My Australia

On my birthday in March 2004, B, A and I flew to Western Australia (WA), a short longhaul flight away (about five hours). We stayed in the Criterion Hotel in Perth, and other than enjoying the sights of this beautiful city, we also went further afield to savour fascinating WA. The weather in early autumn was most pleasant and condusive for walking about, wherever we went.

The city of Perth is a very beautiful one and everywhere was nearly pristine clean. The buildings were interesting, and some had even more interesting murals on them.

Sister sister pose by interesting mural (CNB 2004)

A & B and town hall in the background (CNB 2004)

Sister sister goofing around on a Perth street (CNB 2011)

When in Australia, getting to know the unique fauna is a definite thing to do. So we went to the Caversham Wildlife Park to see these animals. It was quite an experience to feed the kangaroos, to pet the wombat and the koala bear. Here also we had our first look at a Tasmanian devil (quite meek really, unlike its name), a wallaby (similar to the kangaroo) and an echidna.

Brown and white/albino roos at Caversham (BB 2004)

B feeds the roos (CNB 2004)

The kangaroos resting, or posing really, in the shade (CNB 2004)

A, B, Ranger and wombat Emma (CNB 2004)

Cute koala nibbling away at eucalyptus leaves, Caversham (CNB 2004)

We went to the Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) to look at the creatures of the sea there, most memorable being the fluorescent jelly fish. But getting a good photo was not easy (read: my camera is not so canggih/great!).

Me, B & A posing by our coach in front of AQWA
(Obliging coach driver 2004)

B jubilant at the AQWA, with the Indian Ocean in the background (CNB 2004)

We went on the Swan River cruise, where all along the river interesting landmarks were pointed out. This included the mansion of the Filipino nurse who married her very, very rich employer!

Our  'official' instant photo of the Swan River cruise,
with a new Aussie friend (2004)

We made a trip to Fremantle where we enjoyed just walking about the port town, stopping by a second hand bookshop to pick up three books at AU$0.50 each. As the sun setted on the Indian Ocean, we had dinner of the best fish & chips ever at Cicerello's. The food here is so good, even the sea gulls are queueing up for a table. If you don't believe me, just check out the photo. We left Fremantle for Perth by train because I love trains, and so had to ride on one in Australia. When we reached Perth station, there were quite a few policemen around then because they were expecting some football hooligans there after a game.

Second hand bookshop at Fremantle (CNB 2004)

Sea gulls queueing up for a table at Cicerello's (CNB 2004)

Back in Perth, we took a CAT bus for a 'tour' of the city. We stopped to visit the Perth Mint, where I bought a gold (plated only) charm bracelet with Australian flora 'dangles'. Shopping in a Mint? Yes, they had a very nice gift shop there, apart from the interesting exhibits on the history of the Mint.
 

A & B at the entrance to the Mint. The Aussie 'punk' kids in the
background were not allowed in. Wonder why? (CNB 2004)

Another trip out of Perth was to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory. Then on to the Sandalford winery and vineyards. Sandalford is one of Australia's oldest and largest family owned winemakers.

Our guide caught spitting red into the spitoon.
Wine tasting is not elegant! (CNB 2004)

On our last night in Perth, it was late night shopping (till 9.00 pm, usually till 6.00 pm only). So we walked around to shop for our souvenirs, the usual little koala and kangaroo toys, tee-shirts, tea cloths, key chains, fridge magnets, etc.

B against the backdrop of the city and
clouds at dusk, Perth (CNB 2004)

Our flight was in the afternoon, so we had a whole morning to do our last minute thing before we left Perth. We went to the City of Perth Public Library, conveniently situated right across the street from the hotel. The very friendly library assistant Beryl, answered all our questions on Perth, and provided us with further information on Australia. For me, a librarian, the library visit was a fitting end before we said goodbye to Western Australia.

B, me and A posing with Beryl, a Library Assistant
at the Perth City Library (2004)

We left Perth with very fond memories of a very good time there. The little slice of Australia that we visited has whetted our appetite for more. Broome, Ayer's Rock, Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Tasmania; so many places to see, but when?

March 2004