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rubydolly · 5 months

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YULARA - ULURU KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK 2023

I have just returned from a trip to Yulara. My trip was so amazing and the place so special that I felt it deserved a blog post so here it is.

PS - Tumblr have put a new restriction on how many photos you can put in a blog post, so sadly I won't be able to post as many photos in the post as I did my Singapore post, Stupid Tumblr :(

Yulara and Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park is owned by Anangu, the traditional custodians of the land.

DAY ONE Date: 6/11/2023 Weather: Day: 35 Degrees Night: 32 Degrees Humidity: Day: 32% Night: 16% Itinerary: Arrive At Yulara Check Into Hotel - Sails In The Desert Gecko's Cafe

The trip start at Sydney Domestic Airport on the 6th of November, my Mother and I flew from Sydney to Yulara via Jetstar. The flight to Yulara was 3 hours, I would like to give a shoutout to manager Pat and the crew on our flight, all of them were super friendly and lovely to talk to and made the flight a really lovely experience.

Just like Singapore, the minute the plane landed and we stepped off the plane I immediately noticed the heat. Unlike Singapore which is a very humid heat, the heat in Yulara is extremely dry, according to my phone it was 35 degrees and the humidity was 32%. Apart from the heat, the other thing I noticed was the bright red sand and dust, letting me know that I was indeed in the Red Centre. We got our luggage and then got on to the Hop On Hop Off bus to our hotel in the Ayer's Rock Resort complex, we were staying at Sails In The Desert. I want to take a moment here to say that the rock is NOT!!! Called Ayer's Rock it's called Uluru, it used to be called Ayer's Rock however that name was changed to Uluru in 2002, I'll explain why at the bottom of this post but just remember to call it Uluru and not Ayer's Rock as the local Anangu do not appreciate people referring to the rock by its old name. The resort complex however is called "Ayer's Rock Resort"

Arriving At Yulara

Mum and I checked into our hotel and by that point we were both starving so we decided to have lunch by the pool, I had Mushroom Gnocchi and my Mum had the Ancient Grains Salad. The gnocchi was delicious!!! I almost licked my plate clean it was so good.

Mushroom Gnocchi

After lunch we both had a nice long dip in the pool, which was so refreshing as it was so incredibly hot outside.

Ready For A Dip In The Pool

That night we both went down to Gecko's Cafe which is located in the Town Square for dinner, I had a chicken schnitzel and Mum had a vegetarian pizza. I forgot to take photos of our dinner as I was so tired by that point, sorry about that.

Going Out For Dinner

COSTS Lunch: $32.00 Dinner: $26.00

DAY TWO Date: 7/11/2023 Weather: Day: 32 Degrees Night: 21 Degrees Humidity: Day: 15% Night: 18% Itinerary: Uluru

Day two was all about what we had travelled all the way to Yulara for, seeing Uluru. We started our day nice and early, so that we could do the 10 kilometre base walk around Uluru. If you are planning on doing the base walk, it is important that you go either early morning at sunrise or sunset, it is not safe to do it in the middle of the day as it gets extremely hot and there is no shade. Also make sure you pack plenty of water and Gatorade as well as wear appropriate clothing (information on appropriate clothing in "Tips") to avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

We got on the Hop On Hop Off bus at 7:00AM and arrived at Uluru in 25 minutes, note that Uluru is inside Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park and you need a ticket to enter the park, you can buy a ticket online or you can do what we did which is go to to the Town Square and buy a ticket at the tourist office.

When we arrived at Uluru, I was at a loss for words, the rock is huge and just feels so magical. They say the rock changes colour throughout the day and I can confirm that is 100% true, I could see Uluru as we entered the park by the bus and it looked purple but by the time we actually arrived at the rock it was bright orange.

Uluru

As we embarked on our walk, admiring the monolith, we came across some signs which told a story about an event that took place here thousands of years ago, I would share the photos but thanks to Tumblr's stupid 30 photos per post limit I can't so I will type out the story for you.

"In the beginning, the Mala people came from the north and could see this rock. They thought it looked like a good place to stay a while and make inma (ceremony). The Mala men decorated and raised Ngaltawata, the ceremonial pole. The inma had now begun.

The Mala people began to busily prepare for their ceremonies. The women gathered and prepared food for everyone. They stored nyuma (seed cakes) in their caves. The men went out hunting. They made fires and fixed their tools and weapons.

In the middle of preparations, two Wintalka men approached from the west. They invited the Mala people to attend their inma. The Mala people said no, explaining their ceremony had begun and could not be stopped.

The Disappointed Wintalka men went back and told their people. Enraged, they created an evil spirit - a huge devil - dog called Kurpany to destroy the Mala inma.

As Kurpany travelled towards the Mala people he changed into many forms. He was a mamu, a ghost. Luunpa the kingfisher woman was the first to spot him. She warned the Mala people but they didn't listen.

Kurpany arrived and attacked and killed some of the men. In great fear and confusion the remaining Mala people fled down into South Australia with Kurpany chasing them. The story continues down south.

These ancestors are still here today. Luunpa still keeps watch, but she is now a large rock. Kurpany's footprints are imprinted into the rock leading towards the east and south. The men who were killed are still in their cave.

This story teaches that it is important to finish what you start and that you should watch for and listen to warnings of danger."

There are certain parts of Uluru that you cannot photograph, these places are clearly marked with signs asking that you not take photographs, this is around the north - east face of Uluru. The reason for this is that the rock details and features at these sites are equivalent to sacred scripture for the Anangu - they describe culturally important information that should only be viewed in their original location and by specific people.

Throughout the walk, there are emergency phones and seats with wooden shelters over them should you become ill or injured and require help. About 9 km's into the walk, I began to suffer from heat exhaustion, luckily for me it was only very mild and I recovered quickly and was able to finish the walk but do be mindful that heat exhaustion is a possibility on this walk.

Me Towards The End Of The 10km Base Walk

Once we had completed the walk, we got the bus back to our hotel, we both had a much needed swim before we had lunch, we ate by the pool again and i had the mushroom gnocchi again.

That night, we were booked to go and see the Field Of Lights, however a huge wind storm picked up and all of the outdoor night tours including the Field Of Lights got cancelled. We decided to instead have a buffet dinner at out restaurant, Sails In The Desert has a buffet dinner every night, it costs $89.00 per person. It was the best buffet I have ever seen!!! such a great variety and everything was delicious, I had hokkien noodles, arrabiata, truffled cauliflower and garlic and rosemary focaccia. They also had a desert station with a huge chocolate fountain!!! I had ice cream and chocolate and two small slices of chocolate cake.

Dressed And Ready For The Field Of Lights

The Amazing Buffet Dinner

COSTS Uluru Kata Tjura National Park Pass: $38.00 Lunch: $32.00 Dinner: $89.00

DAY THREE Date: 8/11/2023 Weather: Day: 32 Degrees Night: 20 Degrees Humidity: Day: 19% Night: 12% Itinerary: Bush Yarn Gallery Of Central Australia Mangata Field Of Lights

The next day we decided to go into the Town Square and attend the 10:00AM Bush Yarn where an Anangu man explained the use and production of tools used by Anangu men. The tools we were introduced to were

Kali - The Kali is what the Anangu call a boomerang, unlike other boomerangs, the kali does not return when thrown. it is used for hunting.

Miru (Spear Thrower) - The Miru is a mulipurpose tool, it is used for hunting, making fires, spear sharpening, mixing ochre and digging.

Kulata (Spear) - Used for hunting.

Kali & Two Miru

Kulata

After listening to the Bush Yarn, we got on the Hop On Hop Off bus and went and checked out all of the other hotels, there are 5 hotels within Ayer's Rock Resort and a campground. - Desert Gardens - Emu Walk Apartments - The Lost Camel Hotel - Sails In The Desert - Outback Hotel & Lodge

When we got to the Desert Gardens Hotel, we discovered the Gallery Of Central Australia (GOCA), a small art gallery which showcases absolutely beautiful works of art by local Indigenous artists. In the middle of the gallery, were two Indigenous women working on beautiful paintings. You can buy some of the artworks and there is also a little gift shop selling paintings, cards, bags and more. I desperately wanted to buy one of the artworks, I bought a card instead and put it in a beautiful frame.

A Card I Bought & Framed From GOCA

After a tour of the complex, we went back to our hotel for lunch and a swim, i of course had Mushroom Gnocchi!!!

That night, we were booked in to the Field Of Lights which had been cancelled the previous night. The bus picks you up at 8:00PM so we went and had an early dinner beforehand. We went to the Desert Gardens Hotel and ate in their restaurant Mangata, Mum had poached chicken and vegetables and I had spaghetti bolognaise, both of our meals were delicious.

Spaghetti Bolognaise At Mangata

After dinner, the AAT King bus picked us up from our hotel and took us out to the Field Of Lights. The Field Of Lights is a solar powered light installation created by Bruce Monro with more than 300,000 lights covering a vast space of more than seven football fields. This phenomenal installation took over 2,000 hours to design and build in the United Kingdom and then another 3,900 hours to assemble on the site near Uluru. The exhibition first exhibited on the 1st of April 2016 and was scheduled to finish on the 31st of March 2018, however the installation is now permanent thanks to its immense popularity.

Field Of Lights

COSTS Lunch: $32.00 Dinner: $29.00 Field Of Lights: $46.00

DAY FOUR Date: 9/11/2023 Weather: Day: 33 Degrees Night: 20 Degrees Humidity: Day: 17% Night: 19% Itinerary: Didgeridoo Workshop

We really didn't do much on our fourth day, we mostly spent the day by the pool just relaxing as we hadn't had much of a chance to do that since arriving at Yulara.

At 11:00AM we went too the Akari theatre outside GOCA and the Didgeridoo workshop, while many people call this instrument a Didgeridoo, Didgeridoo is actually the rhythm produced by playing the instrument, the instruments actual name is Udarki. The man who played the Udarki explained the skilled and proper way to play a Udarki, it is not something you can just pick up and blow into anymore than you can just pick up a guitar and start strumming away, it takes practice and skill to be able to correctly play it. During the demo, Udarkis are handed out to the audience to have a go, however only men are given one as women do not play the Udarki and it is culturally insensitive for women to do so.

COSTS Lunch: $19.50 Dinner: $32.00

DAY FIVE Date: 10/11/2023 Weather: Day: 33 Degrees Night: 20 Degrees Humidity: Day: 12% Night: 19% Itinerary: Paint Your Own Australian Animal Desert Awakenings

Like the previous day, we didn't really do much throughout the day besides swim in the hotel pool, although I did take part in a Paint Your Own Australian Animal workshop in my hotel in which you get given a wooden animal that you paint as well as a guide on Indigenous markings and what they mean. We had also booked to do the Desert Awakenings tour that evening.

My Paintings, The Marking On The Lizard Means Travelling And The Markings On The Platypus Means 2 Women

In the late afternoon, the AAT King bus came and picked us up from our hotel and took us out to Kata Tjuta, the ride there took 37 minutes. Along the way, we stopped off at the Kata Tjuta Sunset Viewing Platform, where we were able to see both Uluru and Kata Tjuta and get some photos, we then got back on the bus and headed to Kata Tjuta.

Mum And I At The Kata Tjuta Sunset Viewing Platform

We arrived at Kata Tjuta and had drinks and canopies whilst sitting and watching the sun set over Kata Tjuta, it was a truly spectacular site. We stayed for an hour, watching Kata Tjuta change from orange to brown to purple, before getting back onto the bus, on the bus ride home, Mum and I were sitting at the front of the bus and were lucky enough to see two King Brown Snakes slithering across the road, I was absolutely stoked as I'm a snake lover.

Kata Tjuta Changing Colours As The Sun Sets

We got back to our hotel and had dinner in the restaurant, I got my final bowl of mushroom gnocchi, and then we went back to our room and began the depressing task of packing up our stuff, ready to leave the next day.

COSTS Lunch: $19.50 Desert Awakenings Tour: $160.00 Dinner: $32.00

TIPS

If you are doing the 10km base walk of Uluru, make sure to wear a hat, a lightweight shirt with sleeves that cover your arms, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes, avoid wearing black clothing as this will absorb heat.

If you are doing the 10km base walk of Uluru, make sure to pack plenty of water and Gatorade, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur very easily out here and be dangerous.

Climbing Uluru was banned in 2019 so you cannot climb Uluru, instead admire its beauty from the ground.

Due to its remote location and high overheads, EVERYTHING!!!! is expensive, food, souvenirs, tours and basic necessities like sunscreen and tissues, try to take as much of your own stuff as possible and if you're staying somewhere with kitchen facilities, there is an IGA so preparing your own food is an option for cutting down on costs.

The Sun is harsh and extreme, be sure to consistently keep up with sunscreen application and wear a hat. When possible wear long sleeves and long pants/dresses/skirts, the less sun on your skin the better

The Hop On Hop Off Bus is free and operates every 20 minutes, making a stop at every accomodation.

CULTURAL INFORMATION AND SENSITIVITIES

Ensure you have permission before photographing any of the Anangu.

Whilst some Anangu may give you permission to take a photo, you must NEVER!!! film them

Do not photograph or enter any sacred sites.

Anangu greet each other by saying "palya" a word which can also mean welcome, thank you, understood, ok and goodbye.

Do not refer to Uluru as Ayer's Rock or Kata Tjuta as The Olgas.

The Anangu honour their dead by not speaking their names or looking at their pictures, it is believed that doing so will recall and disturb the spirit.

HISTORY OF ULURU KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK The mesmerising monolith known as Uluru was created over 600 million years ago. While Indigenous Australians date back 60,000 years, the Anangu have lived in the area and used Uluru and Kata Tjuta for sacred ceremonies and rites of passage for the last 10,000 years. The caves and crevices of the monolith contain many sacred areas and ancient rock paintings. Before European invasion which took place in 1770, Indigenous Australians spoke an estimated 700 dialects. Today, only 20 - 50 languages remain and are spoken by children. Anangu mainly speak Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara, although some speak up to six of the Aboriginal languages.

In 1873, William Gosse went on a three month journey from Alice Springs through the desert, which brought him to Uluru, he was the first non Indigenous person to see Uluru and so he named it "Ayer's Rock" after Sir Henry Ayers, the Chief Secretary of South Australia at the time. On October 26th, 1985. Kata Tjuta, was discovered by a non Indigenous person for the first time in 1872 by Ernest Giles. Upon his discovery, Ernest named the collection of mountains "Mount Olga" after Queen Olga of Wurttemberg.

In the 1930's more explorers began arriving and by the 1940's the first graded road was laid. Tourism to the area officially began in the 1950's and over the next few decades, tourism operators started tours, roads were built as well as a small airport.

the Australian government finally returned ownership of the area and the national park back over to its rightful owners the Anangu on the 26th of October 1985. In 2002, the a few name changes were enacted in order to show respect to and acknowledge the Anangu as the traditional owners of the land, Ayer's Rock was changed to Uluru, The Olgas was changed to Kata Tjuta and Ayer's Rock Mount Olga National Park was changed to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. The Anangu people do not appreciate people calling Uluru "Ayer's Rock" or Kata Tjuta "The Olga's" as these names were a result of European colonisation and were imposed on a section of Aboriginal country. For this reason, you should always refer to the rock as Uluru and the mountains as Kata Tjuta.

#australia #northern territory #yulara #ayers rock #ayers rock resort #sails in the desert #uluru #uluru kata tjuta national park #bush yarn #anangu #desert gardens hotel #mangata #gallery of central australia #field of lights #kata tjuta #desert awakenings #2023

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seeingbeyondtheisland · 6 months

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YULARA - ULURU KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK 2023

I have just returned from a trip to Yulara, I know that Yulara is part of "the island" and not "beyond" it, however my trip was so amazing and the place so special that I felt it deserved a blog post so here it is.

PS - Tumblr have put a new restriction on how many photos you can put in a blog post, so sadly I won't be able to post as many photos in the post as I did my Singapore post, Stupid Tumblr :(

Yulara and Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park is owned by Anangu, the traditional custodians of the land.

DAY ONE Date: 6/11/2023 Weather: Day: 35 Degrees Night: 32 Degrees Humidity: Day: 32% Night: 16% Itinerary: Arrive At Yulara Check Into Hotel - Sails In The Desert Gecko's Cafe

Arriving At Yulara

Mushroom Gnocchi

After lunch we both had a nice long dip in the pool, which was so refreshing as it was so incredibly hot outside.

Ready For A Dip In The Pool

Going Out For Dinner

COSTS Lunch: $32.00 Dinner: $26.00

DAY TWO Date: 7/11/2023 Weather: Day: 32 Degrees Night: 21 Degrees Humidity: Day: 15% Night: 18% Itinerary: Uluru

Uluru

The Disappointed Wintalka men went back and told their people. Enraged, they created an evil spirit - a huge devil - dog called Kurpany to destroy the Mala inma.

This story teaches that it is important to finish what you start and that you should watch for and listen to warnings of danger."

Me Towards The End Of The 10km Base Walk

Once we had completed the walk, we got the bus back to our hotel, we both had a much needed swim before we had lunch, we ate by the pool again and i had the mushroom gnocchi again.

Dressed And Ready For The Field Of Lights

The Amazing Buffet Dinner

COSTS Uluru Kata Tjura National Park Pass: $38.00 Lunch: $32.00 Dinner: $89.00

DAY THREE Date: 8/11/2023 Weather: Day: 32 Degrees Night: 20 Degrees Humidity: Day: 19% Night: 12% Itinerary: Bush Yarn Gallery Of Central Australia Mangata Field Of Lights

Kali - The Kali is what the Anangu call a boomerang, unlike other boomerangs, the kali does not return when thrown. it is used for hunting.

Miru (Spear Thrower) - The Miru is a mulipurpose tool, it is used for hunting, making fires, spear sharpening, mixing ochre and digging.

Kulata (Spear) - Used for hunting.

Kali & Two Miru

Kulata

A Card I Bought & Framed From GOCA

After a tour of the complex, we went back to our hotel for lunch and a swim, i of course had Mushroom Gnocchi!!!

Spaghetti Bolognaise At Mangata

Field Of Lights

COSTS Lunch: $32.00 Dinner: $29.00 Field Of Lights: $46.00

DAY FOUR Date: 9/11/2023 Weather: Day: 33 Degrees Night: 20 Degrees Humidity: Day: 17% Night: 19% Itinerary: Didgeridoo Workshop

We really didn't do much on our fourth day, we mostly spent the day by the pool just relaxing as we hadn't had much of a chance to do that since arriving at Yulara.

COSTS Lunch: $19.50 Dinner: $32.00

DAY FIVE Date: 10/11/2023 Weather: Day: 33 Degrees Night: 20 Degrees Humidity: Day: 12% Night: 19% Itinerary: Paint Your Own Australian Animal Desert Awakenings

My Paintings, The Marking On The Lizard Means Travelling And The Markings On The Platypus Means 2 Women

Mum And I At The Kata Tjuta Sunset Viewing Platform

Kata Tjuta Changing Colours As The Sun Sets

COSTS Lunch: $19.50 Desert Awakenings Tour: $160.00 Dinner: $32.00

TIPS

If you are doing the 10km base walk of Uluru, make sure to pack plenty of water and Gatorade, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur very easily out here and be dangerous.

Climbing Uluru was banned in 2019 so you cannot climb Uluru, instead admire its beauty from the ground.

The Hop On Hop Off Bus is free and operates every 20 minutes, making a stop at every accomodation.

CULTURAL INFORMATION AND SENSITIVITIES

Ensure you have permission before photographing any of the Anangu.

Whilst some Anangu may give you permission to take a photo, you must NEVER!!! film them

Do not photograph or enter any sacred sites.

Anangu greet each other by saying "palya" a word which can also mean welcome, thank you, understood, ok and goodbye.

Do not refer to Uluru as Ayer's Rock or Kata Tjuta as The Olgas.

The Anangu honour their dead by not speaking their names or looking at their pictures, it is believed that doing so will recall and disturb the spirit.

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sunshinekidz · 2 years

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To Find You

Chapter 10

Word Count: 1.5K

Genre: Soulmate AU

Chan x Female Reader ft. Felix and Stray Kids

Note: After a bit of a hiatus, I am back to finishing this series :)

Later that night, you were awakened by something unexplainable. It was not quite a dreamless sleep, nor was it a sleep filled with too many dreams. Some things that were not quite real felt too real. At the same time, things that were real did not quite feel real. There were also one too many moments where you had difficulty distinguishing dreams from reality.

You stayed in the same position for a few moments longer, trying to return to sleep. But the endless thoughts kept you in your state of consciousness. Eventually, you gave up your continuous efforts and decided to take a walk around the resort.

It was the terrace that you headed for, as you followed the soft glow of the fairy lights that still stayed illuminated. The pattering sounds of your steps faltered at the wooden fence, separating the resort from the desert tundra that seemed to stretch on forever. You could faintly see Ayers Rock in the distance. At that angle, the view was much different from the one you encountered previously. Yet, the magnificence of the monolith still lingered. It was the reason that you were there in the first place.

You took several deep breaths and stood in the spot, basking in the surrounding darkness. Closing your eyes for a moment, you allowed your senses to awaken, listening onto the sounds of the night.

It was then you heard the sound of some familiar footsteps.

“Can't sleep?”

Your eyes opened at the voice. That Australian accent, you could recognize it anywhere. It was Chan, making his way towards you.

Turning to his direction, you gave him a slight nod.

“Yeah.” You said softly. “Too many things in mind.”

“Oh?” He was genuinely curious, ears perking up to listen to your response. “What kind of things?”

“Too many thoughts about life itself.” You sighed. It was a sigh from the fatigue of longing, an accumulation of anticipation, and a nostalgia of something that you were not quite sure of.

“Time, as well as existence. It’s all so fleeting, isn't it?” You continued. “There's so much you can do, with all the opportunities out there. And of course, there’s all the people that you can meet.”

You glanced over at him before returning your vision towards the distance.

“Sometimes, you wonder if the things you’re doing are those that you’re supposed to be doing, whether you’re doing it correctly or not. And there’s always something more, something along the lines of searching, going beyond what's comfortable to find something… That purpose.” You paused for a moment before whispering to yourself. “Or someone.”

As if hearing your whisper, Chan carried on the conversation.

“Do you think you’ll meet someone special here?”

You sighed softly.

“I’m not sure if I’ve met that person, or if I’ve yet to meet that person. I keep seeing signs that point in the right direction, but every time I get so close to confirming, something interrupts the whole process. And the interruptions are very rude.”

You could hear his chuckle. It was a pleasant, sonorous chuckle akin to the sound of a harmonious blend of melodies.

“Do you think you’ll meet someone special?” You returned him with his question.

“I guess my answer is the same as yours, Y/N. I’m not sure if I’ve met that person, or if I’ve yet to meet that person.”

You smiled to yourself.

“We’re oddly similar aren’t we?” You stated.

“I guess we are, Y/N. And it’s fascinating.”

Nodding, you were suddenly aware that daybreak was approaching. There were times where you were confused and even carried away with the passage of time. Concealed in the blanket of darkness, it felt more like night to you than that of early dawn. That was one of the moments when you mistook your dream-like state of consciousness with reality.

“Whenever I have too many things on my mind, I try to take some time off to go on a road trip.” It was his turn to share his thoughts with you. “Somewhere secluded and away from the big city. I would spend the evening there, to watch the stars and forget everything that’s on my mind.”

He tilted his head up.

“Now is the perfect chance, Y/N. Before the sun comes up, take a look at the sky.”

“Huh?”

“Look up.”

The moment you followed Chan’s movements, it was as if you traveled through time. No starry night could ever be comparable to your field of vision in the sky. If you could, you would have created your own versions of ‘Starry Night’. It was the first time you ever saw a galaxy, real and right before you. You were witnessing the history of time and of existence itself. Things felt even more like a dream.

“Every star in the sky has a story of its own. A history, actually. The light that you are seeing right now was emitted a long time ago. It has traveled a long distance for a long time until it reaches us, where we can see it.” He said. “They are many light years away, on opposing ends of the galaxy, and some, in distant galaxies.”

“Unfortunately, we can’t see all of them.” You responded. “And those stories remain untold, hidden somewhere in the universe where time and space cease to exist.”

“It makes us seem so minuscule, our existence. We simply cannot compare ourselves with the vastness of the universe. Yes, at this moment, we exist. But when the light from our star reaches elsewhere, who knows what would have happened?” Chan turned to look at you. “At the same time, whatever happens later on, is all up to our actions and what we believe in, no matter how minuscule they are.”

“We may be minuscule, but we all have stories that are just as vast as the universe.” You said quietly. “I can feel it. There’s that tug of the heartstrings from a soulmate. I know that the person is there. Somewhere out there, light years away. Or, right beside you.”

Still mesmerized with the night sky, you were surprised that you did not notice it earlier. You may have been a little too focused on something else.

“I believe so too.” He answered.

“Do you think we can see more of the sky together?” You asked, turning to look at him.

You hoped for an opportunity to spend some more time with him, to get to know him more, and to make a confirmation. His ideas and perspectives of the world really intrigued you.

“I’d love to, but I’m not sure if I can later on.”

You let his words echo before allowing the meaning to settle in. It was something that always occurred to you. Things seem to be within reach and you were so close to attaining it. However, at the last possible moment, it would always slip away from your hands. There was also the fact that you were losing something even before there was a chance for it to be yours.

The very situation happened to be one of the many occurrences of your quasi-victories. And there it was. The occurrence of yet another quasi-victory. Could it even be classified as a victory at all? Just the thought of Chan disappearing, even before you had the chance for a confirmation made your heart sink way beyond the depths of visibility. The thought of him leaving when you had just fallen over, had you on the verge of collapsing. He was not the one to catch your fall, even when things were so evidently clear. Had you been hallucinating the entire time? And the emotions, did you misread it all? Was there really nothing?

You managed to regain your strength to face him once more with a smile.

“That’s alright. And Chan, thank you. Thank you so much for your time during this whole getaway. All this experience, it feels like a beautiful dream that I never want to wake up from.”

Chan reached out his hand.

“I’ll have to get going soon." He gave you a dimpled smile. "It was great meeting you, Y/N. And I hope you enjoy the rest of your holidays."

His words were a goodbye, an indication of a farewell as if you will never meet again. Despite the added contact, it was as if it would all be removed the moment you parted ways.

Your vision landed on his form for a moment before you accepted his hand. Tears were welling in your eyes, threatening to fall. It was too good to be true, the idea of Chan being your soulmate, being there for you always. Sure, you had seen him in your dreams, and that you had dreamed about the whole journey before arriving at your destination. But it was all a dream, something that you have confused with reality. Eventually, you will have to wake up.

“It was great meeting you too, Chan. Happy holidays to you too..."

He gave you a small smile before turning around and disappearing into the night. It was akin to the disappearing of a dream at the moment of awakening.

@missskzbiased

@afangirl91

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teshaleboke · 2 months

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Exploring Perlis: Unveiling Its Enchanting Attractions

Perlis, the smallest state in Malaysia, boasts a myriad of attractions that captivate visitors with its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. The phrase "Perlis Attractions" encapsulates the diverse experiences this region offers.

Galeri Diraja Arau, a historical gem constructed in 1905, takes visitors on a journey through time, showcasing royal artifacts and gifts from Saudi Arabia, such as the esteemed kain siwah. Meanwhile, Muzium Kota Kayang offers a deeper understanding of Perlis' history, with three galleries displaying artifacts from Benteng Kayang and the royal family's heritage.

For those seeking spiritual encounters, Masjid Alwi, built in 1931, stands as a symbol of Islamic architecture, recognized as a national heritage site. Adjacent to it, Masjid Al-Hussain in Kuala Perlis, a floating mosque with a tropical resort concept, adds a unique touch to the Perlis landscape.

Nature enthusiasts find solace in Taman Negeri Perlis, where prehistoric flora and fauna, including the ancient Setul formation, date back more than 500 million years. The forest's semi-deciduous characteristic makes it the only one of its kind in Malaysia.

Ladang Anggur Perlis invites visitors to indulge in grape-picking experiences, offering various grape varieties like Black Queen and Black Opal. Rimba Herba Perlis, a 12-hectare herbal forest, introduces over 600 herbal species, providing insights into traditional medicinal practices.

Perlis Attractions extend to unique sites like Ladang Nipah Kipli, where 2,000 Nipah palm trees produce fresh Nipah juice. Tasik Timah Tasoh, with its picturesque landscape and diverse activities, has become a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

Taman Ular dan Reptilia Perlis fascinates reptile enthusiasts with its collection of over 150 snake species, complemented by a visit to the nearby Ladang Burung Unta. Hutan Lipur Bukit Ayer and Hutan Lipur Bukit Kubu offer lush greenery and soothing waterfalls, ideal for family outings.

ATV Maneq Hills Adventure brings an adrenaline rush to adventure seekers, providing a thrilling ATV experience through the challenging terrains of Bukit Manik.

In Gua Kelam and Gua Wang Burma, spelunkers explore limestone caves, with Gua Kelam offering a 3D Gallery and rock climbing activities.

Taman Bunga Kertas Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen adds a touch of beauty to the Perlis landscape, with vibrant paper flowers overlooking Bukit Cenderawasih.

Perlis Attractions promises an unforgettable journey, merging history, nature, and adventure for a truly immersive Malaysian experience. Whether you're captivated by the royal legacy at Galeri Diraja Arau or seeking the thrill of ATV Maneq Hills Adventure, Perlis welcomes you to explore its enchanting attractions that leave an indelible mark on every traveler's heart.

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accomnews · 3 months

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Voyages’ Ayers Rock Resort achieves Advanced Ecotourism Certification

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joshuawithers · 8 months

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Hoo roo, Uluru, am I even supposed to be here?

Uluru is such an icon. Its simple beautiful existence is one of my earliest memories, reading about it in encyclopaedias or National Geographic and Australian Geographic magazines. Seeing it in advertisements and in movies, Oprah and Young Einstein, but back then everyone called it Ayers Rock. Today we call it what it always has been: Uluru.

Uluru has had a complicated 200-odd years of history. Before Europeans visited Australia for the first time, the red centre was just plodding along quite well as a special place for the Aṉangu people and neighbouring Aboriginal nations.

But a few years ago everything changed. In the 1870s some white blokes sighted Uluru. 1936 saw the first tourists arrive, 12 years later some tracks that would become roads were laid, and in 1959 Eddie Connellan built an airstrip. His name’s important later on in this story.

I’ve been lucky to witness Uluru’s glory twice now and the main difference since the last time was that in 2016 people were climbing the rock, and now in 2023 every cafe, restaurant, and bar was alive with talk about Uluru from a political point of view. Some talking about the Voice to Parliament soon going to a referendum, some talking about climbing it or why we can’t now, others talking about everything you can or can not do in the area - like drinking and taking photos in certain areas, and most were talking about how the extraordinarily high prices for everything was married to a general lack of enthusiasm from staff for visitors to be present.

Most of my visit this time - aside from creating the marriage ceremony I was hired to create - was spent thinking about a comedic video I’ve seen on social media a few times recently. The premise of the video is that before a theatre performance an MC offers an acknowledgment of country before the protagonist, an audience member, asks if everyone should leave. She says “if we’re on someone else’s land, we should leave, shouldn’t we?” going further to ask if proceeds from ticket sales were going to the owners. It’s a joke at the expense of what can often seem like token or hollow effort to just be better about how Australia, the whole island and surrounding islands, were inhabited by intelligent, valid, interesting humans well before Europeans turned up and started naming things and claiming areas. Not just one group of people called Australia home, hundreds of different Aboriginal nations did.

For a few years the people new to the land were pretty bloody horrible to the locals, genocide-horrible, and in recent years current generations of leaders across the spectrum of Australian society have been throwing around the hot potato of how to deal with this generational trauma.

I was born on the Gold Coast, gifted an Australian citizenship, freedom to roam this entire country (unless there’s some pandemic apparently) and yet thrust into a political debate about being welcomed to a land, land ownership, land use, and land respect.

I’m voting yes for a voice to parliament, I believe it’s the right thing to do but I don’t think it’s the only thing we should do,?I think there’s a far bigger elephant in the room. As native titles are transferred, and places like Uluru fall more into line with the wishes of the owners, what should happen on that land? Should we leave?

1993 saw the Northern Territory government acknowledge the local name of the rock in a dual naming situation, eight years after the land was returned to the original owners, but still today the airport and the resort keep the names Ayers Rock. As you enter the airport you’ll see the name of the original airstrip builder on the building (Connellan) but to be sure not to confuse the tourists the airport you book a flight to and the motel you book a room at are the right ones, they carry the name Ayers Rock. Obviously they’re keen on keeping that revenue, and I’m keen to keep giving it.

But, customer service at most of the stores and businesses is by First National people and despite paying top-shelf prices I can’t help but feel that they’d be happier if we weren’t there. After all, we were on their land and after we set up shop there (and put chains up the rock) we gave it back to them as long as we could stay.

I’m invited to Ayers Rock this week in my capacity as a wedding celebrant by a German couple who want to commit to marriage in an iconic, unforgettable, location. They plan to apply for residency and wanted to have the most Aussie wedding ever: at Uluru. (Photos below)

The location they choose for the ceremony seemed to be ok in my humble Australian citizen opinion. The lines on the side of the road were white (not yellow “no stopping” lines), and the land off the road was unfenced. So, we started exchanging vows about twenty metres off the road and quite soon after an unhappy first Nations lady, driving a Toyota land cruiser and flashing a card that meant she could tell us what to do, told us what to do and to move on. We did respectfully, to the sunset viewing area that she suggested.

But the overwhelming experience of Uluru for my German friends and others we talked to, second to the rock’s overwhelming beauty, is that the rest of us aren’t really all that welcome - but our money is.

Which is a confusing position to leave all of us, including the First Nations people, in.

I have a proposal for all of us to consider. Let’s go all in. If we’re supposed to leave, please let me know. If we’re not supposed to be in Uluru please let Qantas and the motels know.

But if we’re going to stay, let’s work out how we can do that in a way where I don’t feel like I’ve committed genocide by asking for a $30 burger that the menu said I could have if I ordered it.

And if we’ll stay, let’s right our wrongs as a community, as a nation, as invaders, as citizens, and as residents. This middle ground was and is necessary, like birthing pains it has been taking us somewhere beautiful, I just don’t think anyone with the power to decide knows where we are going.

So let’s figure out where we’re going and let’s go there.

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holidayspackage · 10 months

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Australia Awaits: Tailor-Made Tour Packages for Indian Wanderers

Dreaming of exploring the mesmerizing landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife of Australia? Look no further! Australia offers a plethora of awe-inspiring experiences for Indian travelers, and with tailor-made tour packages, your journey Down Under becomes even more enticing. In this article, we will delve into the allure of Australia for Indian wanderers and highlight the best options for Australia tour packages from India.

Discover the Beauty of Australia:

Australia, known as the Land Down Under, captivates travelers with its diverse and breathtaking beauty. From the iconic Sydney Opera House and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef to the awe-inspiring Ayers Rock (Uluru) and the stunning landscapes of the Outback, every corner of Australia offers a unique experience. Whether you seek thrilling adventures, vibrant city life, or serene natural wonders, Australia has it all.

Tailor-Made Tour Packages:

To make your journey to Australia seamless and unforgettable, several travel agencies offer tailor-made tour packages specifically designed for Indian travelers. These packages cater to the preferences and requirements of Indian wanderers, ensuring a hassle-free and personalized experience throughout your trip.

Australia Tour Packages from India:

When it comes to planning an Australian adventure, numerous tour operators offer enticing packages from India. These packages combine the best of Australia's attractions, accommodations, transportation, and guided tours to provide a comprehensive experience. Here are some popular options for Australia tour packages from India:

Classic Australia Package:

Ideal for first-time visitors, this package covers major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. It includes iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Great Ocean Road, and the Great Barrier Reef. Experience the unique blend of urban sophistication and natural wonders.

Wildlife and Nature Exploration:

For nature enthusiasts, this package focuses on Australia's incredible wildlife and natural wonders. Visit Kangaroo Island, home to diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions. Explore the ancient rainforests of Daintree National Park or embark on a thrilling journey to see the mesmerizing Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.

Adventure and Thrills:

If you crave adrenaline-pumping activities, this package is perfect for you. Experience heart-racing adventures like diving with sharks in Port Lincoln, hot air ballooning over the Yarra Valley, or exploring the rugged terrains of the Blue Mountains. Get ready for an exhilarating journey through Australia's adventure hotspots.

Luxury and Relaxation:

Indulge in luxury and pampering with this package, which offers a refined experience across Australia's premium destinations. Unwind in luxurious resorts, enjoy private guided tours, and savor gourmet cuisine. From the world-renowned wine regions of Margaret River to the pristine beaches of the Whitsunday Islands, this package offers opulence and relaxation.

Australia beckons Indian wanderers with its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant cities. With tailor-made tour packages catering specifically to Indian travelers, exploring Australia has never been easier. Whether you seek adventure, nature, luxury, or a mix of it all, Australia tour packages from India have something for everyone. So, pack your bags, prepare for an unforgettable journey, and embark on an incredible Australian adventure that will leave you with cherished memories for a lifetime.

Remember, Australia tour packages from India provide the perfect blend of convenience, personalized experiences, and remarkable adventures. Book your dream tour today and embark on an unforgettable Australian escapade!

Must Read : Australia Calling: Handpicked Tour Packages for Indian Explorers

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maddykkb285journal · 2 years

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Concept 3: Native community garden & immersive container kitchen

Community Garden (Healthy Yards, n.d.)

Shipping Container Kitchen (Port Shipping Containers, 2022)

Native Bush Foods (Voyages, 2017)

This concept was best aligned with the EDQ brief as it attracts youth and delivers an immersive experience, whilst also creating an attractive space that acknowledges both the sites' history.

References:

Healthy Yards (n.d.) Community Gardens Retrieved 15 August 2022 from: https://www.healthyyards.org/community-gardens/

Port Shipping Containers (2022) Kitchen Style Shipping Containers Retrieved 16 August 2022 from: https://portshippingcontainers.com.au/blog/v-juice-bar

Voyages (2017) Bush Tucker Journey launches at Ayers Rock Resort Retrieved 15 August 2022 from: https://www.voyages.com.au/presscentre/bush-tucker-journeys-launch

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coolasakuhncumber · 3 years

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Uluru campsite vibes 12/5/21

#camping #uluru #ayers rock resort #ntbekisbestbek #northern territory #nt #pretty crowded tbh #not my fave campsite this trip

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cultml · 2 years

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rosefrancaise6 · 2 years

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How to describe the last three days? We headed off early on Wednesday morning for an AATKings Bus Tour of Uluṟu, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. En route, the driver pointed out the Finke Riverbed, thought to be the oldest in the world. It flows for only a few days a year and is one of four rivers in Central Australia that eventually fill the Lake Eyre Basin in South Australia if they are not absorbed into the Simpson Desert first. It starts in the MacDonnell Ranges and meanders 600 kms through the West MacDonnell and Finke Gorge National Parks. It is thought to have predated the mountain building event that produced Uluṟu and Kata Tjuta more than 350 million years and has not changed course in all that time. The time scales in this part of the world are unfathomable and the distances are vast.’s Board of Management and 4 non traditional owners.

As we drove over each cattle grid across the Stuart highway, thought to be the longest transcontinental highway in the world, the driver would announce the cattle station it belonged to. Impossible to see these huge tracts of land without feeling the extent of Aboriginal dispossession. One pastoral lease after the other and only the occasional Aboriginal settlement occupying those hundreds and thousands of acres. We passed a turnoff to the Imanpa Aboriginal Community, which has seen some very hard times and to the Hermannsburg Mission in which Albert Namatjira was born and raised.

We stopped at outback roadhouses along the way that were neat, tidy, always well signed and hardly changed from the 50s, when tourism in these parts first began. They may have expanded over those years to accommodate more travellers but the ubiquitous wire screen doors spoke of a bygone era. I slept on the bus for much of the time in between. Like mother like daughter. When we travelled through Europe on an Insight tour, mum would instantly fall asleep as soon as the bus rumbled off. No amount of gentle teasing from the tour guide about the scenery she was missing could keep her from happily nodding off to the sounds of Richard Clayderman. When we stopped to look at a particular landmark, mums eyes would snap open. She would be first off the bus, she would listen intently, take it all in and then be asleep on the bus within minutes of the doors closing again.

We arrived at the Ayer’s Rock Resort in the late morning and had about 5 minutes to settle into our hotel before rushing off to the AATKings Tour Information Office to find out which tours we were booked on exactly. Our itinerary talked about what we could expect to see on our various travels but not the exact bus that would take us there and when we had to show up to have our names ticked off a passenger list produced with the smallest font possible. The Resort runs like a well oiled machine. The hotels have different names and price points but they are all operated by Voyages Indigenous Tourism, whose ultimate aim is to protect and preserve the natural environment from us.

Uluṟu looked and felt like a sacred site from the moment it came into view. We were grateful to the managers of the National Park for ensuring that our access to it was restricted and our impact minimised. We were able to do a short walk to a waterhole and to a cave with rock art that would have been home to 1800 generations of the Aṉangu. Later, with wines in hand, we watched the sun set on that amazing rock pushed up millions of years ago out of an inland sea, along with a bus load of fellow travellers perched on the same viewing platform. The sun didn’t put on an amazing light show for us but it cast lovely geometric shadows across the face of the rock and transformed it from ochre to purple as it slowly disappeared from sight. We spoke afterwards about how hard it was to take in the experience with so many people around you. Pre Covid there would have been thousands more than there were so we were lucky. Just for a moment, David felt a collective hush as the rays of the setting sun hit the rock.

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rubydolly · 6 months

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This beautiful painting is actually a card. I bought this card at the Gallery Of Central Australia, it was made by Artist Valerie Napurrula Morris. You can see many of her magnificent works at GOCA and a lot of her work is even for sale, sadly I couldn’t afford a painting so I bought this beautiful card and framed it, I love it so much

#australia #northern territory #uluru #ayers rock #ayers rock resort #valerie napurrula morris #art #artist #anangu #indigenous art #2023

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musicallisto · 3 years

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Hey Clara 😊🌻 CYM as famous places! What kind of city/town/location vibe do they give? (You obviously give off major Paris vibes with a dash of NYC and Dover to me fksnfkd) x

omg Thais I obviously get the Paris and also can see the NYC but Dover? That’s a first and I’m kind of really liking it, seaside towns are the absolute best and it also gives me WTWC vibes so I love that even more.

going with the ~vibe~ as always;

you, Thais, are obviously Rio de Janeiro - I’m not sure where you’re from in Brazil but you definitely have the Rio vibes. Warm and fun and festive; a beautiful melting pot of tons of cultures and identities; also, carnaval and festivals! On that same vibe, you could also be New Orleans!

@softeninglooks is Saint Petersburg for obvious reasons, but also London! I know you love the city so much, but there’s something so delightfully British about you and I mean that in the most tender way possible. You give off big “prestigious London school” vibes, or maybe even Cambridge University (which is ... not in London but you catch my drift.)

@lxncelot is the Broceliande forest because magic? Arthurian legends? Abso-freaking-lutely. Also other places associated with magic or a bit of mysticism in the collective mind, such as Stonehenge or Uluru/Ayers Rock. Also Salem cause of the witch trials but that’s kind of grim.

@myriadimagines is undoubtedly a bustling American city, with like skyscrapers and a thousand of things to do and to discover. Definitely NYC or Seattle. probably like Times Square cause it’s so fun and brimming with activity! There’s also a softer side to them (tho having been to NYC it’s crazy how that place actually never fucking sleeps) if you venture into the lesser-known boroughs. Love that for you. Also also big Tokyo vibes from you!

@always-imagine-a-dream is Barcelona, and I say with the utmost love and affection as someone from Madrid askdkd. But Barcelona is such a creative city (think of the Sagrada Familia & all the other culturally enormous sights that wouldn’t look quite right in any other part of Spain, but do in Barcelona because Barcelona is just. Cool Like That). It’s also full of passion (no but the Culés after a Barça fin are TERRIFYING), sunny and warm, with the beach right next to it - what’s not to love?

@swanimagines is someplace very beautiful and dreamy, and probably way up North (because. Finland), so definitely Lappland. The snow? The Northern Lights? The SLED DOGS??? amazing, brilliant, spectacular, show-stopping

@eveenstar gives me big “vast expanse of red desert under a thousand stars” vibes, which... is probably because I first read your Red Dead fics and therefore haven’t been able to get that image off my mind. So like, the Grand Canyon, or literally the entire state of Colorado lmao. But not as unforgiving as it is in real life, yknow, because you’re super sweet and kind? Like, with your minivan parked on the side of the road and gathered around a campfire with your friends grilling s’mores and just enjoying life and loving your friends and yea

@rorygilmorre , we are not exactly mutuals but I admire your posts and your blog’s aesthetic, so I had to let you know that you give me the BIGGEST Vienna vibes, which is the biggest compliment coming from me because it’s my favorite European capital. Specifically, the Schonbrunn palace or Vienna opera house, because the architecture is incredible and classy, and the entire city is a Romantic’s wet dream. It totally fits your aesthetic, I believe!

@the-radio-star is, as I said in the moodboard I made, totally an American hometown probably in the Northern states,, but also, consider, a Canadian mountain range? idk if there are any mountains near the border with the US (my geography is dreadful) but I feel like in a dystopian world you would have a clandestine radio for resistance and stuff

@amirahiddleston is definitely a palace right in the middle of the desert; I don’t have a specific name in mind (geography? terrible. hotel?) but probably one of those immense resorts in Saudi Arabia or the UAE, or maybe even like in the Maghreb by the Sahara desert. Like, it’s classy, luxurious, breathtaking, with the most ravishing scenery (guys the desert is underrated) and a tad intimidating - and because I’ve read mostly your Peaky Blinders writing, I kinda associate this “bad bitch” image with you? BUT I mean this in the best way possible omg I really admire you & your writing & confidence asdkdk idk idk that’s a vibe

@schnapped is Rome or Athens. Without a shadow of a doubt. Big, BIG “ancient classism” vibes from you. You’d be the Roman forum or the Palatine hill, or the Acropolis, and that’s a total aesthetic and I’m here for that.

I’m awfully sorry if I forgot anyone - don’t hesitate to reach out! Loved doing this, and I hope I didn’t offend anybody asdkdkd. thank you for th ask! <3

#deadlymodern #cym #this is pretty western-centric and i'm sorry but as a european it's what i think of first and obviously bc this is based on vibes...#anyway. love the world. it's beautiful

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sunshinekidz · 3 years

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To Find You

Chapter 8

Word Count: 2K

Genre: Soulmate AU

Chan x Female Reader ft. Felix and Stray Kids

Notes:

2 new chapters posted this week to celebrate Chan’s birthday. It’s also the 8th chapter #OT8.

I had this on draft with most of the story’s framework a week before Chan changed from orange hair to brown hair. I totally did not see it coming LOL

You could tell it was already mid-day when your eyes opened. The sun was brightly shining through the curtains of your room. Shuffling over to the night stand, you reached over to your phone to check the time. 11:50AM.

You were greeted with a notification. It was a message from Felix.

“Hope you’re having a good time” - Sent at 11:08 AM.

You quickly typed a response.

“Everything’s great! I’ll be here for a few more days before I’m back to Sydney.” - Sent at 11:52 AM.

You sent Felix a few photos of the sunset at Ayers Rock with a caption of “Look at this beauty!”

Within seconds, your phone pinged with a message.

“I am so jealous.” - Sent at 11:52 AM.

“Not too late for you to visit.” - Sent at 11:53 AM.

“Can’t. Work needs me :( ” - Sent at 11:53 AM.

Locking your phone, you walked over to the bathroom to freshen up.

Your hair was washed the night before, which made it particularly puffy the next day. You had a set of thick hair that was sometimes bothersome to maintain. It required a large amount of shampoo and conditioner to keep it luscious and flowing. Brushing it through the day after you washed it was difficult, as it becomes even more tangled.

You worked the brush through your hair to smooth out the strands. You had to hold down parts of your hair to avoid pulling too much out as you fought with the hairbrush. On your third downstroke of the brush, you noticed in the mirror’s reflection that a few threads on your bracelet had become loosened.

You set your hairbrush down by the sink and took a closer look at the loosened threads. How in the world did it get loose so quickly, and so soon? It was perfectly intact just hours ago at the observatory of Ayers Rock.

A part of you felt regretful for not taking greater care of the bracelet. Another part of you felt some sort of a spark, a feeling of anticipation. Could it be?

You got dressed, slipped into your sneakers, and headed towards the dining area. It was located slightly off to the side of the resort. There is a foldable glass door that divides the indoor dining area with the terrace, which is known for holding the iconic Ayers Rock weddings.

A large easel was placed near the entrance to the indoor dining area. It featured the menu of the day with lovely animated decorations. In the left corner of the sign was a notice of new events.

“Wedding: today at 3:00 PM. All are welcome.”

It must be referring to the one that Chan was talking about.

You walked into the dining area and noticed that a large portion of the terrace was reserved. Tables were covered in white linen cloth, in the set up for an outdoor banquet. Centerpieces have already been placed and were florally decorated. A few staff members were setting up dinnerware and cutlery on the tables.

Whoever booked the resort for their wedding must be quite wealthy. You have never seen such grand and extravagant preparations. The ones that you have been to were small weddings that seated approximately fifty people. Even then, they were expensive. Chan must have a really wealthy friend.

The dining hall featured an all you can eat buffet for all meals. It was the start of lunch hour, which meant that the food was freshly prepared. You mindlessly piled your plate with your favourites. Stir fry noodles, grilled salmon, fresh vegetables, the choices were plentiful.

Exiting the self serving area, you found yourself a seat and began to work through your food. While cutting through your first piece of salmon, there was a movement in the corner of your eye. Someone approached your table, pulled out a chair and took a seat right in front of you.

You looked up and were met with a set of wavy locks. The orange had become dark brown overnight.

“You look... different.” You greeted him.

“Was preparing to attend a wedding.” He pointed to his hair. “Orange brought too much attention.”

“Well, orange hair is a little eye-catching.” You said. “But you look great in either colour.”

“Thanks.” His cheeks flushed a shade of pink as he laughed in embarrassment.

You continued to work through your food, cutting the pieces neatly before placing them in your mouth. Across from you, Chan was doing just the opposite.

“Whoa, no one’s competing with you. Slow down or you’ll choke.”

“It’s so good!” He tried to speak with a mouthful. “And I’m hungry.”

His endearing nature and childlike innocence reminded you of Felix. It seemed like the two would be good friends.

“First meal of the day?” You asked.

“No, but I’m still hungry.”

Chan’s eyes grew wide as he bit into his food, then immediately closed them to savour the taste. You have never seen anyone enjoy food as much as he did. To think what would happen if he ever tried Felix’s cookies. And his brownies too.

“Seems like the preparations are almost done.” You signalled towards the terrace.

“Yeah, just a bit more of the decorations and we’re good to go.”

“Nice. I’m looking forward to attending.”

***

Going through your suitcase, you decided to finally wear the dress that you purchased for yourself on your twentieth birthday. The moment you saw the dress on a mannequin while window shopping that day, you knew it was special. It was almost like the dress was made for you. After trying it on in the fitting room, you went straight to the cashier. You had to have it. Although, you never really had the chance to wear it. A part of you wanted to save it for a special occasion.

The dress was embroidered in sage green silk-like threads. Its straps were designed in a way that would not easily fall off the shoulders. It was a good length as well, reaching just below your knees. A very modest design. You like things that are modest.

You headed back to the terrace, following the sign that you saw earlier. The tables were then fully set and prepared for the outdoors. In the distance, you could see the majestic nature of Ayers Rock. It seemed to bestow the day with a spiritual blessing.

White chairs lined the terrace with lace decors and ribbons. A gift was placed on each of the chairs, as a token of appreciation. It was a small box made of kraft material, delicately embossed with gold details and letters.

You took a seat near the back, not wanting to draw too much attention. There, you had the full view of the event. Guests began to fill the seats shortly after your arrival. You tried to look for a familiar face but it was yet to appear.

The first notes from the piano signaled the beginning of the ceremonial entrances. It was not long until Chan appeared in his newly coloured hair, heading in the direction of the groomsmen. He seemed to be the best man, as he stood in the spot closest to the groom.

It was the first time you saw him in formal wear. The blazer of the three piece suit emphasized his broad shoulders even more. He looked incredibly handsome, an appearance that captured your breath completely. His gestures, mannerisms, and the way he carried himself, you were beyond enthralled. A part of you refused to admit that Chan had captured your heart. Yet, you were doing absolutely nothing to fight back.

His eyes scanned through the audience, as if he was looking for someone. Eventually, they landed on you. He gave you a little wave. You smiled and waved back.

The wedding proceeded with more entrances, slowly reaching the anticipated pinnacle of the bride’s appearance. At her official entrance, everyone stood up, clapping thunderously. Her elegance was greatly admired as she flowed by in the most beautiful wedding dress.

Vows and rings were exchanged. The groom prepared an exceptionally long script, followed by a song that he had composed. There was a long rap section where he surprised everyone with his talented skills. He had a strong and gorgeous tone, a unique voice that you have never heard before. His singing voice was just as wonderful.

It was a heart wrenching and breathtaking moment as the bride tried so hard to keep her emotions together. Her pooling tears eventually broke free, sending droplets cascading down her face. She was still crying as the groom stepped in for a kiss.

Suddenly, your surroundings seemed to fade away. A flash of a vision became clearer by the second as it narrowed in to focus on the details. You were in a church, walking down the aisle towards the altar. Someone was standing there, waiting for you. When he finally turned around, you were greeted with nothing other than Chan's smiling face. His eyes seemed to disappear behind his smile, the brightest of all in existence. You were filled with a sense of warmth and contentment.

However, the vision disappeared as quickly as it appeared, bringing you back to reality.

The ceremony was over and the couple was handed a special knife for the cake. It was extravagant in all layers, decorated with icing in the form of miniature flowers. The details and ornamentation were so intricate. They reminded you of the designs on the cupcakes at Felix’s bakery. You wondered if it could be from the same place and whether it was Felix who created each design by hand. You pictured a serious Felix, concentrating on each detail of his icing sculpture.

Flashes of the camera proceeded as the couple posed for their photography session. Chan was amongst the group in the pictures. He caught a sight of you and waved you over.

"Y/N, over here!"

You walked over to where he was, joining the guests and greeting them with a polite hello.

"Y/N, this is Changbin, groom of the day and my best friend of ten years."

"Nice to meet you, Y/N".

He held out his hand and you accepted with a firm shake.

"It’s nice to meet you too, Changbin and congratulations on your special day! Thank you so much for your generosity to allow us to be here. It's amazing."

"And thank you for coming!" He replied.

Changbin turned to Chan and gave him a nudge. "Your friend?"

Chan's face was suddenly flushed.

"We met recently." He answered.

"I see." Changbin gave Chan a knowing smile. Then he turned to you.

"We're about to get dinner started. Do join us."

"Thank you."

You then felt a tug on your dress. Trailing your vision to the source of the tug, it appeared to be a little girl with a wreath of flowers on her head. She was still carrying a basket of rose petals from the ceremony. You immediately recognized her as the flower girl.

Changbin gave you a smile.

“That’s my niece.”

He patted the girl on her head and knelt down to her eye level.

“Yeona, what’s wrong?”

She looked up at you and pointed in the direction of the bride.

“They’re throwing the bouquet without this lady.”

“Ah, I see. Thank you, Yeona.” Changbin said, chuckling.

He stood up, turning to you.

“Well, I guess that’s your cue.”

You smiled. “Yeah. I guess so.”

You followed Yeona to the gathering of bridesmaids and female guests. They squealed with excitement, hoping that they would be on the receiving end of the bouquet.

“It’s your turn to get married next.” Said a girl in a blue dress.

“Nah, it’s gonna be you.” Her friend replied.

“No, you.”

On the opposite side, the bride had her back faced to the group.

“Are you all ready?” She called out with a bouquet in her hand.

“Yes!”

“Alright then, on the count of three!"

“One…”

“Two…”

“Three!”

The flowers had been tossed, with a trajectory that headed straight towards you.

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