Roos and Didgeridoos

Since the unfortunate beginning at my temporary Perth abode things there looked up considerably. The housemate is beyond apologetic for his initial behaviour and I have been offered everything from cups of coffee to extra pillows during my stay now.

As for my time in Perth, Perth city is uninspiring itself, but the surrounding areas hold some true gems. As most people know there is seaside town Fremantle. It has a great atmosphere. I spent an enjoyable few hours there with my friend on Saturday. We walked round the markets, got Asian food for lunch (Thai for me, Chinese for him) and were privy to two extremes of busking. While we ate lunch an unfortunate young man sang nearby. He was, to put it lightly, not very good. People at the tables were joking that they wanted to pay him to stop, and singing along to That's What Makes You Beautiful with parody lyrics, "you don't know that you can't sing." Once we departed the Asian food hall area we found a real treat to make up for the awful singer. We had the pleasure to discover The Badpiper. I don't enjoy bagpipes as a rule, but this was fantastic. I will let his website fill in the detail. http://www.thebadpiper.com

After Freo we headed to Swan Valley, another gem. We met up with a couple of my friend's friends and they were excellent company over a few local beers at the Duckstein Brewery, then at their house over some more drinks, and didgeridoo. I had a wee play of the didge and could make a steady sound but playing properly seems to need rather a lot more practise than one drunk Saturday night.

Sunday was another excellent day. We headed to the hills and went to an Irish pub where we drank cider in the company of kangaroos. I will add photos to illustrate that, among other things, when I am reunited with my laptop in a couple of days.

Yesterday I had mondayitis so instead of touristing I stayed in and made good use of my friend's kitchen. I baked the gooeyest brownies, and oreos in chocolate chip cookies.

Today I was going to be cultural but discovered the art gallery is closed on Tuesdays and the museum is not very exciting. Tomorrow evening I depart and journey through the night back to NZ. My trip has been just the break I needed but funds dwindle and it will be nice to return to my own bed, a wardrobe instead of a suitcase, my cat, and some certain people.

Turn Your Clocks Back By 3 Hours

Final day in Melbourne, now first day in Perth.

I am going to miss Melbourne very much, but there are definitely things calling me away right now so Melbourne long term will have to remain a dream for the future.

Thanks to the hostel for being home even though I hated sharing a kitchen and being woken up most nights. There were some great people there which made it fun as well as often insufferable. Thanks to family friends here for having me stay for a weekend and for receiving my new passport for me. And the hugest thanks to the Melbourne vegan group, people who fast became my friends and showed me most of the best vegan food Melbourne has to offer. It has been amazing. Thank you, and goodbye.

I am in Perth now. Local time 16.51. Melbourne time 19.51. NZ time 21.51. I have been up since 6.30 Melbourne time after having a very poor night of sleep. I am exhausted.

I haven't been into the city yet. I came straight from the airport to Midland, where I am staying with a friend. Unknown to me until this morning he moved yesterday and had not mentioned to his new housemate that he had a friend coming. Housemate also works nights, so tired after an early start and a 4 hour flight I unwittingly woke this guy up and he proceeded to yell at me. Hoping I can still stay my intended 6 nights with my friend without maddening this housemate any further because I do not fancy returning to hostels.