Trevor was well enough to come along to Garma today he enjoyed wandering about the different stalls, he was particularly interested in the Rio Tinto stall and had a good yarn to them. More areas were set up today with the ladies teaching the Yulongu language, weaving, spear making and all the kids activities. Emma put her hand on a large cloth that all children were signing, she drew around her hand then coloured it as she wished as long as she put her name to it. She also had a go at the rather large bubble hoops. The male healing elder had a session to explaining the healing qualities of the Didgeridoo, Yidaki healing and talked about their beliefs and hopes for the future. He also showed us the Didgeridoo’s that his family make and sell, they are just lovely and we watched them carving them. Whilst he was talking Jack Thompson joined us all and he had a Yidaki healing, it sent goose bumps down my arms. Jack Thompson is at Garma every year, he has a lot to do with the yulongu people and has been adopted as one of their own. Once the yadaki healer had finished he invited anyone who would like a Yidaki healing to come forward, not one person was going forward so I did. It was very spiritual, cant really explain it, you know you are participating in something that is millions of years of tradition for another culture and they are open to sharing this with you. I am so pleased I went forward, another out of my comfort zone experience, as I keep saying anyone who really knows me knows I do not go forward and volunteer for things in front of crowds.
By now it was lunch time so we headed for the dining area. Jock had been told that someone he knew and had worked with was also at Garma and we saw him in the dinner hall. They had a bit of a chat and then we met up with Grant and had our lunch followed by a lovely coffee from the little coffee hut.
Weaving was our next stop, Jock, Emma and I sat down to have a go. Jock and I made earrings and Emma made a bracelet. I have to admit Jocks earrings came out better than mine (but don’t tell him that). I reckon we were there a good hour and half if not two hours, the bunch of ladies sat with us were all good humoured and I loved that the Aboriginal girls called me Yappa. Yappa is sister, it is what another women calls you in Yulongu culture. We learnt a few words whilst we were there, gurtha is fire, yo is yes, yaka is no, yothu is child and yindi is mother. Waawaa I think was father. Over the years I hope to learn more of their language because the idea of coming to Garma again is high on my wish list.
Once again we had had a great day and it was time for the evening Bunngal, we headed to the same spot as last night and again had the children come see us. The dancing was as amazing as the night before, we were mesmerised. Jock got up and joined the dancers as did Emma actually a lot more people were up and dancing tonight, you just got up as you felt and copied the dancers. I don’t think we will tire of watching this every night of the Garma.
Douglas's Downunder 