The first days of many

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Well we've arrived and our body clocks have almost properly adjusted. The first few days have been relaxing and doing the local things. It was early in the hours of Friday when we touched down at Perth Airport. The “front of plane" camera showed that the lights of Perth were still welcoming and that the landing was relatively smooth. Got to Jim and Karen's at 2.00am and spent a couple of hours talking before going to bed. Jim didn't, he went straight to work and by the time we turned in, Karen was getting up.
We slept in and eventually got up at 3.00pm. Time for a swift walk around the block to wake us up.
Later Claire popped in after school; she is on 10 weeks of practical, teaching in a local school. Left before dinner as she was helping with the children in a school concert. Liam and Sarah came over for dinner, good to catch up with their news.

1/7/06. A bit more with it today and got up at 9-30am. Went down to Kalamunda and looked around the craft market, nice and sunny no need for jumpers although its winter! Back to Jim and Karen’s for a late lunch and then walked over to Cherie’s to admire her garden, very "cottagey" lots of little paths and crooks and crannies. Roses in abundance with plants in suitcases, boots and just about any container you could think off. Liam popped in on his way home from work, telling us about his time in Kalbarri, Exmouth and their latest holiday to Phuket. Over to Claire and Robs later, marvellous views over the river and Perth lights, they are so lucky. Went just down the road to a Thai restaurant for dinner, byo of course (bring your own booze). Our first time going for Thai and it was delicious, far too much to eat but very tasty. Went back to Rob and Claire’s for a coffee and look at their collection of photos, including their trips to the UK and Bali, New Years Eve etc. Jim went to a 40th birthday party and was home before us, walked in to see England playing Portugal only 5 mins into the game. Stayed up to watch them lose, Karen went to bed before the penalties, so a late night.

2/7/06. Jim went to work again, has a big job on and has already taken over a week and wants to get it finished today. Karen took us into Fremantle to see the indoor markets today, still sunny and warm. Had a coffee and cookie in the town very busy, everyone goes out on Sundays. Saw some of the buildings belonging to Claire’s uni, very old buildings renovated only a few years ago. Called into Gemma and Ian’s on the way home to check everything ok. They have a huge garden, lots of birds and a well stocked supply of shrubs and plants. Came back for dinner and watched Big Brother again.

3/7/06. Up at 8-00am and out early for a change. Went to Carousel for sim card, got some trainers and we had a leisurely look round. Excellent selection of food to choose from in the food hall, settled for honey chicken with rice/noodles for 6 dollars, far too much again. Phoned Jo (Cherie’s friend) and arranged to see her on Sunday and watched Big Brother.

4/7/06. Found our way to Hilary’s Boat Harbour at Sorrento Quay, wandered round the boardwalk and had a coffee. Took the coast road back to Cottesloe Beach and had lunch in Paul and Coralies favourite cafe. Bit colder today and drizzled a bit so a quick wander along the sea front and made our way to Mundaring Weir, via Guildford where we were convinced Matt lived. Of course he lived in Guildford in the ÚK is in Bassindean here, never mind some wonderful old colonial buildings to see. The water is way down in the reservoir for this time of year, but getting dark, so didn't stay long. Saw lots of familiar places today, Observation City, The Burswood hotel and then back through Kalamunda. Claire was in when we got back, marking the children's work, had dinner with us and headed off to play basketball at 9-00pm, sat and planned the rest of the week with Jim and Karen as Jim is off from Thursday, watched Big Brother.
Have added a photo here but not sure if it has uploaded from our camera!?!

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