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Greetings from Western Australia!!

After flying for close to 24 hours I am finally here in Perth, Australia - the capital as well as the largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia.  ​

View overlooking Perth business district

Perth: panoramic view from the Kings Park

I am going to stay in this beautiful city for a couple of days before heading out to Fremantle where I am going to board the research vessel R/V Thomas G. Thompson to embark on an oceanographic voyage for the next 48 days. There will be 25 scientists onboard the research vessel coming from multiple institutions from the USA, UK, and Australia. We will be using different scientific equipment to collect ocean water and mud that is found at the ocean bottom. If you follow this space for the next month and a half, you will get to know what I am up to. ​

World War I Memorial, Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Meanwhile, I have been walking in and around the Kings Park and Botanic Garden - one of the major parks in Perth. This park is close to 1,000 acres and is larger than the Central Park in NYC.

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Eucalyptus flower

Overlooking Perth’s business district, this beautifully maintained space is refuge to numerous native plants, indigenous fungi, and bird species. It is spring time in Western Australia, so wildflowers are in full bloom. With sunny and beautiful weather, it was nice to walk along the eucalyptus scented walkways and look at the rich biodiversity. ​​​​