Travelogue: Australia

It was indeed the most expensive trip ever. Before I went, there were several hick ups. Due to my busy schedule, I was unable to give a date. After I gave a date to my friend and still busy, she was unable to make the arrangement on tics and stuff. So when we finally book tics, we only manages to get tickets by Garuda via transit. I paid about $1400 plus for the whole package to Perth (super expensive...yeah). Then the hick up about hotel and all. After emailing to a lot of backpackers hotel and lodge, we finally took the deal from Wel travel (thanks to Irwan for this) for our stay at Aarons Hotel in Pier Street.

Day 1: 20th December
We set off on that date. I was very excited and looking forward to the trip. While in the cab, I saw this motorbike full of flowers. Damn, I didnt take a pic of the dude. Its cool in an ugly way...hehe...dunno how to describe it...the sunflower bike, even his helmet was full of sunflowers. Anyway that aside, before we know it, we were at the airport, waiting for our flight. It took a while till finally the staff called us, and informed us that we will be stuck inJakarta for a day. We got really worried as they refused to inform us if we will be compensated for this. Then finally when we reached Jakarta at about 11 pm, we were informed that the flight will be delayed till 7 am the next morning instead of 115 am. So we were sent to this hotel called Radin for a rest, complimentary of Garuda. The hotel is pretty nice and the staff were hospitable. We were given dinner, the food was not that bad after all. Pretty good in fact. But our spirit was a little dampen due to the delay.

Day 2: 21th December
The plane finally set off at 830 am. After having a terrible dinner in the plane the previous day (though compensated with a hearty dinner at the hotel), I was in no mood for breakfast in the plane. True enough, they served terrible scrambled egg, hotdog and a few slices of potatoes. I didnt eat much then. Was too excited to reach Perth. Finally at about 2 pm (Perth time, an hour after Sg), we reached Perth International Airport. But the person who was suppose to pick us up for airport transfer was not there. A few calls was made by Yana and then finally about an hour later, the pick up came and sent us to Aarons Hotel. We were greeted by a smily staff (nice guy from Bangladesh). After registering, we finally got our room keys and headed to our room. We took a shower and by 5pm, we went out again, venturing Perth city. Damn, it was rather cold, the wind was chilly. Anyway, Noi bought a few stuff. They were rather expensive. Not worth it to me. After walking around and looking at things eventually, I succumb to the shopping needs and bought a few things too. Finally we all headed home (then was Aarons hotel). We took our shower and then head to bed as we have to get up super early the next day.

Day 3: 22nd December 2006
I got up at 430 am (530 am Perth time) to shower. After showering, I woke Yana up (it was difficult to wake this gal up). Then finally my sis woke up. We had planned trip today and suppose to be at Sightseeing centre by 8am (Perth time). We had our breakfast and asked the waitress the location of the sightseeing centre. She actually gave us the wrong route (but she is a nice gal from China). Then we asked the hotel staff again about the location, it was actually just 5 minutes walk from our hotel. So what we did was we went out, look around the place, take a few more pictures and finally went to the bus bay for pick up for our sightseeing. We are planned for Perth and Fremantle city tour. When we stepped into the bus, it was super smelly. I nearly puked. Probably someone must have puked in the bus the day before and they didnt clean it up properly. Anyway, the drive was rather a bore as they only showed us around in the bus.

We didnt get to stop and take pictures. We finally stopped at King's Park and walk all the way to the War Memorial Centre. Thats not far actually but it was a beautiful walk with many beautiful sights. Then we board the bus again and headed for fremantle.

There we were given an hour to shop. We decided not to take the bus home and venture on our own. After informing the driver, we walked around fremantle and shopped and take a few more pictures. Finally we rested at Freo Curry. The gal who attended us is Indonesian. The food is just okay (not that great) but she is hospitable. She gave us directions to Eshed market (even drew a map). We thank them and find our way to Eshed. There, more bargains to come. Everything was cheap (not to Sg but compared to the stuff in the city). Then we took a train (we didnt know how to use the machine, it was not really user friendly I must say). We took the train back to Perth city (cost $3.20 per pax). From Perth city, we walked back to our hotel. It was a rather tiring walk. Then, after showering, we went out again and headed to Karache Cafe (rude owner who happened to be someone from Sg). So we headed to Oleh-Oleh cafe (definitely much better and friendlier). We had our meals then went to Northbridge to check out the place. Then headed back to the hotel.

Day 4: 23rd December 2006
This is the pinnacle trip. After driving extremely far, we finally made our first stop at Caversham Wildlife Park. I touched the back of a koala and fed the kangaroos. It was fun, but sadly it was rather short. We set off again to the pinnacle. continue on to the Nambung National Park, home of the amazing Pinnacles Desert. There, the driver took us a walk through parts of a fascinating landscape covering some 404 hectares. Then Yana went sandboarding at the dunes. As I do not want to have problems with my eyes, I didnt do it coz the wind was super strong. The highlight was definitely the 4WD drive. It was like a roller coaster, fun. By the time we got back to our hotel, we were too tired. No one wanted to buy food so we decided to eat in the hotel.

Day 5: 24th December 2006
We walked on our own. First, we headed to the Swan Bell. It was pretty nice. The old lady who was there was super strong. It was definitely not easy to pull the bell as it was extremely heavy. Then after that, we continued walking. After that, we took the Blue Cat around and stopped at places to take pictures. We also went to Perth City mosque, Old Port, Swan River, Library, Museum, Art Centre, etc. I can see myself living in Australia. Its relaxing and nice.

Then we headed back to the hotel. We showered and again went out to do some last minute shopping. Then went back again. After that Yana and I went to Northbridge to check out the clubs but Noi stayed in the hotel as she was tired. We took a cab there. Initially, I was pretty worried. What if theres drunkards there? There were many what ifs I must tell you. But it wasnt that bad. However we didnt stay long as I was having a headache. But I must comment the bouncer at Base is goodlooking and nice. So at 12 plus, Yana and I left and went back to the hotel, ready to go home the next day.

Day 6: 25th December 2006
The day we went home. We had boxed breakfast. The hotel transfer was late again so we had to wait. We got to Bali and shopped a little bit at the Airport. I even had a foot massage which was nice especially after all those walking previously. So thats the end of my trip to Australia.

Would I go there again? For holiday, maybe not Perth. I would want to see Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. But to stay, ya...definitely. Perth is a nice place to live in. But after saying that to my mum, she got rather irritated...hehe...so doubt I can do that. Maybe a teaching stint for a year or two....probably that should be alrite.