Access Database for Mac???

Hey Guys,
I am a brand new Mac user. I have used Win for a while and am not too familiar with Mac Apps. I have a great experience with MS Access and need to create a database for my work. Learnt that there is no Access for Mac. There is FileMaker. My question is: How easy/hard/functional/intuitive is FileMaker? Can I pick it up on my own or do I need some type of extensive class?
Thanks!
iram

Doesn't OpenOffice.org have some kind of database software in development?

So, I went ahead and pruned this thread, since it just veered wildly off-topic and doesn't add any value to the forums. If anyone wants to discuss Access and alternatives, let's create a new thread.