Today I tackle Rottnest Island. The first ferry leaves Fremantle at 7:30am, and due to the overpromptness bred into me by my early bird family I arrived at the C Shed terminal well before check-in opened. The ride out to Rottnest, just under 30 minutes in length, was a rough one as the winds whipped up a serious chop. After arriving, I claimed my rental bike, grabbed a map and set off to explore. A bit of history first. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s Rottnest was used as prison colony, mostly holding aboriginals and the worst of the worst white criminals. Its strategic location caused it to be transformed into a military base during WWII. Since that time, the island has blossomed into a tourist destination for both daytrippers and weekenders alike, as the old barracks and officers houses have been turned into accommodations. A number of townhomes have been built in Geordes Bay, as well. The main allure of the island, next to its nearly infinite number of small coves and beaches, is the almost entire lack of cars, a few maintenance vehicle and the police aside. As such, it is a haven for bikers who can take advantage of the many miles of roads built during the military days.
I was one such biker today. After landing
After lunch I biked up the lone hill on the island to the lighthouse. From there it was all downhill to one of the secluded coves for a nap and a swim in the ocean. My ferry departed at 4:30 and the ride back was much choppier than the ride there. The swells were approaching two meters and the workers were scurring about handing out vomit bags to needy passengers. I calmly watched a cricket game on the television, enjoying the rough seas like a veteran sailor. I am convinced that in a previous life I was a first mate on a ship with the likes of Vasco de Gama or Leif Erikson.
Again I went down to the beach for sunset. This time it was a cloudless sky and I added one of the essentials that I had forgotten from last night; the bottle of wine. Apparently beautiful girls are a bit harder and most expensive to come by.
What I Learned Today: Why haven’t I read more Timothy Leary?
The afternoon was all life maintenance; booking my Fiji adventures, doing laundry, catching up on this journal and repacking for my late night flight to Brisbane. I want to take this opportunity to extend my dearest thanks to Sue, Den and family for their overwhelming hospitality over the past week. I felt welcomed into their home and I am very grateful for it. If/when they ever come to the States I hope that my family can show them the same sort of hospitality.
What I Learned Today: That the George Carlin theory of personal health (more germs = better immune system = better health) has actually been vindicated by medical research. Though it doesn’t appear to have helped me at the moment.
The weather in Brissy was mild, mid 80s with an acceptable level of humidity. The City Backpackers was packed as usual. After checking in, I took a short, fulfilling nap and then journeyed into the city to do some much needed shopping for Fiji. I find my tropical wardrobe a bit wanting, or at least it was but is no more (thanks to some deals at Target). My roommates were three guys from the UK, all solo travelers, and all just beginning their trips. I thoroughly enjoyed giving them my tips on New Zealand and the rest of Australia. Again I am convinced that half (or probably more) the fun of traveling is talking about it later.
I struggled to stay awake tonight, the last few nights of poor sleep obviously taking its toll. I’m starting to rethink the benefits of red-eye flights. That and I hope that I heal up before my Fiji adventure.
What I Learned Today: There was a certain feeling of familiarity as I came back in Brisbane. A level of comfort associated with knowing the city, the trains, and the hostel. Prior to this trip I would have said that this comfort is the root of our problems, the reason that we all fall into boredom and bad habits. But now I know better. Feelings of familiarity and comfort should be enjoyed and welcome; however, they should not be depended on. Nor should they be our singular goal in life. Every now and then (more for some of us and less for others) we need to mix in a bit of discomfort, some unknown, perhaps a trace of novelty and uncertainty in order to grow and change.
My last full day in Australia. Hard to believe that it is all nearly over. Again, I didn’t do that much with the day. After breakfast and fighting with the free and consistently broken wireless internet at the City Backpackers I marched down to Fortitude Valley to find some decent souvenirs. I had no such luck. I did, however, find a nice, non-English speaking barber shop and got myself a $9 haircut, which despite our language barriers, actually turned out as I desired. I think the words “trim up” are surprisingly universal. On the walk back to downtown I did find a place to blow my remaining Australian currency on some trinkets and reminders of my time in OZ.
The rest of the day was completely uneventful, with the exception of India beating Australia in cricket. I’m really excited for baseball season to start.
What I Learned Today: I always seem to meet a good group of people on my last day in a place.
Air Pacific is the way to go. Free beer and friendly service…the only two things I really need on a flight. We touched down in Nadi just prior to the six o’clock hour. The air is thick and warm, the atmosphere jovial. Customs is a breeze, the man didn’t even so much as look up at me. Quarantine was just as simple. The Aquarius resort sent a van to pick me and shuttle me off to their hostel for my one night stay prior to the Awesome Fiji Adventure Tour that I will be starting tomorrow. Rolling through the streets of Nadi, I am reminded of the poverty and squalor that grips Jamaica. To be honest, it isn’t half as bad as Jamaica, but the dichotomy of the glitzy Oceanside resorts and the rustic homes of the local people still exists.
What I Learned Today: It appears that the Fijian people are as advertised…the friendliest in the world.
Promptly arriving at 7am, the shuttle bus was filled with passengers anxious to get off the mainland and out into the small islands west of Viti Levu. I had booked a six-day/five night package visiting two island sand offering two nights on a boat. The first five day would be spent in the Yasawa Islands with a day sailing adventure to the Mamanucas at the end of the trip.
What I Learned Today: Even the most confident of people have a slight fear of public speaking.
Breakfast consisted primarily of Fijian sweet
Dinner proved much heartier than lunch. Swimming all day creates quite the appetite. The night time entertainment was advertised as a fundraiser for the local Fijian school. We all expected school children and local music, instead we were subjected to a one-man dance show by Queen, the not entirely heterosexual head of the resort. Nonsensically dancing to some of the 1980s worst songs, his show was bearable only because we had been drinking Fiji Gold for some time.
What I Learned Today: Don’t try to work Muslim girls….
Dinner was an excellent meal of lamb green
What I Learned Today: Do not play ‘never have I ever’ with an Irishman. His stories will always trump yours.
As I write this I am still three days behind on
What I Learned Today: I am a whore for variety.
What I Learned Today: Fiji has the world’s greatest cumulonimbus clouds.
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