Little Creatures: The Aquarium and a Pub in Fremantle

There is never a dull moment here in Australia. We have a few hours to eat and sleep before we are off exploring somewhere else. I have experienced so much in the past 10 days that I am still trying to take it all in. Last Tuesday we drove to Yanchep National Park to continue our "orientation." While we were at Yanchep, I had the opportunity to go surfing for the first time in Lancelin. Considering, I tripped on my ankle cord while still on the beach practicing, I knew I was going to be a pro. My advisor has already pinned me as the klutz of the group. Surprisingly, I was able to get up on the board and semi ride the waves. Granted, the waves were about a half a foot high and I was more so squatting on the board, it was a success by my standards. Also, in Yanchep I saw Kangaroos and Koalas for the first time. Note to everyone, Kangaroos are not that cute in real life; they look like giant rats with long legs. Koalas on the other hand are adorable. I wanted to take one home with me. As the last part of our "orientation" we learned a little more about the aboriginal culture while at the same time learning an aboriginal dance--I was pitiful.
Since returning from Yanchep, we have been on our own free to do whatever we want until classes start next Monday. We have pretty much gone to a different beach everyday, and explored various areas around Perth. On Saturday it was very overcast, so we decided to venture to the famous Aquarium of Western Australia. It took us two buses and two trains to get there, but we made it. The Aquarium was rather small, but still pretty neat. One part of the Aquarium consisted of a giant tank that was built around a conveyor belt that you went around on looking at different animals, mainly sharks; I was not a fan of having sharks swim over my head! I also got to see all the jellyfish that are at all the beaches I've been going to, which is really comforting. Although I enjoyed the Aquarium, our adventure to Fremantle is by far my favorite thing I've done thus far. I would describe Fremantle as the Charleston, SC or Savannah, GA of Australia. It is such a cute historical town..I LOVE it! If I could live in Australia, Fremantle is where I would live. There are a bunch of markets and cute shops in town, and a beautiful beach surrounding it. We did a little shopping in Fremantle (Freo is what Aussies call it) and then we experienced our first "Sunday Sesh." The biggest culture shock I've experienced since arriving in Perth is the amount of drinking Aussies partake in; they drink everyday!! They enjoy challenging Americans to drinking contests because they think it is funny to kick our butts. Anyway, Sunday is a big drinking day for Aussies. I told my Aussie roommate Meegan that I am used to doing heaps of homework and having a bunch of meetings on Sundays, and her response was, "we should probably do that, but we are too lazy and we would rather drink." So, for my first "Sunday Sesh" we went to this pub in Freo called Little Creatures, which is my new favorite bar/pub. They brew their own beer and cider there, which is pretty tasty :). Plus, the pub looks out on the harbor, which is pretty beautiful as well. I could definitely get used to "Sunday Seshes." I feel as though I still have a lot to learn about the Aussie lifestyle. I adore my Aussie roommates and friends I have made. In fact, a big group of us are renting a van and driving down to Margaret River this weekend for yet another adventure. Margaret River is most known for the abundance of wineries in the area; so we will definitely be going on a wine tour, in addition to seeing the caves and hanging out at the beach. I live a pretty rough life here if you can't tell :).

I've uploading heaps more pictures, and will post again soon. I miss Ya'll!!
http://s611.photobucket.com/albums/tt200/jpurcell5/?albumview=slideshow