Morning in Perth

We did not spend much time in Perth, but we enjoyed the few hours we were there. It seems like a manageable size, with great parks. One city park, King's Park, is actually a bit larger than NYC's Central Park. Too bad we didn't have time to visit. Maybe next time we can go for a long walk or rent bicycles there.

We walked around for about an hour, splitting our energy between shopping and just soaking in the atmosphere (and clean air). Perth seems to have a high quality of life, what with all the parks, good restaurants, good public transportation, and reasonable working hours. We could imagine ourselves there, although it would mean another 5 hour flight farther removed from most of the rest of the world. People we talked to all admitted to using Singapore as their international air hub, to reach everywhere but the rest of Australia and NZ.

Below are some photos from our morning walk around Perth and our drive south through Busselton to Margaret River, where we saw a stunning sunset.

The Perth skyline

Looking across the Swan River from the CBD

The view West from the CBD toward King's Park

A playful contrast of architectural styles in the CBD

Folks lining up for lunch at Jamie Oliver's new restaurant, which just opened days before

A curious bird at Busselton

Late lunch of fish and chips at the Busselton Jetty

Busselton Jetty - nearly 2km long!

Sunset near Margaret River

Cape Naturaliste, Western Australia

It has been awhile since my last post, and given this blog's original purpose - to remind us of where we have been - it is time to add a post or two of recent outings, before we forget. In fact, during our latest trip (to Western Australia last week), we struggled to recall the places we had been in the past year. I do not think the only reason to travel is to create memories. We don't have to remember everything we do, see, and eat. It is enough for travel to enrich the now. However, it is also enjoyable to curate photographs and memories and assemble them to share.

Last week we took a short break from Singapore (and just at the perfect time to avoid some of the worst smog/haze the country has ever experienced). We took a 5 hour flight to Perth, Australia. The goal was to chill, both literally because it is now winter in Australia, and figuratively since we intended only to do some walking and wine tasting. I had just sent a paper to a journal and wanted to reset. We had just celebrated our 12th anniversary and wanted to do something new. Off to Perth! 

Among the things we will likely remember was a hike around Cape Naturaliste, facing the Indian Ocean. These photographs can never do justice to the actual place, but they give some sense of what it is like. 

Our first view of the Indian Ocean after a short walk from the parking lot.

Deep blue waters off the coast of Western Australia

We had the beach to ourselves 

Rocks jutting from the beach as if saluting the weather.

Crystal clear water

Not to be outdone by the water, the sky answered with its own gorgeous blue.

Following our hike, we ate spinach soup and an endive, arugula, caramelized onion tart at Bunker's beach cafe

After lunch we visited two wineries for a tasting. The dark red soil contrasted with the blue sky and surprisingly (for winter) green foliage and grass to awaken the senses. I think it made the wine taste better.