Back to Freo

Like many Australian things, Fremantle has a nickname. Freo. Don't ask me why but Aussies like to abreviate strangely. Like MacDonald's is Macca's, Sharon is Shazza, and Fremantle is Freo. My friend Cat (we met on the tour up to Exmouth) came down to see Fremantle for the day so it gave me an excuse to take some photos of where I've been working and living for the past while.

For the past few days, this US ship has been in the port. 4000 American sailors have been wreaking havoc on the town (although I think they're gone now). Apparently this ship's big enough to have its own McDonald's. Just one of many ships in port, though.



Freo, like many places here used to be a prison colony. The Round House was an important building for some reason.



And now it's got a nice view.



Or it does on sunny days... About two minutes after I took this, we got completely and totally drenched. Huge winds, sideways rain, the whole thing. The beach there is usually much nicer looking; it's where we take our school tours to do beachcombing.

To escape the rain, we went in to Cicerello's, where I work. The place was packed but I got a few photos.



And then you can't have a Freo day without either the markets or a street performer. We did both but the markets were too packed for photos. Instead, here's a crazy pirate who's a world record sword swallower. We didn't stay for the sword swallowing, though!



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Almost forgot! All over the place here, and up the coast, there are these crazy birds, some sort of cockatoo. They make the most annoying sound! And in Exmouth, I managed to get a video of them squawking away. They're way up in a tree so it's a bit quiet but enjoy! And imagine them squawking outside your house, all afternoon!

http://video.google.com.au/videoplay?docid=-877096535557880775

(I can't check it on this computer so let me know if it doesn't work!).

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In other exciting news, I'll be leaving Perth very soon (but not WA)! I'll be going to the Mackerel Islands near Onslow, WA (www.mackerelislands.com.au) to work at the hotel/resort there. I leave the city on the 15th and arrive on the 16th and plan to stay for 4-8 weeks. I'm not exactly sure what I'll be doing, other than 'a bit of everything'. Probably cleaning, in the restaurant/bar, in the shop. The plan is to work there, then try to see some whale sharks (again), then fly out east by end of July/beginning of August.

The islands are known around here for their amazing fishing and diving, so as long as I can get out on the ocean every now and then, I'll be a happy camper. And it should be easier to save money up there, too. I think I'll have some internet but not much. But I'll definitely keep you all posted!

And good luck to Mahssa and Tom, who are moving to London, England today!