Australia!



 So to Australia and as the airport taxi driver pointed out, no more “massage, transport, taxi” to worry us we were on our way back to the western world. Sharing a flight with dozens of dreadlocked Australian women wearing Bintang vests we flew over the Kimberley and down the western coast to Perth. When I worked at the airport we used to call this sort of flight RAF, not in recognition of our splendid air force, more as in rough as f….  Sorry kids.  The views from the aircraft window were of a vast red desert stretching as far as you could see with seemingly no sign of life. Immigration proved to be no problem, which was a relief for Ben who had somehow assumed that they would pick on an American boy. No-one could pick on him as much as we’ve done for the past 7 months. With Ben safely on his bus myself and Roberta arrived at our hostel in central Perth. Hence incurring the first culture shock. The hostel also provides accommodation for long term backpacker workers and as such resembles a student digs or even a youth offending institute but even messier. The list of rules handed to us included certain fines. So if I ever feel the need to urinate in the room it will cost me $50 or if I reach the dizzy heights of vomiting $70. I have yet to enquire if they do special two for one offers! Welcome to Australia! There was also a fight on our second night which involved one lad knocking out another. Nice!

About time I did some exercise

Both not worth drinking especially at $4 a bottle!

Hostel!  Not my mess.

Watching the Ashes in the sunshine

My running route

Feeling a bit negative I felt even worse when I realised how expensive everything is. Probably not in real terms but it certainly seems it after Asia. However a long walk around what seems a very nice city including a great waterfront made things seem better. Plus of course the sun is shining and the sky is blue, very blue. I have had my first run on Australian soil taking in no less then 3 different parks. I haven't suddenly become a great runner it’s just the parks are close to each other.

A visit along the coast to Fremantle, famous for the America cup, provided us with views of houses reportedly worth $87 million, so I just need to find the owners and I'm sorted.  The first glimpse of the Indian Ocean looks very impressive and having decided to spend a week very soon at the beach in Scarborough, not our Scarborough!, I look forward to seeing lots more of it.  I'll put some pics up soon when I buy a new camera and I have to say this quietly so my kids don't hear, I'm going to the zoo on Tuesday!