East Side

Sorry I haven't updated in a while but the travel life has proven to be quite hectic. I left sleepy Perth last tuesday and been on the road since. Ian and I got into Sydney 6:00am tuesday where we made our way to Coggee beach, where Tyler was staying. His place was a complete dive complete with mold and bugs. We stayed on the floor of his tiny appartment until friday. We spent the intervening days sight seeing around Sydney. Let me tell you it is an incredible city. I would post some pictures but I'm just in a internet cafe in Mel so I can't upload my pictures. We saw all the classic sites like the Operah House and Manly.

That weekend we headed inland to the famous Blue Mountains. We hiked during the Day and set up camp out in the middle of the park. There we basicly froze to death as the temperature dropped below zero and our tent wasn't quite thick enough to ward off the frost.

We came back to Sydney to on Monday to get a few errands done and then went into the city at night to watch the big soccer game. We watched the first half in a bar and the second down at Circular Quay (equivalent to Nathan Phillips Square). It was awesome until that unfortunate penalty crushed the Socceroos' hopes.

We hopped on a train that morning at 7:00am (we got back from downtown at 4:30) and headed back inland to the Aus capital Canberra. It was quite cold as it was winter and there's no major body of water there. I quite liked the mueseum and monument filled town and enjoyed the cafe culture while Ian couldn't stand the climate.

After a few days there we headed further south to Melbourne, where I am now. I just got into the city and I'll tell you all about it in a later post.

- Drew

G'Day to WA

Well exams are finishing up and my time here in Western Australia is coming to an end. It's been a while since I've posted so I thought I'd start with getting you guys up to speed with what I've been doing in recent days.

A few weekends I went to Rottnest Island a tourist destination visible from the beaches of Perth. The island is tiny, measuring 8km by 1km. It's the perfect size to bike in a day. Though when you rent a single speed bike to save 5 bucks your legs really get a workout on the up hill sections. The island features a giant naval cannon which was built in the second World War to keep away the Japs. The coasts are lined with dozens of small coves which make for incredible secluded beaches. From your towel on the sand you can feel the strange solitude knowing there is nothing between you and Antartica and you Africa (Madiagascar doesn't count.) The island is also the exclusive Habitat of the Quoakka a small furry animal that is equal parts curious and trusting. The accomidations were quite comfortable in the converted army baraks, another relic from the war.

More recently I went south to Visit a few more mines. What would have been a relatively uneventful trip was transformed into adventure when I was put behind the wheel. That's right we rented a car, and not just any car, a small Hyundai that was manual. So not only was I driving or the first time in months it was on the wrong side of the road and stick. The vehicle which I piloted was the awe-inspiring Hyundai Getz. For those of you in North America and never had the priviledge of seeing this marvel of engineering in person I've included a picture. The highlights from the 6 hours of driving I did that weekend included, stalling on a highway, driving on the right-hand side of the road in downtown Perth, trying to pass a road train (triple tractor trailor) traveling at 110km\h with few than a hundred horses and negotiating a large roundabout at rush hour.

Since my adventures I've mostly been relegated to my room studying. All in all my time here has been great and if I had to go back I'd do it again. I've made some great friends and shared in some interesting adventures. College life was quite good and it's been a well enjoyed break from the pressures and stresses back in Canada.

It's just occured to me that not all of you are aware of my plans for the days ahead. Well on Monday I fly to Sydney with Ian Millwood, a friend I met here at college, where we are staying with Tyler and Josh for a few days. In Sydney our plan is to procure a car, failing that train passes and make our way along the East Coast. That will last until late July. From there my plans are less concrete, I may spend some more time in Australia or make my way to Asia. I'll do my best to keep posting (and keep alive). I'm coming home on August 30th and I'll be eager to swap stories with all you guys.

- Drewdles