Three Hundred Million Fascinating Years of Uluru

Need I say it (again)? It so often happens this way, thankfully: that in my daily work as a travel advisor I find my weekly inspiration for my newsletter. Strangely, I have never written about Australia or any part of this vast country, despite the fact that a few years ago I worked for a certification through Tourism Australia, making me an "Aussie Specialist". I think I must be trying to keep this awesome, wonderful continent a secret.

I don't have to tell you how culturally, geographically, ecologically and socially diverse Australia is, as you've been around for a more than a minute, right? This is probably one of the reasons I haven't written more about it - I don't know where to begin. So for this first mini-exposé I enlisted the help of the folks at Approach Guides again. In the past they have put together beautiful, colorful and informative newsletters for me, and they've really done it well this time.

Uluru - we grew up with the old European designation "Ayers Rock" - is not just a fascinating bit of geomorphology. There are peoples for whom it is part of their cultural foundation and identity; you will hear about the fascinating Anungu lore, and some of the history of the monolith in the video titled "Uluru: Australia’s Mythic Monolith". There is a BBC interview with the Anungu telling their origin stories in which the rock has a central role. Make sure you read why tourists have been banned from climbing Uluru, and the passion that fueled the journey to that decision. The link for that is at the bottom of the page I've linked below.

Another recommendation: explore with Google Earth the walking path that takes you around Uluru just as if you are traversing it yourself. That is also at the bottom of the page.

And here is the link to everything. Enjoy this wonderful journey, then let's plan yours.

'til next week.