Three little Australians..
Trip Start
Jul 23, 2009
1
19
25
Trip End
Apr 01, 2010
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Thursday, November 19, 2009
However, it's a welcome respite to be 'at home' with the family here in Perth and to catch up on everyone - catch sight of Jessica for the first time - catch a wave down at Port Beach, grab the bike for a buzz down to Fremantle and to quaff vast quantities of Australian wine thus making up for the recent dry period.
Singapore was very relaxing and the flight I allowed myself, down to Perth, was enlivened by the antics of Oz 'ockers' who were back from a spell of 'R&R' in Thailand. In traditional form they were loud, drunk and cringe making especially to the very pleasant young Australians near me but we all had a good laugh.
We also rehearsed the various scenarios typical of Australian entry formalities:
IO " Have you any wood madam?" Me: "You mean apart from my head?"
IO "How many passports do you actually have?" Me: "Well only two currently"
IO " Does the fact that you are reading a book about Cambodian genocide mean we need to consider you are a threat to Australian security?"
I was in fact quite disappointed when I was waived through - no sniffer corgis weeing on my luggage and I didn't even have to take the battery out of my laptop. They obviously recognised my true grandmotherly vocation.
Next week I'm heading up to the Coral Coast for a few days as I've promised myself some sun and sea as recompense for the 5 star moment which hasn't happened as, for various reasons I decided to skip Indonesia and head for the security of 'home' for a bit.
Certainly as I look back on my journey thus far, I am amazed I have done it without mishap and TravelPod tells me I've covered over 18,000 klms and have readers in 10 countries.
Comments
These photos are lovely Claire! It must be so nice spending some time with your family. ENJOY!!
Hi, Claire! Glad to see that you have survived the Orient relatively unscathed. It must be heartwarming to see your "other family" in Oz, and something of a relief to be on familiar territory where you don't have to be "on your guard" all the time. Having said that, I think you have definitely lived up to the "Great Adventure" title you chose for the trip. It's gloomy, wet & windy here - in fact, I'm just listening on Radio 4 to reports of unprecedented rain & floods in Cumbria - so enjoy the sunshine etc. while you can. Tootle Pip!
Glynn - lovely to hear from you. Family life is both fun and fraught with three young kids, as well you know. You'll be happy to know I not entirely 'off duty' here albeit unpaid, as we do have some behaviour.
How are your fluffy bunnies doing? xx
Dave, complimentary as usual: while it's lovely to luxuriate into family I'm beginning to miss the challenges in a funny sort of way! However, I'm coming back through Cambodia after the NZ stint (my mum's 90th) as hope to work through some ideas in Phnom Penh. Spoke to Jack and Jo last night as they're at my sister's and they seem great. Off to China on Friday but I guess you're up to speed Cheers!
Hi, Claire! You obviously had a good time with your relatives in Perth. I'm afraid I accidentally deleted your missive from Albany - perhaps you'd like to send it to me again. Joanna & Jack have landed safely at Heathrow, and I'm now waiting for the Grand Return!
Best wishes & Happy Christmas!
David