Owling is a 'Hoot'!

The transformation of our apartment into a poorly maintained menagerie could certainly be cause for complaint. However, we've managed to stay upbeat and positive. Following my sister's (Caleigh) blog has helped put things in perspective. She has spent her summer travelling with MedOutreach through Tanzania, Africa. The group is comprised of four doctors, two dentists, and two nurses (Caleigh is one of the nurses) all of whom are students from the University of Western Ontario. For many people living in Tanzania a few critters or a leaky faucet would be the least of their worries. It's been very inspiring to read of her humanitarian efforts. In addition to lending a helping hand to the Tanzanians, she has been able to partake in some tourist activities too. She ran (and completed) her first marathon at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and later has plans to return and climb the mountain. Just recently, she sent a message via Facebook to Steph describing her upcoming plans. The highlight of the message is what she has in store once she reaches the summit. She is going to plank on Mt. Kilimanjaro's peak!

Part of the Ecosystem

One thing is for sure; our apartment has character (or should I say 'characters'). In many ways it's just like any other home: walls and a roof to separate the 'outside' from the 'inside'. But the difference with our apartment is that our apartment is lazy. It has all the fundamental tools, but lacks the motivation to apply them. Or maybe it's too friendly and doesn't want to be exclude the outside from the inside. Whatever the reason, our apartment plays by different rules. Rain is allowed in the apartment, but only if it drips over the toilet; the odd insect invades from time to time, but must remain undetected by the humans unless prepared to suffer the ultimate consequence; and extreme temperature fluctuations are expected. We've learned to accept and appreciate our apartment's unique sense of purpose and play by its rules.

Man Down

One detail pertaining to our move to Australia has continued to haunt our subconscious. That being our VISA status. We arrived in Australia on a Working Holiday VISA subclass 417. This VISA allowed Steph and I to live and work within Australia for a maximum of one year commencing on the date of arrival. Although, this included a stipulation that, as a VISA 417 holder, we could only work for a single employer for a maximum of 6 months. Thus encouraging us, and visitors alike, to work and travel keeping hard earned Australian dollars within its own economy. Initially, our VISA status wasn't the top priority - finding a job was. Moving to the other side of the world isn't cheap.

Rainy Season

"My favorite weather is bird-chirping weather." - Terri Guillemets


There is a eucalyptus tree outside of our bedroom window. It's a tall tree; it rises higher than our five story apartment building. The trunk is slender and smooth. Only near its top do the branches point out in all directions sprouting thin green leaves at its tips. Generally speaking it is a very aesthetically pleasing piece of nature. The sort of thing struggling poets seek inspiration. This tree may be responsible for inspiring the next great ballad of our time, but it is also home to a flock of birds. Being generous, I would estimate the flock to include approximately one hundred birds. 

Planking and the Pinnacles

This past month has been very busy for Steph and I. I'm sure we've lost a large percentage of our audience due to our blogging tardiness. So without further ado, it is my pleasure to announce that we're back! Now, there's an entire month of news to share, so I shall start from the beginning; a very appropriate place to start. 

Fremantle Prison

One of our favourite spots in the Perth region is the southern suburb of Fremantle. It is at the mouth of the Swan River and is home to Western Australia's oldest port. The first British settlers (convicts) to arrive throughout the 19th century would have first set foot on Western Australia's soil via the Fremantle port. Consequently, it is rich with history. The streets are littered with beautiful limestone buildings, cobblestone roads, a boardwalk along the waterfront, and a friendly and lively atmosphere.

Back to School

Before Steph could enter a Western Australian school as a teacher, she was required to jump through flaming hoops and do some fancy footwork to boot. That is, she spent quite some time filling out forms, having her credentials authenticated, and patiently awaiting a response from the respective educational governing bodies.