Perth

It was a last minute trip with my then-colleague and we booked everything through Expedia/ Agoda. I can’t remember which. What I recalled most from Perth was that I puked in the trip and that I felt I was very under-dressed. Perth was surprisingly “warm” for a winter and now I finally understood why it is the warmest city in Australia. There was no snow and no need for snow boots or thick outer jackets though you do still need a jacket to keep you warm. Our hotel location was extremely convenient (you pay a premium rate for it) though it would even be better if breakfast was included.

A few of my takeaways from the short trip:

• One café which I thought was rather good was The Tuckshop Café. This was one of the recommended cafes. It was crowded both times when I went so expect to wait for a table. Their pies and coffee were good. Huge portion too. We went there on the first day we arrived in Perth and having had such a good lunch there, I returned to the café again on the last day of my trip. Another café is the Negro Café which was next to our hotel. I have to say that their breakfast and coffee were really really good (closed on Sunday)
• Love is love. It was raining and I was out exploring on my own. On the bus ride back to the hotel I saw this group of people holding rainbow-coloured umbrellas. I got curious and alighted. The event was people advocating for same-sex love. It was later broadcasted on the news. Something which stay etched in my mind was this phrase – Rain is the start of new beginnings. I thought how apt
• Talk about under-dressed. My impression from my previous trip to Melbourne and Sydney was that I do not need to dress well or pay particular attention to my attire in Perth but I was wrong. I think they are “dressier” than people in Melbourne or Sydney? I felt so out of place and embarrassed as I was in sports shoes with going-out attire but everyone around me was wearing either sneakers or pretty boots
• Kings Park. It was a really pretty park and there was plenty to see. We had a good walk and I recalled many birds chirping away wherever we turned. You can take the free ETZ bus 37 to get there. Swan River is also nearby if you are looking for another good walk/stroll
• Fremantle market is also a good go-to
• We signed up for a winery tour. It was rather different from the other winery tours I had been to as you really have plenty wines and beers to try. I guessed I drank too much that I puked at the end of the tour. =( I hope I didn’t scare my colleague
• Anyway, all the shops close very early in winter (around 5pm) so do plan your shopping early
• There are many free ETZ buses from the city to most of the attractions. I also think they are convenient for families with baby strollers