and had an amazing view of the floodplain below. On the bus ride to the hotel everyone sang our national anthem and Katy Perry’s Firecracker with abundant enthusiasm. Jacqui then took on the role of DJ. Dave, our new Aussie driver, flashed the interior lights off and on as the delegates rocked out to the latest pop sounds. Of course, our day with the crocs, wouldn’t be complete without our own P2P rendition of Crocodile Rock. In the middle of our celebration, a dingo darted across the road in front of us. Maybe a busload of happy singing patriotic American teenagers was just too much for him. I’m sure the 4th of July, 2011 will be one that your child won’t soon forget!