Western Australia, Monday 20th December 2004
Oz so far is great. Perth is a city spread over a large area but the centre of town is small; no bigger than the centre of Croydon's shopping area. There is a great, free bus which goes around it and to the Swan river and parks. The beer here is not that cheap - about $6 or £2.40. There are some great places to eat for very little.
I have not been far yet as I have been working for my mate's company for a week. He is currently in the UK but will be back soon. The company is called Rovacraft which sells Land Rover parts to the whole of Oz. I have no idea how much they are paying me but I am not too worried as I know they will look after me. I have been out with Stewart, from work, for beers a couple of times and have been to the boss's house for dinner with his wife and the two other guys I work with. At work there is Stewart, Mike, Ian, Miranda and me. They are a great bunch and we have had some great fun. They keep buying me lunch and giving me lifts home. I catch two buses in to work which takes about half an hour and costs $3.50.
I will be in Perth for about two months, but will be doing weekend trips to different places. I have moved from the Witch's Hat and I am now at their sister hostel called The Emperor's Crown. This is a modern place like a hotel - very flash. On Christmas day they are having champagne and fruit followed by a big Christmas dinner. Then, at 3pm, I'll go back to the Witch's Hat for a bus to the beach which will return at 10pm to bring us home. It should be a good day.
After Boxing day I will travel south to the vineyards and other places of interest. On New Year's Eve a few of us are going camping in the outback under the stars to celebrate near a place called The Pinnacles - lots of rocks sticking out of the sand dunes. I hope Santa will find me. It does not feel like Christmas as the weather is so nice and I have written no cards and bought no pressies for anyone. Oh well, there will be next year, if I come back. I have not found any good black stuff here yet, (Guinness), but I'm still looking. Happy Xmas to you all.
Western Australia, Thursday 16th December 2004
I am now in Perth which is a great city with lots to do and quite chilled out so I can relax (some more). I will be staying in Perth, (see map), for some time and am currently at a hostel called the Witch's Hat which is very nice. They have arranged a BBQ for Christmas day on the beach so that will be cool.
Room 3 mates - me, Brigitta, Kevin, Nav and Rupert
I have a phone in Oz as it is so cheap. I have lots of free texts so I can text you all, but I need your numbers. My mobile number is on the main page.
