I travelled on the Indian Pacific, a train that travels right across Australia (Perth-Adelaide-Sydney). I just did the Perth-Adelaide route, which is two nights on the train. It was a great experience. You get to see lots of the outback country and the Nullarbor Plains (this is where the longest straightest stretch of rail in the world is located at 478km). Sleeping on the trains was not too bad. I was in economy class or Red Kangaroo where I had one relining seat allotted. The carriage that I was in was not full, so most people had two seats to take a snooze on. It also helps having good company on board. I had two gentlemen to talk with, a journalist from Italy and a guy from France that will be studying at the same uni as I in the Netherlands. Small world!

Currently, I am in Adelaide. This city is more alive the Perth was, that is the downtown area does not die down after 8pm. The planning of the city is interesting as well. There is a clear grid pattern for the streets, incorporated with green park squares and the city is bordered with more parks. Yesterday I walked the city, went to the South Australia Art Gallery (which has lots of lovely Aussie paintings) and saw many nice classical and Victorian buildings. PLUS this is the meeting point for Jakub and I. I will see him tonight, he should be on the road right now.

I travelled north with a group of 4 Europeans (Swiss, French and German). I hooked up with this shared ride though a free classifieds called GumTree (it is avaliable for different Aussie cities). I also used this site to advertise my bike for sale and offered my services for swimming lessons (both were successful).

With the group I travelled with, we talked a mix of French, German and English. I sometimes threw in a Polish word here and there. We saw all the places that I mentioned in my other posting. It was a great time with beautiful views.Â

My last stop was Monkey Mia (pronounced as my-ha), while the rest of the group travelled further north. I spent 6 heavenly days at Monkey Mia. Usually people spent half a day or a day at this place to see the dolphins. Beening there longer was great though. I learned a lot about marine life by walking, siting at the beach, watching documentaries (which included information about local research at Shark Bay) and I listened to stories of the rangers. I also fed a fish to one of the dolphins that swim up very close to the shore. It is quite amazing to be looking eye to eye with these wonderful creatures of the great oceans. Among other things, at low tide I saw a dead turtle (it was huge) and a seahorse. These waters are very rich in biodiversity, therefore this is a World Heritage site.Â

Currently, I am back in Perth. The weather has changed for the worst (not like at Monkey Mia).  It rains outside, while I use the computer at the State Library. I have a few more days to explore the city and Fremantle (which is 20km outside Perth). Then I have a long train trip to Adelaide, a full 2 days. I am looking forward to the experience. I will have two days to explore Adelaide before Jakub gets there. See you there!Â