I've been in Perth for almost a week now and I can honestly say it's not been an easy transition after spending about 5 months touring SE Asia. I think the first thing I noticed was the weather. I realise that Australia is still in the early stages of spring but I hadn't bargained for coming out of the airport and being able to see my breath at 5 am when I arrived from Singapore. Immigration and customs were easy, just tell them everything and you sail straight through! The shuttle buses don't start till 6 am from the airport but right away I got talking to some of the nicest ladies over a coffee who had just returned from holiday in Hong Kong. I also got talking to a guy and his wife about Perth and as the shuttle bus pulled into town he gave me almost a guided tour explaining everything we passed and where was best to go for anything I might need. I was wondering whether everyone was going to be this nice!

I will admit that I took a bit of a punt on the hostel I am staying in, the reviews online were not good but then again, if someone thinks something really small like the shower pressure isn't strong enough then they'll mark a place down. It is really cold in the hostel though and I imagine in the summer it gets roasting hot. It was only by some random coincidence that I managed to get booked into the same room for my entire stay. When I arrived I was informed I would have to change rooms 4 times which did not please me at all.

During my first day in Perth I thought I would get motivated and start to get all of my admin squared away. I opened a bank account, registered for a tax file number, got a mobile number and registered for Medicare. One very productive day which then led me to wonder what on earth I am going to do for my entire time here? I was jokingly informed at reception of what WA stands for. He told me it stands for Wait Awhile. I thought he was kidding till I discovered the cogs turn very slowly when I need something. I managed to do my first food shop which had my eyes bulging out at the price at the tills, holy hell it's not cheap! I really have to stop comparing things to Asia here and remember it's going to be more like the UK if anything else. I also finally managed to buy another jumper and a very suspect pair of jeans ( size 11? We don't have in between sizes in the UK so it took ages!) just as the weather turned really hot for the weekend! D'oh. I have met some nice people though, it took a few days I will admit that the hostel is not the best for being social.

I went to Kings Park with a guy called Paul from Bristol and got to see some amazing wildlife. Some of the birds there are the same as the ones in the Singapore bird park but they are free and not trapped in some enclosure. I have also realised that not everyone here is nice, after I saw a lady attack the side window of a car in the street I thought I would be more wary. Later on in the week I went walking round town, I went into the Perth mint, took a stroll down Riverside Drive and went to Herrisen Island. It is on Herrisen Island that I saw my first wild Kangaroos! Wow they're big! Once again used to humans as people were touching them despite signs everywhere saying not to etc.

This week I wish I could say I have been adventurous and been outside clubbing it up, but we've had pretty much a pipe and slippers week watching movies with a couple of people. I've extended my stay for another week, mainly waiting for mail of course so hopefully next week will be more productive!

The photograph is of the Kangaroo on Herrisen Island - isn't he cute!