Red earth

How does it feel in the shade at 40 degrees? Now I know! Hot - very hot! But it is a dry heat and therefore bearable!

My next destination is the desert. I've always wanted to see Ayers Rock (Aborigini name: Uluru) and when planning this trip it was clear to me: If I fly to Australia, then I have to go there - no matter how difficult it is.

So now I'm here. In the middle of the desert. Uluru has its own airport and hotel town - both in close proximity.

I could already see it from the plane, it was so big: 2000 x 3000m. Incredible. Tomorrow I'll take a trip there, but today I have to see it again, at least from a distance.

At the hotel I get a 4-page handout with all the important information, including the animals that live in the area: mice, spiders, snakes. These are listed again individually because of the 13 species that live here, 8 are poisonous. Luckily there are no pictures, but they are described and what you should do. I always thought they were active during the day, but no: there is one here (poisonous) that prefers to be out and about at night 😳.

I am 21km from Uluru and there is a lookout near the hotel. Despite all the fear and concern for the animals, my curiosity is greater. I just have to trample loud enough and then no one will come - but trampling with barefoot shoes is not easy!!!

But from the lookout I have a great view of Uluru, the view was definitely worth it! Quickly back to the hotel. Because there is another plague here: flies! They prefer to fly into the wet: mouth, eyes, nose! Totally annoying!

In the evening I have a “visitor” in my room. There's a rustling noise in my trash can😱. Let's put it this way: I now know what cockroaches means in English! However, the two didn't survive the night - they drowned in the toilet...