Kalbarri National Park surrounds the lower reaches of the Murchison River, which has cut through the red and white banded sandstone to create formations such as scenic gorges, soaring sea cliffs, and sandstone buffs that plunge more than 100 metres to the ocean. One afternoon, we explored Rainbow Jungle, a parrot breeding center. A local told us that another Canadian teacher was on exchange here. Too bad we didn't know otherwise we would have possibly met up ...

Billabong Roadhouse - Grab a bite, go for a pee, fill up, stretch out, and back on the road. Nothing else around but this station! Leaning Trees of Greenough - These famous leaning trees are formed thanks to super strong southerly winds that come in off the Indian Ocean and force the trees trunks to grow horizontal to the ground. Awesome to see! Jurien Bay - We had expected more fresh seafood options along the WA coast but $75 rock lobster, oily deep fried f...

The landscape kept changing the farther north we drove - red dirt, construction, weird melons on the side of the highway, garage sales, and more. As we entered the Pinnacles Desert along a windy trail, distracted by our discussion of the photos we had seen online, we crested over a small hill and both swore at the same time. The alien-like landscape was more than we could imagine! Photos would never truly capture this unique desert. These amazing na...

We met up with Melinda, one of 3 RockyView Schools exchange teachers in Australia this year. It was good to compare stories with her and discover that we weren't the only ones dealing with homesickness and frustrations in adjusting to a new culture. The Perth Lifesaver helicopter is a comforting sight to the locals. It flies back and forth on the lookout for vessels and people in distress, incidents on beaches, rip currents and marine life including sharks. If i...

I have finally figured out the differences between moving to a new country and being on an exchange in a new country. While both have similarities such as starting in a new work place and finding avenues to meet people, the major difference is that in one situation, you are trying to start a new life for yourself. How you want to set down roots is in your own hands. The latter, however, involves a temporary state of being - living in someone's house or owning ...