Sweaty Happy New Year from Darwin

I hate New Year's Eve - everyone in the world trying to have a good time and everyone's definition of fun is different, so invariably no one has a good time.

That's why my favourite New Year's Eves have been overseas. Being in a different location and on holiday just puts you in a happier mood.

Sadly our budgets couldn't extend to an overseas destination and there was somewhere I hadn't been in a long time; up north to see my dad.


My little flight buddy - she was a dream.

My dad is born, raised and will likely die in Kununurra. My story begins there too, before mum and dad saw the error of their ways and went in different directions. Well, mum went south to Perth and dad stayed put.

I have nostalgic memories of going feral for a few weeks every year when we went up to see dad. Running around in the yard and climbing sand piles til the sun went down, swimming in watering holes, driving around. Spending time at jobs or looking at trucks are not my favourite memories, but they were a big part of my life growing up, so they still mean a lot to me.

We also spent a lot of time in Darwin. Though I HATE road trips, especially long ones.

Hubby had never been to Darwin and since it was half the price of flying to Kununurra (seriously Australian Aviation get your act together - no wonder no one travels locally) that was our destination.

I have never loved Mini Me more than that flight up. We were lucky to have a spare seat next to us and she was a dream. Smiling for the hostess, flirting with the cute boys sitting behind me, just happily playing and napping and no crying! And thank you Qantas - the hostesses were all a-maze-ing.

Jumping crocs at Adelaide River and obligatory pint at Humpty Doo Pub

Darwin was steamy and since it was the west season and holidays, it was very quiet, just what we needed. Especially since all I wanted to do was hang out with my dad, step-mum, step-sister and her kids.

 

But it was still a jam-pack week with dinners, driving and sights. We were stalked by saltwater crocodiles before watching them launch themselves out of the water for food (A week after we went, a croc actually jumped out and attacked a tour operator), swam in water holes at Litchfield National Park and hung out at the waterfront.

 

Swimming at Litchfield National Park

For the big night the grandparents looked after the little ones while us parents went out to hang out with the backpackers at Shenanigans Pub. I felt very unaccomplished as I watched a 13 year-old go nuts on the drums for this great live band I was bopping along to. Honestly, 13! Made me feel like I need to go out and do something amazing.

 

It has been an amazing week with the family and as the sun sets and we sadly say good-bye to them and Darwin, I say - Happy New Year!