Day 6: Anthills, Thermal Springs and a Thunderstorm welcome to Darwin!

Final day of travelling (Sunday 17th January, 2021)… its been the hugest trip as a solo drive…. I take my hat off to the truck drivers of this country, who do these kind of treks every week!
Read on…..

Click on this map for detail – Daly Waters to Darwin via Matalanka Thermal Springs
Continue reading “Day 6: Anthills, Thermal Springs and a Thunderstorm welcome to Darwin!”

Day 5: Alice Springs to Daly Waters Historic Pub

Left early for the 915km trek from the backpackers in Alice Springs to Daly Waters….

Stopped at the character-filled, beautifully clean and friendly Barrow Creek Hotel to fill up with fuel and met the lovely Manager and her cat ‘Tiger’, plus the very kind and friendly duo of Bazza and Karina who were assisting with maitenance.

Travelled on to be soon, utterly awestruck, with Devils Marbles rock formations….

Then stopped 10kms past of Tennant Creek town where I found a great picnic spot in Threeways Caravan Park….

Then onwards to Daly Creek Historic township, to stay the night at the local Daly Waters Historic pub – now THAT is a true gem of a town… full of memorabilia…. and discovered that Daly Waters airfield used to be the main fuel refill for planes on their way to Singapore ie. was Australia’s first International airfield!

Finished the day with meeting a truly lovely lady – Mel – caring for an orphaned Joey called Chris!!

There is many photos – see more below……


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Uni life almost at an end – the working world beckons again

I’ve been so so very grateful for the chance to study again – I chose to do a short (3.5 month) course at UniSA in film & television production to fill the gaps of my understandings, and pull me through this terrible year of Covid lockdowns and losses. Just a few weeks remain – send me a few prayers, as I must still finalise all the tasks. I’m so so thankful that through one of the worst years, I have had a single blessing of studies to keep me on track, during one of the planets toughest times – lockdowns, unemployment, businesses collapsing, suicides… and for me, a series of hugely stressful/challenging house moves directly due to the Covid consequences.

Lets just say, my dearest friends and cherished (close and extended) family have been my saviour; with studies and Smule singing keeping me stable and sane during the most crazy ‘annus horrobillus’. To all who know me and have assisted, my gratitude is unchecked, as without your love and support, this year would have done me over in a few different ways if not for the kindness and practical support I have received – not so much from ‘many’ people, but the right few, who have genuinely cared.

I have spent my time studying with some of Australia’s most seasoned film and tv professionals, and I am so so grateful for the opportunity to ingest their practical knowledge. Now, I must put all I have been blessed to learn, into practice.

Singing also, has been the nectar and sweetness to an otherwise hugely difficult year – thank goodness, for musicians, whose love, care and sheer talents, inspire me always, to stretch for the stars – too many people to thank one by one – as I am just so grateful for having sung with them, to save my own sanity.

I will just end this post with a few of my favourite solo and duet songs, as ever, with the intention to brighten your day – wherever you are in the world.

I am actually feeling quite emotional – so sad to soon be leaving Uni, the safe place of inquisitiveness and learning… thank you to all my Mentors: Michael McMahon and Sandy Cameron; Wilson Main who selected my suitability; and the very gracious and lovely Kathy McIntyre – all who were incredibly patient with my incessant questions… the many guest lecturers from all over Australia and the world (Zoom calls are amazing); and of course, my academic peers – all the talented and vibrant younger students who gave me so many insights into their own worlds. May we all find our feet, and, be blessed into the future.

Sarai Qui

La Califfa

Someone To Remember Me

Memoirs from the eyes of a student

Something different… a beautiful post written by one of my Thai English students – Weerada Wongputorn – in memory of my recent trip to Chiang Mai Thailand – a huge thank you so much Weerada, for such a lovely written expression.

These pictures of Weerada and myself (taken at the Love Language Academy in Samut Songkram, Maha Chai) also include some tourist trinkets that I purchased at the Long Necked Tribal Village (about an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai); and some angel wings painted on the wall at the hostel I stayed at.

Weerada writes:

“Today, I have talked with a petite blonde-haired lady who is from Australia. She is Teacher Jaya Khoobsurat. We had talked about various interesting things – for example, her recent trip to Chiang Mai; and her Singer challenges (about making music in general, relationships with the singers, and my new understanding of what the phrase ‘bedroom-eyes’ means ie. Jaya told me a funny story about a male singer who adores the female singers.)
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Solace Tasili – English / Urdu – ‘To Comfort’ – A Universal Song of Love

BRAND NEW SONG – Solace Tasili

Solace Tasili (‘to comfort) – A Universal Song of Love.
An original song
sung by Jaya Khoobsurat in English & Urdu.
Written & composed by four musicians and one translator,
this is a collaboration from four countries with over eight weeks
of work for the single track – a true labour of love & knowledge. 

LYRICS:   ENGLISH & URDU – Solace Tasili FINAL

In memory of Professor Stephen Hawking (1942-2018)
“One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don’t throw it away.”
— To Diane Sawyer/ABC News June 2010

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Muscat, Oman – a jewel in the crown of Gulf countries

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Such a wonderful visit two weeks back, to Muscat, Oman – a truly magnificent country, that is a green well-manicured oasis of abundance. I will go back there again, without a doubt – I just fell in love with the place!

Relax as you view the pictures… music to soothe the soul…

  SOURCE

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Journey into the history of Al Ain – two magnificent Museums

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I went with a friend and we visited two places:

1. The Al Ain Museum.  Just, MAGNIFICIENT.

One of the best museums I’ve ever been so fortunate to walk into…  We explored for hours…. its a rich heritage, lovingly collated. The glass on the front of each of the displays was perfectly polished; and the Emirate lady at front reception, a caring guide/hostess.  And I was very happy to have spent such quality time poring over all the amazing array of treasures.

More pics….

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