Day six - Darwin

Day six – Darwin

We’ve been with the Aboriginal family for three days, and I’ve become close friends with Akama, which is an Aborigines name meaning “A Whale”. He showed me around in Darwin and even let me come and meet his friends. We had a lot of fun and they even showed me a traditional Aboriginal game called Brambahl. They told me that they don’t really know that many Aboriginal games except for Brambahl, and that they usually play games such as tag. Brambahl is a game that resembles our more modern game skip rope. When playing Brambahl, there must be two people holding the ends of a rope and spinning it. Then the third person must skip the rope, while doing different activities. It was quite hard at first since I never actually skip rope, but it got easier as soon as I got the hang of it.

I asked Akama how the school system worked in Australia, and if they had to wear school uniforms. He told me that they did have to wear school uniforms in school, and that they look absolutely hideous! He also told me that you start primary school at the age of 5, before starting secondary school at the age of 12. You will then go to secondary school until you’re 17, before moving on to upper secondary school for two years.

I’m so glad we don’t have school uniforms in Sweden, because you should be allowed to wear what you want. Although, school uniforms could prevent bullying so it’s not all bad. The Australian education system differentiates a lot from the Swedish education system, where you only have elementary school before moving on to high school or college. 

I also asked Akama what his views are about Australia, and Darwin. I instantly noticed that he was a bit saddened about the subject, and after taking a deep breath he told me that he, as well as his family, are very unpleased with the white people coming to Australia and taking over their land. Akama and his family believe that the land belongs to the Aborigines people because they were here way before the white people came.

Akama and his family do actually celebrate Christmas because they, just like many other Aboriginals, have adapted to the white peoples traditions. According to the real Aboriginal belief on the other hand, Aborigines do not actually celebrate Christmas. We barbequed in their backyard instead of making the Christmas dinner that I’m used to eating back home in Sweden. I even helped Akama and his family setup a Christmas tree, and decorate the house with fancy lights. It was quite weird to celebrate Christmas with the air conditioner running in the background, but I guess that’s the way they do it in Australia!

We had already bought gifts for Akama and his family back in Alice Springs, and they were quite happy with what they received. And they had bought gifts for us as well, great gifts actually! I received a DVD Player and a book about the Australian wildlife, which I was completely satisfied with. I bought Akama a great movie, and he seemed really happy about it! If I had given that same movie to my brother, I doubt he would have been as grateful. Australians seem to have more respect and gratitude towards each other, which is something that is needed in every society.

I’m really sad over leaving Akama, as we’ve gotten to know each other very well during the last three days. We’re going to end our stay with the Aboriginals with a long walk throughout Darwin. This way we’ll even get to see the smaller details of the city, which isn’t possible with a car or a bike.