Perth. For the last ten years of my life, I have been working up to finally leaving home and living there. Or here as it would seem. I left home at the end of grade twelve and was accepted into Edith Cowan University, where I now live on campus and study Primary teaching. So now, here I am in Perth, the home of the swan and city of lights. Heavenly!

You're probably wondering why I think this city, out of all the cities in the world, is so great. Well, that's a good question. And there are so many things that I could tell and show you, that would never describe how wonderful this place is until you have actually visited it. So instead, I will share with you, some of the things that I have done and seen here that have made Perth one of my favourite places on the planet. Then you can be the judge.

The first thing that I saw of Perth as the plane came in to land, was the lights. So many, like colourful stars that light up the earth. It was quite early in the night, but the lights still shone so brightly that I will never forget my first impression of the place.
Another place tourists may want to visit is Kings Park. Here, they will find not only several terrific vantage points (including a 50ft tower) for viewing the night-time city in all its splendor, but there are also memorial gardens to visit as well as paths to follow and cafes/restaurants to eat at.
The park is a must see for visitors to the city because it offers a wide range of information (in pamphlets and on plaques around the park) about the flora and fauna in the city and general heritage information about the area. It also offers tourists an opportunity to view and feed the local black swans that flock by the banks of the many ponds throughout the park. If you have never seen a black swan, it is quite an experience- they are the most beautiful and elegant birds to watch.

The next thing I love about this place is its night-life. The clubs here are terrific- my personal favourites are the Aberdeen, Post Office, The Church, Taipan Room and Lookout. The music varies from club to club, but I find that they generally tend to play revamped versions of old dance tracks as well as some of the best oldies in their original versions (eg B52's 'Love Shack'). There are also the clubs that play all techno and beat-heavy tracks with live (touring) DJ's most nights. The best thing about clubbing is getting very very drunk, and then roaming down the main street scouting for kebab shops. There is always bound to be a kebab establishment close to the clubbing suburb and usually it's on the way to the next club (especially in Northbridge!)

Beaches...What can I say? Scarborough has the best beach for waves. During the summertime, I find myself tanning in the sun along with a few hundred other beach-goers. The appeal of this beach, I have come to realise, is the fact that it is practically located on top of some of Perth's best places to eat and shop. The whole beach backs onto one of Scarborough's main streets which is bustling with beach and party-goers at almost all times of the day. You'll find surf and body piercing shops, Macdonalds, small family restaurants, a large hotel called the Rendevous (Observation City) and several small deli's and a bottleshop. The sand is never dirty, the sun is usually warm and welcoming and there is always time to take time out on the planet known as Scarborough beach.

Iceskating...where to start? The first time I ever iceskated was here in Perth while on Band Camp. And no I did NOT stick my flute...oh never mind... But anyway. The rink is really close to where I live (it's on Mirrabooka Avenue- you can't miss it!). The place isn't huge, but it has a great atmosphere, plenty of younger people, all the latest music and dance tracks, food, heated cafe...need I say more? Go there!

Like any girl, I love to shop. When I came to Perth, I wasn't let down!!! There are two or three majorly huge shopping centres worth going to see and keep going back to- The Galleria (Morely), The Carousel and Garden City. All of the complexes have a huge range of clothing and jewellry shops, shoe stores, food halls, gift and tourist shops...etc. They also have cinemas where you can catch a movie after shopping till you're almost ready to drop- the candy is really expensive, so buy some elsewhere BEFORE you turn up. The chairs have those wicked arm rests that you can get rid of and hug in while you watch, or to pull down and use as a divider between you and that blind (or wrong choice) date...hehehe.

People. Well, I'm a country girl and naturally I was really apprehensive about coming to the big smoke. Well, I've never actually seen smog here, but it was just a figure of speech...But when I came here and started meeting people, I soon discovered that generally, everyone is so ready to help you out when you're in a spot of trouble. I had a bit of car trouble the other day and the guy at the car shop gave me a free tow because I was so upset.
Tourists will love this place- everyone is really easy to talk to. We'll even humour you and say "G-Day mate" every once in a while.

Last and not least...the parks, scenery, reserves... Yes it is true that occasionally the swan river does actually break out in blue green algae, and yes, there was a shark in the river- but the poor thing was injured and was recouperating- and it certainly never ate anyone. But seriously, you'll never find a prettier city, there's a tree on every corner and the houses have the most extraordinary gardens. And, me being a huge fan of roses, I loved coming here and I love taking a long walk into the city every once in a while just to see the gardens that are so darn vibrant with colour.
Just out of Perth also, there is a national park named Yanchep. It is so worth taking a look at- it features nature trails ranging from 2km to 43km, camping sites, cave tours (a MUST SEE!!!), picnic grounds, a museum, small art gallery, deli and so much more. So much nature, the sights and smells, sounds (mostly birds and children)...go go go!

So, I hope I've talked you into that holiday you've been planning 'Down Under'. Please come to Perth- Elle McPherson wont be here to welcome you, but it does have some real people who I'm sure would be even nicer to you anyway! But don't tell Elle I said that *wink*.

Thanks for reading this! Make sure you stop by to read some more of my stuff other scribblings from those on my WOT.
Ciao!






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