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Published: February 21st 2011
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The start of our arrival in Perth
A flotilla built up to escort us into the port Our Blog - Log 8
February 21st 2011
I am writing this blog sitting on a balcony at 6.00am in the morning as the sun is rising for another beautiful day in Fremantle.
From where I am sitting I can see the Indian Ocean, the Swan River, part of Fremantle and the city of Perth in the distance. It is an amazing view that my niece Janet wakes up to every day. It is like heaven on earth, so beautiful.
We arrived in Fremantle last Thursday 17th February over four hours late because one of the gas turbine engines broke down and we lost a little power for a while after leaving Mauritius and couldn’t make up all of the lost time. We were met by a flotilla of small boats which sailed into the port with us. A wonderful sight and even more wonderful when we saw the thousands of people lining the quaysides as we arrived to meet us. Hard to believe there were so many particularly as it was a work day and not the weekend.
It was quite chaotic waiting to get off the ship and I blame Cunard for this as they were
A few of the crowd waiting to meet us in Pertth
There were crowds everywhere cheering and waving so badly organised. Eventually we got off and collected our cases and walked out to be met by Janet. The temperature as we left the ship was around 100°f - hot. Thank heavens for air conditioned cars as we certainly needed it.
A short drive and we were at Janet’s house. Wow, what a house, up on a hill with amazing views to the front and rear. Time to unpack have a cup of tea and then off out. We stopped to purchase nibbles and then to the Royal Perth Yacht Club where we saw Janet’s yacht and then onto her friends yacht for a twilight sail. I have never sailed before and boy was it a thrilling experience especially as we started weaving in and out various yachts as they prepared for the off. Brilliant experience and then back to the clubhouse for a barbecue meal.
Following day we were up and off to Perth for the day. We drove to a station and took the train into Perth. It was another hot day. We then got onto one of the free buses that have set routes in Perth to the Royal Mint for a tour which was interesting
especially seeing the various ingots that are made along with coins etc. We also saw gold being poured into ingots. From there we went to the concert hall to purchase tickets for next Friday when we will be seeing Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. From there we went onto the free bus again to the cathedral and then back to the railway station where we walked to the Art Gallery and looked at various exhibitions including one for year 12 students. Back on the train to Fremantle and then home. We then prepared a picnic and went down to the ocean and ate as we watched the sun go down into twilight. Lovely!
The following day(Saturday) was - would you believe? - hot. We were in Janet’s pool by 7.00am in the morning - it was lovely and warm - none of this standing on the side trying to pluck up the courage to climb in!!! After this we went down to the Swan River and had breakfast in a lovely café at the side of the river - al fresco of course. Off then to the markets that are around old Fremantle looking at all sorts of crafts and fruit
and vegetable. On then to a boat show being held in Fremantle - didn’t buy one as none would fit on the Grand Union Canal! In the evening we went to the theatre to see a brilliant play/musical called Waltzing the Willarra - a story about the whites and aborigines. Well presented and very thought provoking.
Sunday and we went off to the Swan Valley which is a big wine growing area. First stop was a chocolate factory where we tried out the various types of chocolate before moving onto a game park where we were able to see most of the indigenous animals to Australia. Needless to say we were able to stroke the koalas and feed the kangaroos. We then went to a winery where we had a fabulous lunch along with wine tasting. After this we went to another winery to meet some friends of Janet’s and of course some more wine tasting. Back home and a much needed time for relaxing.
Monday 21st February 2011
Writing my blog on the balcony has been great. Breakfast also on balcony and then off for coffee and more fun.
We will be off later to the airport to
Our first evening
We went twilight racing. First time ever Barry has sailed - Wow did he enjoy it. meet Janet’s mum (my sister Celia) who is flying in from the UK.
More to follow when I can find time. Bye for now.
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Jill Jenkins
non-member comment
Much better
How lovely pictures of you and not the tat you've seen in other countries, hadn't realised you'd both gone too!