Uluru

           Over the Easter Break this week I traveled to Alice Springs and then Uluru, a large rock formation in the Australian Outback. The size of the rock is impressive, in part due to the level surroundings void of other tall structures. When planning this trip, I was under the impression that I would be able to climb the rock. I did not, however, because the guide explained it is disrespectful to Anangu, the Aboriginal people of the area. Under the certain weather conditions, the rock is open for climbing and hundreds of tourists have climbed it. Some have even died doing so. The Anangu request that visitors do not climb Uluru because it is a sacred site to them and they feel responsible when visitors die. Certain areas are used for important ceremonies and only full members of the Anangu are allowed to view them.
        Rather than climb the Uluru, the tour walked on the 10k path around the it. The path is this long in order to put distance between hikers and the rock at set points which are sacred sites so hikers could not see them. There are other points on the walk that bring you right up to the rock and the sheer size of it is awe-inspiring. In some of the small caves and overhangs are paintings that map out where one can find water and hunting grounds.
        I am very glad to have learned all this about the Anangu culture. The idea of a sacred site is not new to me, but most that I am exposed to are man made: churches, temples, cemeteries, etc. However, it is the Anangu’s ancestors that make Uluru sacred rather than something the people built for them. They believe Uluru was shaped by their ancestors beings at the beginning of time and that is why it is sacred.