We went to Perth with a few other relatives from 25-29 December. Perth is a relatively quiet place, but we went there during Christmas and Boxing Day, when all the shops were closed. It was not as hot as I expected it to be. It was like 40 degrees on the first few days, but the temperature went down over the weekend. And gosh..there were many flies, multitude of them, they're like everywhere, but I think they only appear when the temperature is really high. The trip though, is downright memorable.
We first went to the Pinnacles, this desert-like place with projections of sand stones. It was about 3 hours' drive on this 4 Wheel Drive vehicle, but we only stayed at the Pinnacles for a while, because the temperature was very high and there were too many flies. But the trip was unforgettable because the vehicle broke down three times. It was all because one of the tyres had problems (and it was that same tyre all the time) and on the third time, the engine broke down too, so we had to wait a while before the engine started again. I think it was because it was really extremely hot.
Next day, we went to Fremantle. We ate lunch at this place called Kailis I think; it's like a fast-food restaurant selling seafood and there were a few stalls. Anyway, while we were having lunch, there was a fire at one of the stalls. I didn't really see the fire, only this column of smoke rising up, not that thick though. Then, the people there started clapping, which was quite funny. After a while, there were some firemen that came to try and extinguish the fire; it took quite a while. What is memorable about Fremantle is the "yellow boat", well that's what we called it. It's actually this extreme tour boat ride through the Indian Ocean. We were brought out into the ocean for a while and we were able to enjoy the beautiful view. The boat went very fast and the strong winds blew against your face. It was really fun and exciting, with the waves making the ride quite bumpy. But it's fun. We went there on Monday again to ride the boat. Hehe. Then, we had dinner at this place called Lone Star Steakhouse. What is so unique about the place is that every half hour, those waiters and waitresses that are not on duty would dance this cowboy dance with very loud music. It was really entertaining to watch them while you're eating. My two little cousins liked the dances so much they started following them too. Anyway, they wanted to go back to that place on Monday night (they left Perth later than us), but they found out that apparently the restaurant had closed down because it'd gone bankrupt. Lone Star has a few branches, so I'm not sure whether it's only one place or the whole chain that actually closed down.
We had a chance to go to a chocolate factory on Sunday. They gave a few samples and yes, I ate all of them, plenty of times, love chocolate! Then we went to this farm. We had lunch there and they gave us kangaroo meat to sample, which had a similar taste to beef. We had dinner at Burswood Resort, which is actually famous for its casino. There's an upcoming tennis tournament, the Hopman Cup, which is supposed to be held there. The tournament only starts tomorrow..and me and my tennis-crazy brothers and father have missed the chance to watch the players live. Bummer (as Nicole would say).
The buses in Perth are quite similar to the Trans Island buses here. Except that they've got special features for the disabled people, like lower places for the bells to press so that they can get down the bus, and also speakers to speak to the driver. What's unfair is that there, bus rides within the city are free! So you can just hop on the bus and not pay at all. Oh well..
Today is New Year's Day and school starts tomorrow. The holidays are over just like that. I hate it that the holidays are over quickly, but I guess we've got to move on. As usual, I've been doing my homework last minute..I just finished them in fact. I know I made a promise to myself, obviously I broke it. I mean it's holidays and who wants to do work right? Anyway, I've made my New Year resolutions, but I find myself making the same ones year after year. I don't think I'll be able to fulfil my resolutions (if not I won't be repeating them right), but who knows?
G'day mate..