We've been in Perth for a week now and are having a great time. Its a really nice little City, everything is more or less walking distance and the locals are all very friendly- plus the weathers getting very nice as well!

We arrived early last Thursday morning after our flight from Bangkok (via a quick stop in Singapore), and headed straight for bed. Unfortunately the following day Chris felt rather under the weather so I set about exploring Perth myself. I managed to get a working Visa, change some flights and a Aussie bank account (if anyone want to transfer me some cash let me know and I'll get my details to you!).

On Friday Chris felt a lot better and we headed out to do some sightseeing via the city tram and then chilled out in Kings Park for the afternoon, which is really beautiful and has fantastic views of the City. That evening we thought we'd see what the nightlife had to offer so we headed out to a few bars and clubs- most have live cover bands pumping classics (not heard 'Goodbye Ruby Tuesday' yet though Jon!). They are also good places to do some bird watching (not of the feathered variety!).

The hostel put on a BBQ for everyone on Saturday so we just chilled out for a while. Meet a guy from Bromely which was funny! Due to the time difference, football was in the evening so from 7pm-3am we had three Premiership matches back to back- perfect!

On Sunday we decided to go down to Cottesloe Beach, which was really nice. Unfortunately it was a little overcast and the wind picked up in the afternoon. We are going down there in a few weeks to stay there though- may even give surfing a go.

We decided to head to the Perth Mint on Monday to ensure that our culture fix was maintained. Which is Australia’s oldest operating specialist of precious mental! Got so see gold being produced and even lifted a block worth almost $500,000. It really was riveting stuff!!!

After a few weeks with no cricket I thought I'd head to the WACA cricket ground to watch some of Western Australia Vs Victoria. There were a few Aussie Ashes players playing: Langer, Hussey, Hodge and even Warney- he went for 1-113 so I'm sure we'll breeze the Ashes! It was a nice warm day as well so perfect for topping up the tan in front of some sporting action! Chris and I went out for a few drinks in the evening and stumbled into a Karaoke bar- unfortunately by the time we'd found a song to sing they'd run out of time so Perth were sparred my crooning abilities! 

Yesterday (Wednesday) we headed out of central Perth to Sorrento. We visited AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia) and saw many weird and wonderful fish- got my Neighbours fix by seeing a real Stonefish- remember him! Talking of Neighbours Lou is going out with Janelle over here... very scary stuff. After the aquarium we chilled out on Sorrento beech- it was the nicest day we'd had in Perth so far weather wise. In the evening there was a club offering backpackers all the beer you can drink for 5 pounds- and offer we could not refuse. We went with a cool guy from New Zealand (Patrick) and we proceeded to polish off all we could.... then treid to watch Chelsea V Barcelona but the fact that I couldn’t find the ball on the screen told me it was probably better that I went to bed!

Unsurprisingly today saw a late start! I sat in the hostel for a while with Patrick trying to piece together the previous nights proceedings. He had a flight to Sydney today but we may be meeting up with him later when our paths will cross again. Now I'm writing this journal to you guys!

We are heading off to Fremantle for the weekend tomorrow, then popping across to Rottnest Island, Cottesloe and will be flying to Adelaide around the 30th October.Take care guys and keep the messages coming!