final fotos from fremantle!!

When I had consumed enough free wine and pseudo-conversations had reached their climax, I walked myself right out of there.  

Hi, where are you from?  What are you studying?  Wow, that is really interesting.  Are you doing your Phd?  Oh, you're a professor, what's your name again?  Oh shit, you are a totally famous scientist.  I feel like an ass.  The best thing to calm your nerves after 3rd grade renditions of Hi, I'm Emily, will you be my friend is a slightly-less-than-sober stroll through the cool night air, camera in hand.  Everything is quiet and shadowed.  You can stop to observe the world around you, yet remain inconspicuous.  

Sometimes I relish the opportunity to throw myself amongst the crowd, and shine.  Proof of that is no less obvious than my purchase of The Stunna' Shoes.  I can don them an immediately transform into a superstar, ready to dazzle the world with my extroverted fabulosity.  Flying my freak flag high with unadulterated pride.  

But then, there are other times, too.  Times when I want nothing more than to be quiet.  My inner bookworm child takes over.  No doubt the part of myself that led me to become a scientist in the first place.  The bottled up nerd inside flourishes best when she can blend in to the shadows.  To observe and learn.  Thinking without having something clever to say.

Science on Saturday // Maritime Museum

The welcoming ceremony of the World Sponge Conference (believe me, I've heard all the jokes) was held in the Fremantle Maritime Museum.  Before toasts were made and somewhat awkward conversations were had, we were given the opportunity to wander around the museum free of charge!  The museum is not very big, but it has an impressive array of old sailboats hanging from the ceiling, exhibits about the history of Australian marine expeditions, and it even has a display of a real Megamouth shark that was found and preserved.  The conference organizers could not have chosen a better location for the ceremony and if you get out to Western Australia, check out the museum!

freo

So, besides discovering the plague, I did have a bit of time to explore Fremantle while I was in Australia and I must say, that Freo is quite a charming little town.  The early 19th century architecture and pedestrian friendly city-layout gives this town a european feel while still preserving the laid-back beachy-thing that is so Australian.  

The first day that I arrived to Fremantle was a sunny Saturday, so I took the opportunity to go walkabout the town.  There were tons of people out and there seemed to be some sort of festival going on.  Part of the main street was blocked off and there were lots of booths selling all sorts of goodies, a mini-climbing wall for kids, and lots of artsy curiosities.  What really caught my eye, though, was as I continued to wander, I began to hear the faint sound of Irish rock music...

...tunes of bagpipes floating through the breeze...

and then, I saw where it was coming from.  I saw the throngs of bystanders gaping in awe.  And my jaw dropped too.  when I saw the flames.  A grown man, dressed in a leather skirt, standing in the middle of the street playing a flaming bagpipe.  The Badpiper.  Freo, you rock.

Dear Australia,

Seriously, WTF?  I tried to be nice and look where that has gotten me.  I have come to your shores, twice now, open-hearted and excited to explore an island continent yet unknown to me.  What with your furry eucalyptus-eating creatures, animals with baby-laden pockets, and unfailing economy, you appear to be so damn likable.  But, Australia, you have gotten the better of me.  Twice.

Yesterday, as I traveled the 20-million hours back home from Perth, on my birthday, I wondered, "Australia, what have I ever done to you?"  Why, yet again, did I find myself in a foreign doctor's office, coughing up god-know's what and meat pies?  Why were my dreams of snuggling with wombats put to sleep with five days of fever and far too much Nyquil?  Why, Australia, why?  ...I swear I was totally kidding about that whole steal a Koala idea...

Sincerely,
sick and grumpy traveler

fremantle first impressions

lots of pirates or at least
many unkept hooligans.
New Orleans meets Hawaii.
$200/ night for a hotel,
doesn't include internet.
them Aussies like ta partay