Alice Springs, Central Australia

Alice Springs has been really good to me. I've been here for the last week enjoying the sights and sounds of Central Australia, while waiting on my training and job to start with the Remote Area Health Corp. I scored a remote job within a week of landing, but paperwork and some lag time bought me another week. It's been a good relax time, allowing me to explore a bit, take a didgeridoo lesson and read alot.

My 5 senses have been inundated with:

• the wafting smell of eucalyptus on morning runs and afternoon walks. It's everywhere! and I can't believe we actually pay for this at home.
• the constant sound of humming of cicadas at night and flocks of colorful galahs around every corner,
• the taste of deliciously divine Australian yoghurt (which I simply Cannot get enough of...)
• touch of the baby kangaroos that I played with every afternoon, as part of a wildlife rescue organization in-town, WIRES

plus, my 6th sense tells me I'm doing the right things for the right now. All is well and I'm happy.

After cultural training the last 2 days, I'm ready to be sent out to my community in the morning. Ampilatwatja (pronounced um-bludder-witch) is a community of about 600 that will take me about 4 hours off-roading to get to. There is a physician there and a medical student will be going with me. (EJ--I totally take this as a sign that good things will happen when you come) I'm super excited, although naively, because I don't really know what I'm walking into. Up for the challenge! Went on a big grocery trip today to stock-up and I leave about 7 a.m. in the morning.

Not sure about internet and certainly not cell phone. Will be out there through the New Years. Keep checking back on the post to the left for my address. I have full faith and confidence that I won't be let down when the mail plane arrives!

Missing many of you in so many ways.
xx. SJ