Well here I am again!!

Last time I left it when we got back from Margaret River. Well this time we are back in Perth. The Sunday we got back we didn't do much at all. We were all very tired and recovering from the late night before. We all went to bed early, like good girls and boys!

We have been doing more touristy sightseeing things now. On Tuesday we went on the City Sightseeing Bus around Perth City. We got to see all the main sights in the city which was really good. We went up to the famous Kings Park and Botanical Gardens which are absolutely stunning. There are great views of the city skyline, the harbour and Fremantle. The bus took us all around the park, there are many memorials throughout the park e.g., WWI, The Bali Bombings etc. Apparently there are lots of animals living in the grounds, we didn't see any snakes and spiders you will be pleased to know! I met Wendy again for coffee which was really nice. Strange to think that we are all the way over here and not at home. That evening we went up to Kings Park again, but this time we could see the skyline by night and its amazing. The views from the park are great.

The next day we headed back into the city. This time we went up the famous Bell Tower......Then we got back on City Sightseeing Bus to go back up to Kings Park. We around the grounds and walked along the Lottery West Bridge, which again gives fantastic views of the city. We had some lunch and took in the views. You'd never actually think you were in a major city.

That afternoon we had our much needed appointment at the hairdressers, which Clint kindly arranged for us. It was great to finally be able to get the mop cut! We both had colour and cut, and were very pleased with the final result. It may not look that different in the photos but believe me it feels like a makeover!! As we had had our hair done, that evening we went out to Jo and Clint's local pub, to meet their friends. They are all really nice and again they made us feel very welcome.

On the Friday Claire an I had arranged to have over Jo and Clint's families and a couple of friends to say thank you for having us. We whipped up a couple of dishes, along with some nibbles and the obvious drink and cheese and biccies. The night was a success and we didn't manage to poison anyone which is always a bonus, hey. Im going to drop Claire in it now seeing as she has done it to me before now - she was actually sick when we went to bed. No not from food, but from the bottle of vodka and the red wine to wash it down!!

So, Claire needless to say wasn't feeling as bright as a button the next day and took it easy. It was an amazing day weather wise, the two of us took Deefa for a walk and then all of us spent the afternoon in the garden. Jo and I were partaking in a glass of vino! (Claire avoided it at that stage). That evening we headed to Clint's footy club for a quiz night. None of us however had our thinking caps on! Seeing as there were two English gals in the team, we were called 'The Bloody Bloody Poms!!' Still it didn't help us as we came third to last. I did get a few right, one being 'who won the cup final' it pays to be British.

The next day (Sunday) again the weather was fab. So we headed to Cottlesloe which is a suburb on the coast. The beach is lovely, so we wandered round there, hopefully trying to top up the tan a bit. Then we drove around the house looking at the size of some of them. They are bloody huge but lovely!!! We then went over to Fremantle to the little creatures pub and had some good old Aussie beer. For our dinner that night Steve and Szabina met us and we went for fish and chips at the harbour. The fish was great!! Steve and Szabina then said farewell to Claire as she would not see them again.

On the Monday Claire and I went into the City, we got Jo and Clint a gift to say thank you for having us. We got I-pod speakers for them. We gave them the gift when we got home and of course the music went on. We did however have a table booked for dinner at a curry house in the city so we couldn't get too carried away with old dancing! Off we went for dinner and it was great, then when we got back to the house the sixth bottle of wine came out! Jo and I put our Pj's on and then we all spent the next hour dancing and being silly in the kitchen. Very embarrassing photos!! Oh well all in the name of fun.

After a very late night morning came around far too quickly. But Tuesday was the day that Claire left to go to Alice Springs (for those of you who don't know me I was there earlier this year which is why I didn't go). Clint and I took Claire to the airport as Jo had said farewell that morning - luckily no tears as I don't think we'd have coped. None of us cried at the airport although it was very odd to see her walk away, my sidekick for the past four months now gone!! But she got there safely. The three of us that night were shattered from the night before so we had an early night. I will say though that I liked having the whole bed to myself - sorry Claire!

On Wednesday I was invited out to lunch with Szabina, Marge and a couple of other girls. Marge said she had booked the dolphins but I told her to get a refund as they didn't come past the restaurant!! That evening we were back on the red wine and again a late night but worth it. Jo and I have lots of catching up to do seeing as we didn't see each other for 15 years.

The day after Jo had to get up for a course but managed to finish early so we chilled at the house and then the two of us went to the shops (for me it was mainly window shopping). Well here is a little bit of info for you: You remember last week when we went to Kings Park on Tuesday in the day and then again at night and then again on Wednesday. Well that night (Tuesday) a woman was murdered in the park and the police are asking anyone who was there that night to call them if they saw anything, we didnt see anything!!! Scary hey that we were there the same night as she went missing. We did go back through my photos to check there was nothing in any of the backgrounds.

Jo and Clint managed to get the afternoon off work so we went to the Old Swan Brewrey for lunch which is on the Swan river. Again the dolphins were meant to make an appearance but declined!! We had a fab lunch and a few beers, then we took a much needed walk over to the other side of the city to the bell tower and went into the 'Lucky Shag' bar. We were just going to have a couple of drinks but after 3 bottles of white wine and copious amounts of beer we went home picking up pizza on the way. We were meant to be going to a pub where Jo's friends band was playing but we didnt actually make it!!!

On Saturday we got up all feeling a little worse for wear. I made my last bus trip into the city to get some last minute bits then Jo and I spent the afternoon watching a film and eating some homemade veggie soup (think our bodies needed it after all the indulgence!). That night we went into Leederville and met Wendy for dinner. I then had to say goodbye-it was the start of all the goodbyes (oh no!).

Sunday morning Steve, Szabina and Matt came over. We had a really nice morning and already a few tears were shed. We then headed to theirs so I could see where their new pool is going to go. The I had to say goodbye to Szabina as she was working and wouldn't be able to make it to dinner that evening. I again wasn't very happy at that point and want to thank the Jancey's for everything whilst we were in Perth.

That evening we went for my last supper to the good old curry house, Maya!! There was Jo, Clint, Steve, Matt, Jet, Marge and Terry. We had a really nice night and fab food and it was good to say goodbye to them before I left. I shed a little tear when I left.

The next day Monday was my leaving day. I packed all my bits up - back to the bloody backpack - not good!! I felt really sad to be leaving as I had such a good time there. Jo and Clint were amazing and I cannot thank them enough. 'You guys are fab'. Jo had a half day so we all had some lunch before they took me to the airport, I managed to eat in between my tears. Just before I left I said goodbye to Deefa the dog bless him, he knew something was up. Then it was time to say goodbye. Jo and I were both in tears but I know that I will see them again very soon.

I cannot believe the time in Perth went so quickly but I had the best time - I have to say though I think all our Liver's need a break!! 16 years may have gone by but nothings changed, we have just got older!! Here's to the days of plently of wine and cheese and biccies!!

Take care, Miss you all lots and lots.

Lots of Love

Carly
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