It’s now exactly a week since I worked my last day at beautiful Purnululu School. Those of you who I’ve been in touch with will know why I couldn’t stay but suffice to say I can’t ‘sell’ something I don’t believe in. The sad part is that there was so much that was wholesome, and good, and authentic. I absolutely love the Gija people whom I met and worked alongside. I love Gija country. I love the children. I loved living remote, but ultimately I just couldn’t be a part of a system that to my mind, has failed/is failing so utterly to ‘close the gap’. It’s funny but when I first arrived in Purnululu I came across an article called ‘Kartiya are like Toyotas’ (Kartiya = white fellas) “…when they break down we get another one!” I remember reading it with complete arrogance saying to myself things like, “yeah these bloody blow-in white folk – think they can come in, change the world for 5 minutes with their big ideas and then bugger off – assholes…” and now….I’M TOTALLY THAT TOYOTA!!! If you’re interested have a read. It’s amusing but there’s also a sadness in the truth of it.
Kartiya are like Toyotas
Interestingly my own white Toyota, Big Bessie, was breaking down before I left. Talk about parallels. All that four-wheel driving that I love so much had shaken loose all her bits so no wonder my fridge was tripping out and my car wasn’t starting. I was also tripping out going slightly nuts with my mind doing somersaults wondering what the hell was going on. Thankfully my good friend Jim had a look and instantly saw that the battery connections were all loose. He tightened them all up and for a couple of days everything was fine but then today I ended up buying a new battery as the other one had run its course. Now I feel all set and ready for the 800km stretch to Karratha on Monday.
In the mean time Prince Charles and I have been hanging out in Broome at Will’s place and making the most of that glorious beach. At one point I thought we might stay for a bit but there’s simply not enough room at the proverbial inn. Accommodation is scarce and expensive so Charlie and I are moving to redder (mine-city) pastures. From Karratha I will map out the next chapter in my and Charlie’s adventures which looks like moving back to Europe. I’ve lived in Australia exactly half my life and I only came to realise this after I had made the decision. It wasn’t an easy decision and I still have a million ideas in my head as to alternatives but I keep coming back to moving back to Europe. It may be madness with all the Covid stuff going on but it’s all nuts anyway. Charlie will without question come with me because otherwise it simply wouldn’t be ‘adventures with Charlie’.
On the road with my dog 
Interesting that you’ve moved towards the idea of returning to your homeland. That’s understandable. Although covid isn’t your reason, I do think it has made us all re-think our priorities and where we want to be in difficult times. Where in Europe is home?
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Hi Lynn, nice to hear from you! Yeah it’s an interesting decision in many ways as I was all set to buy a Coaster bus, do it up, and hit the road but I dunno really – just feel I’d like to do the same but in Europe – so much i haven’t explored over there and yeah it’s all mad with covid but it’s mad everywhere – I find turning the tele off really helps! I’m thinking I’d like to live in France, just a feeling, so we’ll see. Oh la la I shall keep you posted.
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Oh and as to the question of ‘where is home?’ home is where I’m having fun! Technically speaking my parents live in England and the rest of my extended family live in Holland.
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Thanks for sharing this. I read the essay from beginning to add and this very well written piece basically confirms my view how messed-up Australian society is. It is the result of very poor white Australian government. I appreciate and honour your involvement n trying to ‘make a difference’ there, which probably was on the cards to fail from the onset. You will indeed be better of in a society you grew-up in, a move to Europe, if very well researched, is therefore recommended.
Love Dad.
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Hi Pippa,
Not long to go the to meet the Italians…… Here’s a note from Yvette, that may explain some of her current situation. There’s reference to a long, very well written essay, that very clearly sets out the very sad problems effecting Australia’s indigenous peoples. Maybe not the stuff you want to read during a holiday and maybe you can pass this on the your Brent.
Good luck tomorrow! Ron
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