Perth winter trip 2009

Departure Day

It was a rush on the day of departure with a seminar to attend in the morning. Lunch time was spent getting replacement batteries for my (dinosaur)camera's meter, makan and getting electric socket from a friend suitable for Australia. By the time I got home, had a shower and squeeze everything into the bag, I was running late and took a cab to the airport.

Had trouble checking in at the airport as my last trip to Australia was on diplomatic clearance and there wasn't any stamps on my passport so the counter girl had to make numerous calls and be put on hold while Australia side update my records.

Then remembered I didn't apply for exit permit for this trip and had to search for a internet station to do the neccessary applications. Of course, me and my mates(notice I already started assimilating into the aussie culture?) completed the frantic day by running to the airplane for boarding after they announced our names over the PA  :D

Welcome to Perth

On the plane, I was sitted beside a guy who was sneezing (H1N1 alert!) and with his knees encroching into my space *%$#*. Unfortunately (but luckily for me this time), YN couldn't join us for this trip so her seat was empty and I moved over to her vacant seat. We touched down in Perth a little late but just in time to collect our rented car.

The Nissan Tiida had a tiny boot and we had a luggages enough to backpack for 2 months so we put our jigsaw puzzle skills to good use. With superb navigation skills and the assistance of GPS, we arrived at the hostel after driving around for an hour for a ~20km trip from the airport. We celebrated our arrival at 2am in the morning with McDonalds.

Farm Stay

The next morning, we walked to the CBD for brekkie before driving over to Bindoon for a farm stay. Better acquianted with the GPS's reliability, we made it on time at Windmill Farm as Whisky and Soda (dogs not alcohol) came rushing to us as the car
pulled over. Joan then lead us to our "nest".

BBQ lunch was prepared by Milton to fatten the guests so they make good fillings for char siew bao as the place doubles up as a dim sum restuarant (just joking, no char siew baosor dim sums).

The activities in the afternoon involves collecting eggs from the chickens, feeding snowy(the sheep), the cows and pony, horse riding, visiting the orchard (this is not a shopping mall area btw), riding the tractor to feed the sheeps(excluding snowy) and then the kangeroos.

Dinner was a sumptious spread including curry! Chatting in the cosy living room while devouring the food. Then we tried our hands at spinning wool before retiring to the "nest" under the starry skies as we walked back.

Touring Swan Valley & Perth

After a yummy breakfast next morning, we packed up and bidded our gracious hosts goodbye beforeheading back to town. Along the way, we visited the Margaret River Chocolate Company and Sandalford Wines and arrived in time to check into the apartment.

Drove down to the race expo to collect our race packs and then Lunner(Lunch & Dinner) at Northbridge area. Of course we also couldn't miss the night view at Kings Park and so we went risking frostbite and hypothermia. As we admire the city view and night constellations (not bad, i can still recognise the southern cross from sailing days okie), a group of people arrived in a limo and the girls were wearing skirts while the rest of us looks like bak chang *shake head*

Back at the apartment, we ended the night with the Merlot I've bought from Sandalford.

Race Eve

They say its good to take the eve of a run easy and relax. So we R&R by going shopping in the morning and then to Fremantle for their famour Fish and Chips, ice cream and carbo loaded on beer from Little Creatures.

More sightseeing at Fremantle before we head back to city for dinner. Visited Cottlesloe beach on the way back for sunset then to Northbridge for Zi Char dinner + water parade with jugs of water. The runners carbo loaded on steam and fried rice til we almost bursted.

Back at apartment, we prep the gears for race day and had more merlot!

Race Day

Woke up at 4:45am, Sam was snoring like an elephant so we left her alone (Okie...i made that up *surrender pose*) as we washed up and toasted bread for brekkie. Left for race site at 6am and jogged slowly to keep warm along the way.

After depositing Matthew's bag, we walked to the starting line and the run began with helicopter hovering above (Uber/Si Bei Grand!). The route was hilly but the COLD weather probably helped to contain the fatigue as I ran with numbed fingers and toes.

Finished the run in 1:41:27hrs, much better than expected since we've been holidaying more than preparing for this event the last few days. Met up with Matthew and Bose as they came in very shortly and we took the bus back to the city.

After the gang washed up and check out from apartment, the energetic bunnies went for brunch and more shopping. We then showed Sam the running route and then visited some of the beaches by the coast.

Since we're on the 1st day of spring, it was a good reason to visit the botanic gardens and
look at flowers. They say looking at flowers improves your mood and appetite, aids digestion and result in a person looking more attractive. Actually the "they" refers to me and I say it without supporting clinical research so you can believe me but I'm not liable for any damages resulting from you being so naive :) Oops! I digressed....

With the exception of me, the rest of the gang will be leaving at midnight to SG so I checked into a hostel which must be an old barrack for my extra day in Perth. We then
had a nice dinner and chatted til its time for them to catch their flight. I had an early nght too after a long day.

End of trip

Woke up the next morning without the company of my loyal companions over the last few days. Its a mixture of feeling lost and also the freedom of doing whatever i want so I showered and headed for coffee and toast while reading the news.

Visited the Museum after breakfast and took lots of pictures and then went for a loop on the free tourist bus and returned just in time to check out from the hostel.

Afternoon was spent souvenir shopping instead of going to the Zoo after I searched in vain for the tram. Carrying bags of newly acquired purchases, I had to dump away some stuff from my bag in order fit everything in.

Arranged for an early shuttle ride to the airport for dinner and setlte into a cosy corner for reading time while waiting for my flight. A memorable trip and ready for more in the future ^__^