An alarm to start a holiday is always crap. It went off about 6.20. After a shower I checked emails, did a few quick things on Xero, and booked an Uber at 7.10. We were at the airport by 8 and checking in. There was a long line to get through security, and we both had to do an explosives test, but we were sipping champagne (not in the lounge unfortunately) before 8.30.

The plane took off on time at 9.30 (a few delays on the runway though as only one was open). I watched “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” on the flight, stopping a few times to look out the window. Kaoru and I had the 3 seats to ourselves so we could stretch out a bit, and use the aisle and window seat. We had a great view of Lake Eyre and remembered what it was like flying below sea level over it several years ago. Eventually we reached Alice Springs.

After getting our bags we decided to catch a shuttle bus instead of a taxi in to town. It was $33. We later found out a taxi would have been ~$38, so we had saved a bit, but had to wait for the shuttle to be full, so swings and roundabouts. However we had a great driver who used to be a tour guide, and talked the whole way in to town! I had a chat to him when he dropped us off and he said not all drivers give that extra service so we were very lucky.

We were able to check in to our room when we got there about 1.00, which was good as check-in was supposed to be 2.00. And we were also 30 minutes behind so my stomache was at 1.30. So after dropping off our bags we decided to walk in to town and get some lunch. It was only about a 15 minute walk from the Ibis in to the “CBD” – we passed a couple of places but none looked like what we were after. Kaoru had been told about KFC from Mio a while ago but still hadn’t had it, so since we saw one we went with that.

After lunch we went to the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum. It was a bit pricy ($17) but when you know it’s going towards a good cause you don’t mind. After a briefing and getting to see on a screen a live update of all the RFDS planes in the air, we saw a hologram movie history of the RFDS. You know it’s a good service but never appreciate just what it does. It was amazing to learn that they serviced 280,000 people/year! Afterwards we were able to go in the museum, and inside a Pilatus plane (the newest in their fleet) all decked out inside the building. I bought a new Barma hat as my old one really was past its life and leaves markes on my head when I wear it. I’m sure I could get it cheaper, but again, the profit is going to a good cause. Kaoru bought a shot glass, and then we had a coffee (and chai latte) at the cafe.

We walked through town, looking for the old school, but couldn’t find it. But ended up in the market street, and then made our way to Anzac Hill. It was good to get some exercise, and gave us a beautiful view of Alice Springs, as well as the East and West Macdonald Ranges. We then walked back in to town and stopped for a drink at the local pub. I was starting to feel pretty knackered and knew it would be an early night tonight with such a long day ahead of us.

Then it was off to Woolworths to buy a couple of things for breakfast tomorrow, and then Coles liquorland to get beer and Baileys. It was just after 6.00 local time, but in the interests of an early night we went to dinner. We chose the Steakhouse as it looked pretty good. I had the Drovers Dinner which was soup, mixed meat platter (Crocodile / Kangaroo / Buffalo Sausage and Camel), Steak and Pavlova. Kaoru had the mixed meat platter and wallaby salad (entree) size. We couldn’t finish all of the food – partly because I was tired, but also the steak was pretty fatty – I was hoping for a really lean cut. The meat platter was great though – tastes that we don’t usually get.

We walked back to the hotel and it was really starting to cool down. Luckily we had brought some warm clothes with us, but I was still in shorts and just a t shirt and jumper, so my chest was cold. It was after 8 by the time we got back. I had a shower to warm up, and we did a bit of organising things, and then I went to bed.