One of the most iconic Australian landmarks is that of Uluru ("Ayres Rock" or "The Rock"), a giant monolith rock popping out of the desert floor. The tour I was on would let me explore Kata Tjuta ("The Olgas"), Uluru and Kings Canyon. I spent one day on each. The nights in the desert are much cooler then the extreme heat of the day and we were sleeping in swags under the star filled skies. We would start each day before sunrise, waking up and preparing for the day shivering from the cold and for some of us, the lack of sleep from staying up the night before.
Each location was gorgeous and it is very difficult to say which I enjoyed the most.
Uluru has been considered an extremely sacred site by the Aboriginal people for thousands of years. Only chosen elders would climb it during ceremonies and even the men will not set their eyes on the sites dedicated to women's ceremonies. I found it quite funny how most tourists goal is to climb Uluru when they themselves have a strong religious background. I recall walking with some people that said, "I think it's ridiculous how they say you shouldn't climb it", "Ya" I said, "And how about the Vatican, every person should be able to explore every inch of that sacred building."... they were not amused by me pointing out their hypocrisy. I don't personally have a problem with climbing Uluru but then again I wouldn't have a problem is they offered a rock climbing wall up the side of Notre Dame cathedral or a waterslide from the top of St. Peters Basilica.
Each location was gorgeous and it is very difficult to say which I enjoyed the most.
Uluru has been considered an extremely sacred site by the Aboriginal people for thousands of years. Only chosen elders would climb it during ceremonies and even the men will not set their eyes on the sites dedicated to women's ceremonies. I found it quite funny how most tourists goal is to climb Uluru when they themselves have a strong religious background. I recall walking with some people that said, "I think it's ridiculous how they say you shouldn't climb it", "Ya" I said, "And how about the Vatican, every person should be able to explore every inch of that sacred building."... they were not amused by me pointing out their hypocrisy. I don't personally have a problem with climbing Uluru but then again I wouldn't have a problem is they offered a rock climbing wall up the side of Notre Dame cathedral or a waterslide from the top of St. Peters Basilica.
Not many people would look at it like that. It's great that you did!
ReplyDeleteIt probably won't affect them, unfortunately.
Glad you finally made it to the rock!
ReplyDelete