I would probably not post a message like this, typically, but a recent internet search proved to me that we need to sing the praises of companies that offer awesome service as readily as we would shout out the failings of those who take our money with no return of value.

I found a post today relating a tour in the Outback during which the driver/tour guide regaled his passengers with his personal opinions about Aboriginal land claims issues as well as every other topic about which he could spew his venom. To top it all off, he took no care in avoiding cattle milling near the highway on the return trip to Alice Springs, resulting in the bus striking a cow, to the horror of his passengers. He proceeded to "end the animal's suffering" by bashing it in the head with an iron rod in front of his traumatised passengers! I'm afraid I'd have had to order him to stop the bus and let me off, regardless of where we were, and take up the issue with his employer. Tourists do not pay good money to be subjected to such attitudes and behaviours.

I made this trip from Alice Springs to Uluru and back with AAT Kings in early May 2005. We were picked up from our hotel at around "0 dark thirty hours", buzzing from caffeine and excitement about seeing sights I'd dreamed of all of my life. Our driver and tour guide was young man named Colin who proved to be extremely well informed, shared his knowledge freely, and refrained from spouting his own personal beliefs, whatever those may have been. He was a safe operator, an entertaining and enlightening guide, and just a terrific person in whose company we spent almost 18 hours. To my delight, he imparted the message that Uluru is a sacred place to the Aboriginal peoples of the area, and reminded his group that as a sign of respect we were asked by the traditional owners not to ascend Uluru. Only two people from our group chose to disregard his advice and made the climb. Colin provided a great deal of information concerning the notorious disappearance of Azaria Chamberlain at Uluru about 25 years previously, and even pointed out the location of the campground and motels that were once built right at the foot of the Rock. I was particularly impressed by his statement of facts that was free from the typical condemnation of Azaria's parents. As a student of forensic anthropology I found his method of story-telling refreshingly free of judgment, whether he was telling us about Azaria or the land claims issues of the area.

I cannot say that Colin is typical of AAT Kings' employees, having had just the one encounter with tjhis company. What I can say though, is that AAT Kings in general, and Colin in particular, did Australian tourism and the people of Australia proud in the way they conduct their business. Anyplace I travel in future, if there is an AAT Kings tour available, I will defintiely avail myself of their services. Some day I hope to return to Australia and have another go at the Alice Springs - Uluru tour. It was certainly worthy of a return trip.