alice springs

alice springs has come a long way in its 125 year history from being a telegraph station to one of central australia's key cities. it is still, however, a jumping off point for touristas going to the macdonnell ranges and uluru-kata tjuta, and is seemingly a town lost in time. there is a flying doctor service, and a school of the air (radio) for kids on the cattle stations in the outback. in keeping with this western tradition this sleepy town of only 24,640 people is australia's murder capital - much like tombstone had higher murder rates than san fran and new york at the same time. it is a rough town. bars ban anyone from entering with any club wear, or team paraphernalia. hostels gave their own bars for their guests. travelling at night is discouraged unless you take a cab. the problem is mostly due to the numbers of homeless aboriginals in the city who are outcasts from the nearby aboriginal cities. they are everywhere - parks, benches, church lawns, hospital parking lots, bushes. a staggering amount of lost souls who use their welfare money to continue their battle with alcohol. there is hatred here amongst the saloons, and real fear and loathing.

this town is full of losers, and lyds and i are pulling out to win.