My stop in Coober Pedy is a very special one. Most people don't know the city in the outback, but it has an interesting history: millions of years ago the region was covered by the sea. As the sea water receded, climatic changes caused the lowering of the underground water tables. Silica solutions were carried down to deposit in cavities, faults and fractures in the ground and now, millions of years later, these silica solutions have formed into opal.
John McDouall Stuart was the first European explorer who was in Coober Pedy in 1858. In 1915 a 14 year old boy was the first to spot a gemstone and since then more and more people came to Coober Pedy to try their luck, find opals and maybe become a millionaire. A city was created, many people live in the old underground opal mines, which also protects them from the heat of up to 50 degrees outside.
I also stayed at the underground Radewka Hotel, which was a strange experience. The kitchen, the TV room and the bathrooms are above ground. Underground are the rooms. I had a 4 man room to myself. However, there were no doors but only curtains. But the temperatures were very pleasant, about 25 degrees. It was a bit creepy, but a great experience. The next morning I visited the Opal Museum, where I learned a lot about the different opals, the history, the life in Coober Pedy and the mines. I also went to an underground Catholic church and looked at the Big Winch. To be honest, I felt like I was back in time for a few years. The city seems a bit extinct. Maybe this is also due to the temperatures which were actually 50 degrees, so I couldn't stay outside for long. Nevertheless I can recommend everyone to have a look at this special place.
hostel Radeka:
Wow I bet this was an amazing journey! And also you started as a co-pilot of a bus driver and now you are a real timetraveller🤠