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Perth -
This city has been built up a bit for me, everyone who has been here raves about it and I can see why, although I am still waiting to be wowed!
First of all, I got here by train, which was different to say the least. The train that goes across from Sydney and stops at Adelaide on its way to Perth is called the Indian Pacific, this one in particular is know as the Ghan. It was a pretty impressive train, reminded me of the Silver Streak train (withoiut Richard Pryor..)
I have had more comfortable nights however, the seats were pretty much like airline seats, so not huge amounts of leg room - and I spent two nights on it!
We crossed the Nullarbor plains, the only thing I can say about it is that I have never watched the same scenery for 10 hours before - scenery that was endless desert with the odd bit of vegetation - in all directions. It certainly gives you a sense of the scale of the country again - this is what keeps impressing me!
We made two stops, one was at a godforsaken place called Cook - it was in the middle of the Nullarbor and I got out to stretch my legs and quickly got back on again as the flies drove me mad! the other place was Kullagorie, quite a big town, the only problem was we stopped at about 8pm for 2 hours - found a pub and sat there with the other 2 inhabitants! Everywhere just feels so empty! I suppose due to the dispersed population, we are so used to living on top of each other in Europe.
So, Perth is very civilised. It is bigger than Adelaide and feels more like a city. Things I have noticed so far, they have an excellent transit system. A free bus service runs 7 days a week and you can get around to all the main areas using these - you just get on and of when you need to!
Trains are excellent, clean and on time. I have made the trip to Fremantle and Cottisloe and am impressed!
Kings park - this is beautiful, there are Botanical gardens and a roof top tree walk, water gardens and lfurther lovely walks to do. One way to reach it, because it is at the top of the highest point in Perth, is using a stairway known as Jacobs Ladder. I must admit, I think I am quite fit but i was feeling it by the time I got to the top. Interesting to watch everyone exercise here though, they descend in the evenings and just walk or run up and down! The views from the park are worth the journey there!
Fremantle - this is not a subarb of Perth, although people think it is, it is a town in it s own right - and they are very proud of this fact! it is a 20 minute train journey and its worth it. It is unspoilt for the most part, older and more traditional. The markets are fantastic and definitely worth visiting.
I went to Cottelsoe Beach today, again a short train ride, lovely sandy beaches, blue sea and not an arcade or McDonalds in sight!! Bliss!
The backpackers place I am staying in is fantastic compared to some places I have stayed. It is very clean, and located 5 minutes walk away from all the important places in Perth - including the station. It is a public holiday tomorrow so i have had a lovely long weekend, I am on a residential for 4 days next week so will wait and see what that brings!
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