Perth

Perth is a lovely city and the largest metropolis in Western Australia - that said it is tiny in comparison to the cities of China and it comes as quite a shock to be able to walk around most of the cities attractions within a day!! The city is calm and quiet with a serene natural beauty within its parks and a colonial theme to much of its architecture - although this is changing with the development of the city and its harbour front and large glass fronted towers are starting to appear and the bell tower near the waterfront comes as a bit of a shock - a glass needle pointing at the sky which you can pay $15 to climb… The pavements are wide, there are lots of pedestrianised areas and the shops have an outdoor theme - I.e. there are lots of stores focused on active sports ;) Perth also has a wonderful café culture with many different bars and cafes setting out wicker chairs and stalls on the wide pavements and they are perfect places to while away an hour or two people watching. The sun has been out all day and the temperature is a heady 330 with slight breeze only just taking the edge of the stifling heat and humidity (This will make you sweat buckets so come prepared). Finally, as far as shops are concerned - there is a GW in Perth J, which means that I am finally able to catch up on what I have missed during my 6 months away where GW has not existed!! Happy days…

Perth currently has its festival on, Fab timing again J, which has provided me with the opportunity to take in some of the sights and sounds of this wonderful nation. I have selected to see ‘The creation’ ancient musical concert on Tuesday night and look forwards to the event which is pre-empted by a talk from the piano lead ($49). (Check out comments later)

My first day in Perth found me exploring the city and eventually finding the Bell tower and wharf - where it is possible to get a ferry to Fremantle that lies an hour away down the Swan river for $25 return. This sounded like an ideal trip for the afternoon and so, as I could not get into the YMCA until at least 2pm I decided to book on with ‘Sunshine cruise’ which ended up having a wonderful skipper who serenaded us down the Swan river with classic Ozzie anthems while also outlined the rising cost of real estate, I can say without hesitation that it is unlikely that I will be buying land anywhere along the Swan river waterfront!! Lets just say unless you’re a millionaire don’t bother to ask ;)
Fremantle is a thriving little tourist enclave with wonderful beaches and wharfs with rambling streets fronted with all kinds of stores from bookshops (Check out Elizabeth’s 2nd hand bookshop for bargains) to pubs and bars. However, the market should not be missed with its bustling crowds and street entertainment, wherever you travel here you are sure to be serenaded by buskers or included in feats of magic or theatre - wonderful. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to eateries but take it from me - Sisserro’s will take some beating for fish n’ chips ;) They have tanks of fish throughout their waterfront restaurant (for decoration not for eating) and your order is completed within 5mins for you to drown in vinegar, all with waterfront views and with entertainment laid on J (Expect to pay $12.95 for your basic fish dinner but you can splash out on rarer fish if you are so inclined). If you are on a tight budget I would recommend ‘Chilliz’ an amazing little food in a bucket type place where you can get a substantial rice and BBQ chicken or beef dinner in a plastic pot for $4 - its located along Murray Street, head towards St Mary’s Cathedral and you cant miss it on the left. Enjoy ;)