On Saturday we had our first didgeridoo experience. We were invited to the opening of the City Farm Cafe which is a meeting place for tie-dyed t-shirts, dreadlocks and tops that proclaim to save the planet one packet at a time. At first we felt quite out of place in our Woolworths' clothing and hair gel but as the various bands took to the stage we began to relax and join in the vibe. We saw real-life tribal Aboriginal people playing the didgeridoo while their companions waved their limbs about and made squawking noises. This was followed by a band that only used recycled materials for instruments. There was a drum made out of water bottles, the obligatory tin can shaker and another percussion instrument out of sticks and a frying pan. Next up was a group of white female dancers, accompanied by marimba players, who did a very energetic rendition of African tribal dancing. I thought their moves were something ethnic to Australia but was soon corrected. I guess I am just not used to African dancers being 40 something white women. While all this was unfolding you could partake of the free food and coffee that was being served for the official cafe opening and shop for organic vegetables, make crafts out of bark and leaves, feed the farm animals, shop for Enjo cleaning products, do origami or just laze in the sun. You must understand that the people who invited us do not have a microwave, a tv or a tumble dryer and are in the process of making their house totally (not just the geyser) solar powered. The mum home schools the children and the dad is president of a group called Men of the Trees that are trying to plant and save trees in WA! It was an educational morning and the boys loved joining in the dancing and crafts. Hugo spent most of his time on the stage with the musicians who didn't seem to even notice he was there.
It has to be said that the didgeridoo is a very impressive instrument. The vuvuzela really has nothing on it.
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