Perth 2010

It has been a month since Perth and I just realised I have yet to download the photos for the last few days of Perth. So since I have posted the first two days of my stay in Perth I shall post my last 2 days in Perth and leave out the days in between.

We headed back to Fremantle for the third time, this time to have a look at the Fremantle market which opens on weekends.

I will never take my roti canai stall down the road for granted after seeing the price of a humble roti in Perth.

The scene in the marketplace was rather like the set up in Cold Storage or Village Grocer. I was rather disappointed, we spent about 30 minutes to walk through the market.

We headed for the Salvos sale a few streets away and JY stumbled on a 2nd hand Twister set for $3.99 and a few strappy tops for $1.50 each. She was delighted with her finds. Another great buy was a huge Matchbox firetruck left in a dusty corner that caught K's eye. For $3, all it needed was a change of batteries.

It was great going bargain hunting in the 2nd hand shops. Most of the items were in good condition and the outlets ( Salvos, Good Sammies, Anglicare and Vinnies) were in most townships and easy to locate. And best of all, you will never know what you will stumble upon in each store. It felt like going treasure hunting.

King's Park is a must-go in Perth. Beautifully manicured lawns, a variety of wildflowers , big shady trees and great scenery.

wildflowers in bloom

Mosaic of Bangsia wildflowers. Might be incorporating something like this in PD, perhaps one of marine life in PD out of tiles or stones and pebbles.

part of the map in King's Park

Fai on the Elevated Walkway.

We headed back to JL's house for a BBQ dinner.

Mark came with a bouquet of orchids for PL. So thoughtful of him. Kuong came with dessert - Passionfruit cheesecake. The two men must be trying to impress their future father-in-law.

The men tending to dinner.


Kim's lamb ribs grilled to perfection. Gone within minutes. Lip smacking good!

A Bok's potato jackets. Another bestseller.


The portobello mushrooms were flavouful and succulent. Marinated with olive oil, a dash of salt and chopped chives. Lovely!

Driving in Perth

We had these rules drummed in or risk paying hefty fines
Rule #1 Don't go over 60kmh. The worst rule ever. K kept yawning and glancing at his speedometer.

Rule #2 Aussie's tend to come to a complete halt when taking a turn even when there are no oncoming cars. So when a car has its indicator on, prepare to step on the brakes.

Rule #3 Don't go too near cyclists

If you thought Singapore was a Fine City, Australia seems to have even more rules.
At the beach today, we found out no alcohol and smoking allowed, no toy cars, no digging big holes, no flying kites.
Here are the list of rules at Cottesloe Beach
You have been warned!

Perth Day One 15 Oct 2010

The kids are finally asleep. Today was supposed to be a rest day. An overnight flight with over excited kids on tiny seats that recline an inch on a packed plane is rather tiring. However the kids were marvellous. Fai and Han slept the moment they were through with their kids' meals and Ean dozed off after his susu.
Only JY had trouble sleeping and was awake by 4am and immersed herself in writing in her journal.
Uncle Bak and Kim were waiting for us at the airport. U Bak was warmly wrapped in a parka and Kim in shorts and a pullover. So Perth can't be all that chilly eh?
FYI: It is now 15.8C at 12 mn. And the temperature is expected to drop in the early morning.
The moment we step
ped foot outside the blast of chilly fresh air woke our senses up.
The air is so fresh and clean.
How am I ever able to go back to smoggy PJ???!

We had to be divided between 2 cars. Ean had to get acquainted with the car seat. Luckily lots of Mack trucks passed us and the contrast in the scenery from back home gave me lots to engage Ean's attention.
Our home for 10 days was lovely.
The drive way was flanked with Lavender bushes. Rub the leaves and its lovely aroma fills the air.
Kim made us pancakes for breakfast.
After a short snooze we made our way to Fremantle.
3 cars, my family, JL's family, U Bak, A Meng, Mak, A Bok.....it was like a Mensa test trying to sort out who seats where.
Why you might ask....Well....
1. toddlers must be in child car seats
2. kids under 7 must be in booster seats
3. Kids can't be in the front seat
4. Mak must be in the car that can carry the wheelchair
Also....
5. Fai wanted to be with Sarah
6. Sean didn't want to sit with Fai
7. Ean wanted nothing to do with the car seat
8. Sarah wanted her mother with her
I tell you.....we spent 30 minutes discussing before we could hit the road.
I ended up between 2 car seats, Han on one and Ean on the other with Kent in the driver's seat and JY in the passenger seat.
Ean cried all the way to Fremantle.
He struggled with the belts, yelling "Take Off! Take Off!" with tears streaming down his cheeks.
aiyo.
Mack trucks, buses, gum trees, flowers...nothing I pointed out worked.
Until I said "We are nearly there. Once Pa finds a parking spot, we will stop and I can take the seat belts off"
Oh well.
Fremantle was lovely.
The park at the Esplanade had majestic towering pine trees, very beautiful. The air was chilly and I had sun myself every now and again.
Fai picked up lots of pine needles.
Australia seems good for Fai. He chats non-stop about everything and anything. He is more outgoing and seems ready for anything. He looks extremely happy here.
Lunch at Cicerello's was disappointing. I found the fish overcooked and fishy. The kids didn't take a bite of it. And it was so pricey.
JY said Manhattan Fish is so much better.
I agree wholeheartedly.
We then headed for the Shipwreck Galleries.
FOC.
The display of the Batavian shipwreck was amazing.
I didn't realise the ship was THAT big.
We will be going back for a 2nd visit.
The lethargy from the flight was hitting us and we were in need of rest badly.
Dinner was yummy chicken and mushroom in oyster sauce and a plate of sweet snap peas prepared by A Bok.
Supper was JY's butter cake.
Han slept at 7pm.
Everyone else at 11pm.
Tomorrow will be an early day.
7am Farmer's market
and then to Swan Valley to get a little tipsy.