Uluru Day 1, 08.01.25 The Red Center

It’s time to move again. The bags are packed, and we’re heading to the airport early. Conveniently, Uluru has its own airport. The nearest city, Alice Springs, is a few hours' drive away. Uluru is a point on Püppi's bucket list, supposedly known in German as a 'Löffelliste', which I can hardly believe. That sounds somewhat awkward. Maybe our dear friend Michi, as a chief terminology expert, can clarify. I was already at Uluru 3... well, let’s say many years ago. Back then, it was still officially called Ayers Rock; one could climb it and hike close to the rocks. Today, it’s different. The spiritual significance of Uluru is taken into account. Since 2019, climbing is no longer permitted, and there’s a no-fly zone; even the colonial naming has receded into the background. It’s about a 3-hour flight from Sydney to AYQ Airport. A really sweet, small airport, where some days only one flight lands. You walk across the tarmac to the tiny terminal, collect your luggage, and are transported to the Ayers Rock Resort by free shuttle buses. The room isn’t ready yet, so we’re making ourselves comfortable by the pool. A cool-down is necessary! It’s a whopping 40 degrees… After that, we quickly head to our rooms, and then we have shopping to do. Wine is only available at the Bottle Shop in a nearby sister hotel and only 1 bottle per person on presenting ID and room key… Imagine that… We’ll have an early dinner or a late lunch - depending on how you look at it. There’s still a program scheduled. Tonight, we’re heading to the Field of Light for sunset with chilled drinks, canapés, and a view of Uluru. Very nice, very atmospheric, very delicious! Just to Püppi and Schnucks’ taste. The sight of Uluru and the thousands of solar lights that slowly illuminate as it gets dark is truly moving! Now we have the chance to walk in the Field of Lights. But wait... was that a drop? That can’t be… it doesn't rain here, does it?!? Again… and another one…! Unbelievable! It’s starting to rain and the rain is cold. Naturally, the wind picks up as well. We head down to the Field of Lights anyway, not least because the bus is supposed to wait down there somewhere later. Another one or two photos, then it’s so uncomfortable that we seek shelter. Luckily, a bus comes, and the tour guides are “gathering the guests.” The excursion ends abruptly and faster than expected. It was nice though. Back at the hotel, we want to relax in our room with a glass of wine and maybe watch a series - but first, we need to dust off or shake off the sand. The strong gusts of wind have blown red sand everywhere - and I mean everywhere! Hardly settled in and comfy, it suddenly goes dark. The power is out. It’s not going to take long. Well, it’s taking a little while… it’s taking quite a bit of time… fortunately, we are prepared; Puppes headlamp comes into play. While the room slowly heats up, the wine is still nice and cold; we enjoy it and watch a film we downloaded. The room remains dark and warm, the film is strange, but the wine is delicious and cold! Just in time for “Lights out!” the light comes back on. That’s what you call timing… so we turn the light off again and go to sleep.