Today, still raining, we head for cover at a local cultural centre for some local aboriginal history and lessons in the art of Didgeridoo playing and boomerang throwing.
The Didgeridoo uncovered - a hollow piece of timber bored out by termites, normally coated at one end with bees wax. Used as a musical wind instrument at traditional ceremonies and no doubt in times of fun throughout many homes of international travelling folk when they finally get back home. Well it beats the sound of someone murdering a love song on a acoustic guitar. Didj Dave dropped some techno vibes, a little more practice required!
The boomerang thought to be produced purely as a fun time item although some models
were used to hunt though these were not designed to come back! We both gave our boomerangs some wellie and pleased to say they did return, sort of!
Whilst completing our training we discussed aboriginal history with our guides. They touched on the history surrounding the natural migration of Papua New Guineans (PNG) back in the 50s and 60s to the Northern and NSW territories. They first had to navigate their way across the stretch of seas between northern oz and PNG. This is known as the Torres Strait named after early Spanish explorers. Within these
waters are 18 islands that are inhabited but there are many that are not. There are over 100 islands in total. This section of ocean is 150 kms wide and very dangerous for ocean going ships. If captains do guide their vessels safely through this stretch of seas they then have the barrier reef to contend with.
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