Today Devon, Lauren and I went to King’s Park with our student advisor Vicki. It’s a really really pretty park that is literally right outside our door (though it’s about a 5 minute drive to the center which is where we went today).
From the park you get a great view of Perth and the Swan River. Perth is a very wealth city, due to the recent mining boom, and as such there are a lot of new buildings being erected. Vicki told us that they had run out of construction cranes to use (I counted ten from our side of the park alone).
(Counted 5 in this picture)
Pretty cool / funny seeing palm trees and other tropical looking trees in a park.
Had a walking tour of the park and learned a lot of interesting facts about the park and indigenous culture. Apparently the Park has a seed bank where they collect seeds from all over the world in case something occurs that destroys all of the said location’s plants.
The guide also told us about this seed that the Aboriginals used that is highly poisonous if eaten. His words were, “two or three of these seeds and you’ll be horrendously ill. Couple more and you might not wake up the next morning.” But apparently the Aboriginals would cut the seeds open; soak them in baskets for two weeks; grind them up, which turned them into a doughy consistency; and make bread out of them. How the hell did they know to do that? Kind of makes me think of how my dad always says, “How hungry do you think the person who first ate a lobster was?” Guess he doesn’t really always say that. Laughing to myself now imagining if he did always say that. Uh oh … might be time for a nap soon. We also learned of the many different uses of kangaroos (sorry Kate).
Apparently the sinew in the tail can be used as a rope. Tying said rope when wet results in a knot that never comes undone when dry. Also, he told us that kangaroo meat sells for 100$ a kilo in Japan and 70 cents per kilo here in Australia (sorry again Kate). Finally, we walked across a tree top canopy bridge (sweaty hands!) and had coffee and wedges (more potatoey and less greasy French fries).
Might watch an Aussie Rules Football game tonight or go out to a pub with some of the international students here. We shall see!
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ReplyDeleteamazing photos, Boo -- keep 'em coming!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a rough life.... how's the food?
ReplyDeleteIf Perth looks this beautiful during the winter, can you imagine what it's like in the springtime? And can you imagine Dad on that canopy bridge?? The seed park sounds fascinating.
ReplyDeleteAt 70 cents per kilo, let's get some roo and throw it on the barbie. Me
ReplyDeletebring me back a roo hat! looks comfy
ReplyDelete(just kidding kate...but uhmmm, noah might want one)
from poppy you are terrific and very observant and i amire your curiosity and writing skills .that s what makes life such a great adventure.
ReplyDeleteJulian, your pictures are spectacular! What an amazing experience you must be having and how great to be sharing them with us on your blog!
ReplyDeleteMark says re Big Dipper... interesting question. He asks can you see the Southern Cross?
Look forward to more from down under...
Cathy and Mark
I'll see if I can find one Audrey :) We just won't tell Kate. The food has been pretty good so far, Elizabeth. A lot of Asian restaurants in the city. And thank you Poppy, Cathy, and Mark for the nice comments! I'm not sure I know what the Southern Cross looks like exactly ... I'll have to look it up (guessing it resembles a cross in some shape or form).
ReplyDeleteKeep them coming!
ReplyDelete