Perth Part 1

Hey Everybody,

So here we are again now in Perth, Western Australia. Two weeks ago we said goodbye to Asia and hello Australia. We arrived at Perth airport this time to very friendly faces: rather than nobody and us heading straight to the taxi queue. We were met by the Jancey's who some of you may remember from 16 years ago in the good old Slade School days!! I had met Jo and Clint earlier this year but I hadn't seen Steve, Szabina and the boys, Matt and Jason, for 16 years so it was a great reunion. I was very overwhelmed (but I stopped myself from shedding a few tears) but it was so nice to see them all again.

After such a warm reception at the airport we headed back to Jo and Clint's house which would be where we stayed for our time in Perth (thank you very much guys). The house is gorgeous and we are both very jealous as the space and houses here in Australia are not what we have at home. We spent the day all catching up and chatting about their time in the UK all those years ago and what we all remember. The day went very quickly with lots of champagne, wine and cheese flowing. We called home to Mum and Dad and they spoke to Steve and Szabina for the first time in 16 years. I did get a bit emotional at that point, but only because I was happy to with the Jancey's after all this time. We had a great day and have been made to feel so welcome.

The next day Jo had the day off work and we went to Fremantle. Fremantle is a suburb in Perth, its a fishing village and a harbor. Its a lovely town, so we had lunch and wandered around. We went and sat in a pub called Little Creatures and had a pint!! But it wasnt just a normal pub, they actually brew their own beer on site!! There are loads of fish and chip restaurants-and we have been informed that they are nicer than English fish and chips, so we will be heading back there to take on the challenge. That evening we had more wine and great food.

The next day Jo went back to work, so Claire and I went into the city and met up with a friend of mine who I worked at Pembury, Wendy! it was great to see her, so we had a good old catch up and went for lunch and another bottle of wine!! After lunch we went jean shopping as the weather is slightly cooler than we had been used to in Asia. Its their winter here and its nothing like the winters we have at home. I mean jeans and a jumper is all you need. Claire had success but I didnt find any! That evening Claire cooked the dinner, its so nice to be able to cook again and have home cooked food. We also had more wine!

On the Wednesday, Szabina picked us up and we went for lunch with Clint's Mum Marge and another two of their friends. We had great food and more vino! Everyone has been so friendly and really made us feel at home. I have to say its very similar to home here-dont really know why, it just feels that way. Oh and I got my jeans - finally!

The next few days, it rained so we went into the city and sorted out paperwork for our jobs and cv's etc. really exciting stuff, but has to be done. On the Friday night we were invited to a clothes party, so we went along and purchased a couple of bits-a girl has to treat herself every now and again!!

Our first Saturday night in Australia we made the most of. We went on a pub crawl around Perth. The bus was huge, and there was about 50 people on it. We had a couple of bevvis before we started. We went to four bars and had far too much to drink but we had a great night, the bars seem huge compared to them at home. It went horribly wrong after the tequilla shots!! We were dancing and singing all over the place (check out the drunken photos), but as I said it was a great night and we got to see some fab bars in Perth. The Sunday was a very jaded affair, but we did take Deefa the dog for a walk and got soaked walking back, but with a hangover it was actually quite refreshing. That evening we went to Steve and Szabina's for a good old traditional Roast Dinner. It was perfect. I called home again and the parents had a good old chat!

On the monday the weather wasnt great again so we headed for the city. In the evening we were going to have a quiet one with no alcohol, but we ended up having four bottles of red wine-ouch! On Tuesday we met Wendy again for a catch up which was great and I also saw Emma who used to work at Pembury as well. In the evening we went out with Marge and Terry (Clint's Mum and Dad) and Chad (Clint's brother) for a fantastic curry. It was really nice. Im not going to let you down - we did have more wine! None of us have a problem, we just enjoy it....!hehe.

On Wednesday Claire and I headed to Perth Zoo. The weather was ok, just showered a couple of times. But we did pick a good day to go as it was half price!! We saw loads of animals and had a really cool day (Alysha-we saw the Rhinos, remember, Go Go Go!!). And also Claire had her first glimpse of Aussie animals. On Thursday we had a quiet day, we took the dog for a walk round a couple of the local parks. In the evening Jo had netball and they were a player short so I played!!! Ok, stop laughing now....! It has been a while, well probably 10 years to be more exact! But I really enjoyed it and I dont think that I did too bad, considering.

So, thats Perth (Part 1). The next installment will be our weekend in Margaret River.

We have had such a great time so far in Perth and cannot thank Jo, Clint and families enough.

Until next time. Take care.

Miss you loads.

Lots of Love

Carly and Claire
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