Perth, Chinese New Year, Rottnest Island, Quokkas and many long nights

G'day from Western Australia!

We've already been in this beautiful, compact capital city of Western Australia for three weeks. Our accommodation is the Billabong Backpacker Resort. We are staying in a 4-bed room with two bunk beds, have our own balcony, air conditioning, a private bathroom, and frequently changing roommates. The frequent changes are actually very practical because you constantly get to meet new people and gain insight into their culture and language. One of our roommates, Tom, taught us Welsh words like 'Wiblywobly' (jellyfish) or 'Popty Ping' (microwave). He added with a laugh, 'Because a microwave makes a nice 'Ping' sound when it's done.' With the frequent changes in roommates, you can also use up intentionally left shower gel for men or take the matching pants left behind in one of the lockers. We also had to 'dispose' of the six-pack of Canadian Club. As backpackers, we are always happy about anything that doesn't cost anything. ;-)

But we didn't just find pants, socks, etc. here, but also four really great travel mates: Lisa, Simon, Christian, and Martin. We have taken many trips with them, organized BBQs by the pool, and stayed up late in the clubs and bars of Perth.

Since the job search didn't turn out as successful as expected (it's currently the low season in Perth), we filled our time with trips and visits to cafes and clubs.

One of our trips took us to Rottnest Island. With our clique, we took the ferry and rode around the small, beautiful island by bike. In addition to dreamy beaches, crystal clear water that ranges from turquoise to dark blue, and snorkeling spots, quokkas (short-tailed kangaroos) are the main attraction of the island.