Travel Mishaps and Discoveries in Australia
Why Did Emily Want to Go to Darwin?
9. Why did Emily want to go to Darwin and how were they going to get there?
Because she had heard it was a fun city where young people partied and celebrated after the monotony of the desert. They planned to travel in Jimmy’s car.
Why did Daniel and Emily feel bad when they returned to the car?
Because they were late, and Jimmy was angry because they wouldn’t arrive at Lammah before dark.
What happened on the way to Lammah?
They found a kangaroo, and it jumped into the road. Jimmy hit it and killed it by accident. The car engine didn’t work after that.
What frightening thing happened to Emily?
She went to the toilet in the middle of the desert, and a venomous snake appeared and almost bit her.
A Timely Rescue and a Change of Plans
10. Who appeared at the right moment and how did it help?
A friend of Jimmy’s appeared. Jimmy and Callan hooked the car up to the truck.
What did Daniel suddenly remember when they were leaving Pine Creek, and how did it change his and Emily’s plans?
He remembered Nungala, the Aboriginal woman from the plane. They decided to make a detour and visit her in her Aboriginal community.
How did Daniel and Emily get from Pine Creek to Arnhem Land?
Nungala’s brother, Jack, picked them up, and they flew with a doctor. Then, they took a boat to Nungala’s home.
What is the significance of the Corroboree ceremony, and what happened there? Explain briefly.
It’s a ceremony performed to welcome a new child to the community. It is one of the Aboriginal ceremonies. People from outside the community cannot participate or watch. The dance began after dark. Some men played the didgeridoo and other instruments, while others danced.
What is a serious problem amongst the Aboriginal people?
Alcoholism is a huge problem. They suffer because they aren’t part of the white men’s world, so they drink to forget their pain.
Alice Springs and Uluru
11. What is strange about the origins of the name of the town, Alice Springs?
The town was named after a woman called Alice Todd, whose husband connected the first telegraph wire across the area.
What is Australia’s main attraction in the desert, and what is special about it?
Australia’s main attraction in the desert is Uluru. It’s special because it’s a sacred site, and the Aborigines believe that it has spiritual energies.
Why did Daniel and Emily part before they went to Melbourne?
Because Daniel couldn’t afford to fly to Melbourne, and Emily didn’t want to drive for three days to get there. She was going to fly, and he was going to hitchhike.
A Hitchhiker’s Advice
12. Who gave Daniel his first ride, and why was he happy to leave them?
A camper van with a family. The man’s name was John, and his wife was Jenny. In the back, there were three children. They were from Perth. He was happy to leave because the children were very noisy.
What advice did Sammy give Daniel, and how do you think it affected him?
Sammy told him to find a good girl and keep her. He was thinking about Emily, and for him, it was perfect advice. He thought about the advice when he saw Emily.
Do you think that Daniel and Emily will stay together? Explain why.
Yes, because they love each other very much. Daniel planned to leave his home in Spain and go to study at Dublin University so that he could be with her.