Return to Perth

  It may seem somewhat unusual for someone like me to head off to an environment that is designed for people who love hiking, love nature, love diving. But I do like gentle walks and manageable nature and snorkelling so the idea of a week on Christmas Island and another on Cocos-Keeling Island for a summer break and a reward for Sebastian completely his PhD seemed like a good one. And of course, Sebastian does like hiking and nature. The Settlement So far, a couple of days into our trip, nature has dominated from the red crabs that scuttle across the road to the monstrous Robber crabs that clamber up trees; from the brilliant green Giant Asian mantis (seen) to the equally large blind cave scorpions (not seen yet thank goodness); from the soaring frigate birds that harass other seabirds to give up their dinner to the under-threat flying fox gliding past. It’s all fascinating to watch.  Robber crab Giant Asian Mantis Erica, the 36 year old frigate bird, and friend Flying frigate...