Back in the UK

Hi Amy and friends,

I'm back in the UK and a bit chilly after my time in Western Australia. I'm going to hang out with Renee and Simon for a couple of days (although Si is not much fun at the moment as he's ill!) and then should hopefully be heading off to Amsterdam.

I've got a few bits and pieces to post to you (decided to post them from the UK as it's cheaper!) and I have some new decorations which Renée will post some photos of soon!

Hope you're having a nice time at school and that all the owls are having as much fun as I am!

Love, Sophie the Owl

Perth

Hi Amy and friends!

I've had a lovely time in Perth. The weather has been warm, but a bit overcast so not too hot (Rochelle has been very pleased). Here's a picture of me with Benji the dog and Oswald the owl - one of Rochelle's favourites from her collection. Benji likes to jump on the lilo whenever anyone is in the swimming pool - even if they are already on it!
We went to the zoo, where I got to meet a real live kangaroo! As you can see, I got pretty close - it was a little bit scary, but they were actually quite friendly in the end. Kangaroos are marsupials, which means after their babies are born the mummy carries them in a special pouch for around 9 months. Kangaroos are the only mammals to travel by hopping, and they balance themselves using their large tails. There's more information about kangaroos here : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangaroo
I also had a photo with a cassowary, a large flightless bird. I didn't' get too close to this animal as they can be fierce! (although usually only if they feel frightened or threatened). Cassowaries grow to about the same height as an adult person, and they defend themselves with their sharp three-toed claws. More about cassowaries here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassowary
Stephen (Renée's cousin), took more photos, but he's not sure what happened to them. They are going to have another look on Jean's camera when she gets back to Perth on Monday. Meantime, I'm heading back to the UK with some goodies, which Renée will send on.

I think I'm going to Amsterdam next!