It is a shame that this blog was not fully utilised to record all my traveling journals since the past months. My first impression of Perth should have been covered sometime in May/June. Instead of summing my two weeks in Holland in a Facebook status update, I should have them documented here. Then of course there is Venezuela. The privilege to share things in words have been replaced by Facebook's photo albums. I do admit, sometimes it is easier to share experiences through photos uploading. Afterall, who needs to write when pictures do speak a thousand words?
However, I still find the writing of a few paragraphs story in a blog is better than one line of witty photo description in a social network. How would you explain a photo of you holding a giant albino snake in a temple otherwise? "Holding a giant albino snake in a temple"? Really?
But let's start with Perth. Back in May, I visited the city for the first time. I have been to Australia a couple of times before but I had never been to the Western Australia territory. It was entering winter but the weather was fairly warm, especially for someone who was coming from Scotland. I wore T-shirts and flip-flops (or thongs, say the local), so people must have thought I was just another Asian who do not dress appropriately for the weather (try going to KL and you will see Malaysians wearing high boots and leather jackets everywhere).
I stayed in a nice hotel in the city centre. It was an easy access to shops, delis and my friend's place, which was just a block away. Lai, as I prefer to call him instead of his first names, is an ex-colleague whom I used to work with back in KL. He has been living in Perth for a couple of years now and I would say familiar with places to go, especially restaurants. Lai showed me around and took me to places where he normally hangs out at with his wife and kid. We went to check out a coffee place in Leederville which I thought was quite busy but very nice (they have desserts to die for). I also had a new friend, Charlene and her family taking me out for coffee and sight-seeing. Charlene is an Iban lady who has been living in Perth since Jurassic years, and she has the cutest daughters, who seem to like me a lot. But then again who doesn't, right?
Perth city is less than 3km sq, but the area is over 5000km sq. Outside the city itself are smaller cities, towns and localities where the cool shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants are. I quite like the idea of people hanging out at different localities rather than concentrating mainly at the city centre like other cities in the world. I believe this is one of the reasons why Perth has a low level of traffic jam. Nobody goes to the same direction at the same time and I notice that all the streets and road seem to be connected, one way or another. Now, how smart is that?
The people are generally friendly and that does remind me a lot of Scotland. I have yet to test their sense of humour though but if you can get by without it and focus on their good looks instead, then you are sorted. Yes, Australians are fit too. I saw an article once commenting (or complaining?) about Australia's obsession with sports but I would gladly like to correct the journalist and replace the word obsession with passionate instead. Australians live an active outdoor life style, taking advantage of the sun, the wind, the waves, the fields and the deserts around them for activites such as wind, kite or normal surfing as well as cycling, camping and caravaning - and that's a good thing.
First impression is not a deal breaker for me, but if you have a good feeling about the first time of meeting, it is best to give it a try and that is why I took the job offer (also because I need a job. He he). I like Perth the first time because I think it fits my dream life style. I even got a few friends before I moved here, which helps in both short and the long run. To come back the second time with all my belongings and my other half actually means a start of a new life for us both, so it is not just a move.
On my way to start my first day at work today, I saw a few people on bicycles on the road, in helmets and cycling attire, cycling to work. I also spotted men in smart shirts and ties driving in their cars with a surf board on their rooftops. My manager was arranging with some of my colleagues about running a half marathon and a marathon in the event called City to Surf this weekend. So as usual for me, second impression always counts.
Until next time, g'day!
However, I still find the writing of a few paragraphs story in a blog is better than one line of witty photo description in a social network. How would you explain a photo of you holding a giant albino snake in a temple otherwise? "Holding a giant albino snake in a temple"? Really?
But let's start with Perth. Back in May, I visited the city for the first time. I have been to Australia a couple of times before but I had never been to the Western Australia territory. It was entering winter but the weather was fairly warm, especially for someone who was coming from Scotland. I wore T-shirts and flip-flops (or thongs, say the local), so people must have thought I was just another Asian who do not dress appropriately for the weather (try going to KL and you will see Malaysians wearing high boots and leather jackets everywhere).
I stayed in a nice hotel in the city centre. It was an easy access to shops, delis and my friend's place, which was just a block away. Lai, as I prefer to call him instead of his first names, is an ex-colleague whom I used to work with back in KL. He has been living in Perth for a couple of years now and I would say familiar with places to go, especially restaurants. Lai showed me around and took me to places where he normally hangs out at with his wife and kid. We went to check out a coffee place in Leederville which I thought was quite busy but very nice (they have desserts to die for). I also had a new friend, Charlene and her family taking me out for coffee and sight-seeing. Charlene is an Iban lady who has been living in Perth since Jurassic years, and she has the cutest daughters, who seem to like me a lot. But then again who doesn't, right?
Perth city is less than 3km sq, but the area is over 5000km sq. Outside the city itself are smaller cities, towns and localities where the cool shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants are. I quite like the idea of people hanging out at different localities rather than concentrating mainly at the city centre like other cities in the world. I believe this is one of the reasons why Perth has a low level of traffic jam. Nobody goes to the same direction at the same time and I notice that all the streets and road seem to be connected, one way or another. Now, how smart is that?
The people are generally friendly and that does remind me a lot of Scotland. I have yet to test their sense of humour though but if you can get by without it and focus on their good looks instead, then you are sorted. Yes, Australians are fit too. I saw an article once commenting (or complaining?) about Australia's obsession with sports but I would gladly like to correct the journalist and replace the word obsession with passionate instead. Australians live an active outdoor life style, taking advantage of the sun, the wind, the waves, the fields and the deserts around them for activites such as wind, kite or normal surfing as well as cycling, camping and caravaning - and that's a good thing.
First impression is not a deal breaker for me, but if you have a good feeling about the first time of meeting, it is best to give it a try and that is why I took the job offer (also because I need a job. He he). I like Perth the first time because I think it fits my dream life style. I even got a few friends before I moved here, which helps in both short and the long run. To come back the second time with all my belongings and my other half actually means a start of a new life for us both, so it is not just a move.
On my way to start my first day at work today, I saw a few people on bicycles on the road, in helmets and cycling attire, cycling to work. I also spotted men in smart shirts and ties driving in their cars with a surf board on their rooftops. My manager was arranging with some of my colleagues about running a half marathon and a marathon in the event called City to Surf this weekend. So as usual for me, second impression always counts.
Until next time, g'day!
2 comments:
Hi Flocy,
Perth I love the town I was there for few month contracting for SMT now Paradigm. I was staying at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel on mill street not far from the Swan river. Many restaurants in the that area I just go and walk in the evening towards the swan bells. Go and visit the Rottnest Express that follows the Swan river to Rottnest Island, magic.
You are right not much traffic an all the roads take you to Rome as they say.
Well keep the good work and if you do not mind shooting some photos near the swan river I would send you chocolates…
M
Ooohhh! I will take more photos while Perth is still green... Summer is on its way!
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