Bonita and Gene

Dear Fellow Travelers!

We certainly had an absolutely wonderful time on 'The Viv and Joy Troopie Tour'. We are still on a high despite the loads of washing, bills, babysitting and a myriad of other chores. And its freezing in Melbourne. Listen wistfully to ....."Darwin33" on the radio and wish..........

You did a magnificent job Joy and your tour manager skills were much appreciated. Every Meet and Greet turned up, every bed was waiting, every meal appeared from nowhere. Pilots, drivers, wine, dinners, all arranged with apparent ease and that does not happen if you are not well organized and spend a fortune on phone calls.

The Art Center visits were great. It has really given us an insight into not only the painters but also their 'country' which is so important to their work. This is what we secretly hoped would happen and our main reason for embarking on a trip but which we initially thought was ridiculously expensive. As it turned out, it was of course expensive but never the less, we felt we were extremely privileged to have been able to fly like we did, go where we did and enjoy being hand held on a trip we could not have done so blissfully easily without you two ladies! Money very well spent!

Although not part of your trip, we do recommend to the others to do Davidsons Arnhem Land Safari one day. We regard it now as having been a great introduction to our Art Trip. The rock art is absolutely mind blowing and there is so much of it. It became a starting point to understanding the art on bark and canvas.

Cheers

Q

To read Quentins article about his tour with Aboriginal Art Connections, Click here

Hi Joy

Just a quick note to say thank you for the wonderful assistance you gave us on the trip. Gavin and I really enjoyed it, there was nothing we could fault. I know these trips don't just happen and that you put a lot of work into it. We would have no hesitation in recommending the Talent Team to anyone in the future.

Julienne

I hate tours! I faced this one with some trepidation. However our trip was fantastic. Joy and her team had everything organised. From the welcoming champagne sail on the harbour to through to the specialist organisation of our visits to remote indigenous art communities - it was great. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly, efficient and above all flexible so we did not feel like we were being ‘herded’. At each location (some very remote) the arrangements ran pretty smoothly. The occasional small hiccup was dealt with quickly and professionally and made for interesting travel stories. The outcome was that we were able to thoroughly enjoy the stunning and varied landscape of Australia, the marvellous array of indigenous art and above all our time with the artists and others in their communities. We are both looking forward to repeating the experience

Dear Joy,

We just wanted to say how very much the NGA Guides group enjoyed our time with you in the NT. We appreciated your very efficient organisation skills that made everything run so smoothly and seamlessly and your lovely gentle persona topped it off. Our trip was AMAZING and we felt privileged to see and do all that we did. Thankyou for making it happen and for being our wonderful guide in Darwin.

My art work arrived safely, so another thankyou for posting it to me.

All the very best,

Elizabeth A, Elizabeth B. and Carmen.

My dear Joy.

As the red dust is almost removed from my socks, shoes, hair and eyes I'm settling back to life in Melbourne.

The last week of 'transition' has not be easy; I find my mind wandering to places far north and my heart keener on reading more about Arnhem Land than getting on with my 'real' job.

What an amazing trip Joy. When I left Melbourne I thought the trip would be good. But I had no idea just how good! It was a simply stunning journey - in every way the experience of a lifetime.

Thank you so very much for your wonderful professionalism; extraordinary organisation; brilliant thoroughness and thoughtfulness; and for being such a pleasure to spend time with. The trip would not have been what it was without you. I think your mother was very clever calling you Joy!

Please do let me know if ever you are in Melbourne with a little time - I can promise the welcome will be warm and the vino cold.

With my best.

Marie

Dear Viv and Joy,

A huge thank you to you both for arranging such an amazing trip for all of us. Baz and I are still on a high!! We really appreciated all of your hard work and planning - it was such fun and our 'gang' were wonderful to travel with. Will be in touch again soon, but now got the washing machine at full throttle getting ready to leave for Europe on Wednesday afternoon.

Hope these few shots bring back good memories. Can't wait to see you either at Telstra, Emily show in Canberra or next year for another trip. Thank you again - we learnt such a lot, are tickled pink with our purchases and so enjoyed seeing the art centres. This was one of THE BEST and most fun trips we have ever had.

Jude and Baz