Sunday, December 18, 2011
Rottnest Island
Yesterday I went to a small island called Rottnest off the coast of Fremantle, W.A. for my day off. It's about 10 km long and only about 3 or 4 km wide and it was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. It was only about an hour and a half long ferry ride from Perth but it was like I was transported to yet another part of the world. Beautiful white sand beaches stretching out to this amazing turquoise water (don't go out too far though- shark bait. not even joking) and you could rent a bike and ride around for hours on these endless paths throughout the island. My favorite part- there are these marsupials that inhabit Rottnest called Quokkas and they are about the size of a raccoon maybe but hop around like kangaroos and look like a cross between an oversized mouse and a teddy bear maybe? I'm not sure, but they are adorable. They would be even more adorable if they didn't have fleas though, which i'm told they do, but apparently they are only found on the island. Nowhere else but they tiny island- how cool is that? The Quokka is actually how the island was named too because in the 17th century a dutch explorer discovered the island and mistook them for rats and called it "Rats Nest Island", or something like that. When I heard that I was skeeved out, but once you go there it's just a completely different experience. I wish I could take everyone I love to that island but it's so unrealistic. maybe i've been spending too much time wandering around on my own lately lol i think i'm starting to think like some crazy seeing-the-world-through-rose-colored-glasses nomad. Either way, if for any reason you find yourself in Western Australia (which you probably won't) you MUST spend a day a Rottnest Island. And you should probably buy a meat pie at the bakery there too. And rent a bike. And check out the pink lake. And.... okay, okay you get the idea.
Yes, please.
I need to hire a photographer to follow me around- it took about seven tries to get this shot
QUOKKA! Not a good picture, but you can get an idea...
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Beautiful clear photos. Any of the pink lake?
ReplyDeleteArielle --
ReplyDeleteI couldn't be happier that you are doing this (all of this!)! It will become a lifetime's log of memories and experiences that you (and all your friends, family and acquaintances) will be so happy to share with you as this adventure unfolds.
You will certainly return to us (at some uncertain date) a much changed person for all these experiences you are absorbing.
Love, Dad
PS Yes, I immediately said to myself "Quokka must be Australian vernacular for big rat" because it sure looks like one.
PPS Any problems if I publicize this site/blog widely among members of meeting who are asking me all the time about your doings? This is such a perfect way of being able to minimize my interpretation, and instead having everyone (including me) get it straight from you. Again, please do this a frequently as you are led. It's a wonderful travelogue! It may be somewhat of a chore to do perhaps (I hope not). But for me it's the most exciting and personal way I've had so far of being able to share your experiences with you. And there are soooo many more to come!!!
Arielle,
ReplyDeleteWhat a experience and journey of lifetime your on! I hope your loving every second of it! I would love to have seen once of those things in person...I think it would be sweet! I love reading about your travels, just like your dad said, it also helps when you blog on here, because then I can let my mom read it too as she is very excited for you and your travels as well..she wishes you the best! I miss you and hope you get a chance to write something new! Chao bella!