Kununurra:
We have our last communal dinner with our travel group. I notice fervent
discussion and a card circulating. I assume if they need money for a present
they will not to speak to me. This is what happens. They speak to Mrs. C and
she makes a contribution for both of us.
One of our
group, I’ll call him Peter, gives a touching and appropriate speech and gives
the card and present to the driver and guide.
At 9:30pm one
of the bar staff says: Last drinks. We are closing the bar.
The reason
they are closing early is because the hotel can’t afford to pay any staff to
stay and serve us.
Subdued
talking after last night’s joviality.
The group
consist of 16 people randomly thrown together.
In the
group. Nobody smoked; nobody tried to lead everybody; nobody was habitually
late to the bus; no factions formed; no-one complained about everything. All
were Aussies. Coming from all the usual Australian cities. We missed out on the
usual two Kiwis.
The future
is unscripted. I don’t know who I will see again or when. It is likely that if
I see any of the group again it will be in Hobart. Hobart is a place people travel to and visit.
It is the gateway to Tasmania.
After
leaving our tour we see some of our group in the airport. I cheerfully greet
them. I ignore everybody else in the airport. Our Kimberley trip has bonded me to
members of our group. Not fellow airplane passengers.
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