January 2016

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” 
~ Saint Augustine
​
Imagine what Saint Augustine would think of travel in today’s world! This quote appeals to my sense of wanderlust. For those of you who frequent Sedona Public Library in the Village, you may know that I recently returned from an extended holiday in Australia.
Long before my departure, I began using free resources from the Library to prepare for my trip. I checked out several guidebooks and travel DVDs about the Land Down Under. I enjoyed reading the following books: “In a Sunburned Country” by Bill Bryson, “Tracks” by Robyn Davidson, and “The Dressmaker” by Rosalie Ham.
These DVDs, available from the Yavapai Library Network (YLN), may be placed on reserve and picked up at the Village library: “A Cry in the Dark,” “Australia,” “Crocodile Dundee,” “My Brilliant Career,” “Muriel’s Wedding,” “Rabbit-Proof Fence,” and “The Sapphires.” You might also like the Australian TV miniseries called “The Shiralee,” based on the novel by D’Arcy Niland.
Dreading the 15 hour 45 minute flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne, I loaded my iPad with magazines from Zinio, the Library’s online magazine collection. I used the OverDrive app to download a few e-books to keep me occupied during the long flight.
Preparation for the trip does not begin to compare with the actual experience of being in the Land Down Under. Witnessing sunset at Uluru, hiking at Kata Tjuta National Park, snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Daintree Rainforest, driving along the Great Ocean Road near Melbourne, taking a backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House, and navigating Sydney Harbor were among the many highlights.
In addition to seeing great sights, I learned so much about the people of Australia. I met the owner of a working cattle station in the Outback, toured the School of the Air and chatted with one of the teachers, heard about the history of opal mining and learned more about the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. I attended a lecture by an Aboriginal artist, toured the Cultural Center at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and visited The Old Telegraph Station at Alice Springs. I appreciated warm Aussie hospitality during a home-hosted dinner with a local family in Adelaide. During this adventure I discovered that Aussies are warm, gracious people who take great pride in their nationality and their country.
Whether you are an intrepid traveler or an armchair traveler, the Library can take you places. Stop by or call the Library to plan your next travel adventure. G’day, mates!