This week, Sergio is exploring the most remote capital city in the entire world; Perth. From adorable selfies with the cuddly quokka's and kangaroo sightings on a manmade island, to dreamtime stories and an Australian delicacy for dinner, you'll discover why Perth is one of Australia’s most unique cities! Ready to explore it together?
This week, Sergio is exploring the most remote capital city in the entire world; Perth. From adorable selfies with the cuddly quokka's and kangaroo sightings on a manmade island, to dreamtime stories and an Australian delicacy for dinner, you'll discover why Perth is one of Australia’s most unique cities! Ready to explore it together?
Hi there! It’s me Sergio, The Accent Explorer. Explorer Log: AUSTRALIA, Week Three. I’m coming to you from picturesque Perth, a big, sunny city on the southwestern coast of Australia. Break out your trusty globe, Explorer, and find Australia. Got it? Now, slide your finger to the bottom left hand corner of the country. See that big dot? That’s Perth!
It’s easy to spot because there aren’t any other big cities nearby. In fact, Perth is the most isolated state capital city in the whole world! But don’t worry, Perth isn’t lonely at all. It sits right on the water, just like most of Australia’s biggest cities, so there are always people outside enjoying the sunshine and the sparkling waves. There are parks to explore, fun outdoor activities everywhere you go, and delicious food around every corner. And because Perth gets bright sunshine most of the year, you’ll want to pack shorts, a big wide brimmed hat to protect you from the sun, and maybe two pairs of flip-flops - one for the beach, and one for dinner! Anyway Explorer, here are my three biggest highlights from my trip to Perth.
My first highlight came when I hopped on a ferry across the water to Rottnest Island. Do you remember what Rottnest island is famous for, Explorer? Our friend Fauna told us all about them earlier when she taught us about the amazing animals of Australia. (Beat) That’s right! The QUOKKA! They’re cute, little marsupials about the size of a housecat. And the best part is…they always look like they’re smiling! That’s why they’re the ideal animals to snap a selfie with. And that’s exactly what I did. I was walking across the island, scanning my surroundings, before I spotted one by a shady tree. I crept up veeeery slowly, knelt down, and, from a very safe distance, CLICK! The happiest little photo you’ve even seen! Fauna would be so proud!
Oh, and speaking of Australian animals, I also visited another special spot called Heirisson Island. It’s a manmade island located in the middle of Perth’s famous Swan River. It’s a peaceful place where a handful of kangaroos spend their days lazing about the island, nibbling grass, and welcoming visitors who need a quiet break from the city noise.
That leads me to my second highlight, Explorer. While I was sitting on the bank of Heirisson Island munching on an afternoon snack, I met a very wise man, an Indigenous Australian. That means his ancestors were the very first people to live in Australia, long before any city or boat or car existed here. He shared one of his cultural stories with me, and it completely changed the way I looked at the world around me. He told me that, in his culture, people believe the Swan River was created by a giant, powerful rainbow serpent called Wagyl, the protector of lakes, rivers and waterways. The way he described it, I could almost hear Wagyl moving through the land…wiggling and carving curves into the earth as it traveled. And guess what? If you look at a picture or a map of the Swan River, it really does twist and bend like a long, shimmering snake. Pretty amazing, right?
My final highlight happened at a picnic table by the beach. I was sitting there listening to the waves crash on the sand, and unwrapping a delicious Australian favorite that comes served in white butcher's paper…fish and chips! Everyone in Australia LOVES eating fish and chips, especially when they’re at the beach. But you know who loves it more? The seagulls! They started creeping closer and closer…one step…two steps…three steps [SF: funny squawk of a seagull] until suddenly I had a whole flock staring at my lunch! Stay away Seagulls! This is Sergio’s fish! Don’t worry, Explorer…I did share a few crumbs.
Anyway, the time has finally come. I’ve packed up my bags and I’m heading to my final stop in Australia…spectacular Sydney. That’s where I’ll finally meet up with my friend Matilda the Kangaroo and follow her on an incredible journey across the city. I can’t wait to hear the voices of the friendly people of Sydney (called Sydneysiders), learn their stories, and dive into the sound of their amazing city. I’m so excited I’ve got butterflies in my tummy.
And remember Explorer, my trip to Sydney is becoming a brand-new Accent Explorer book! So not only can you hear all about my experiences, you can see them too. It’s going to be the coolest! Until then, keep exploring!