Hello everyone!

After a real blunder in Perth (I didn't book Sunday night at the Youth hostel and was kicked out on Sunday morning), I was again homeless. This time, my luck wasn't so forthcoming and I had to call upon an offer from Tony (I worked with Tony at Whitecity) that he had made earlier that week that if I ever was in trouble, I should just give him a call. Well, I had to, there were no vacancies anywhere in town. Tony was really cool even though I was totally embarrassed about not being organised enough (not like me really me, I know but it must have been too long since I had to add numbers...) but he really made me feel home.

So I had the chance of spending Sunday afternoon at different beaches with Darren and his girlfriend instead of panicking about where I was going to stay! We watched the Life saving Championships at Scarborough beach, had lunch at the Hillary Marina (apparently it is about 16,000km to London from there!) and then headed to Cottesloe beach. It was a very nice afternoon and I had the chance to relax in front of the TV (has been a long time that I had the choice of various English channels but admittedly, Aussie TV is definitely worse than English TV, yes, it really is possible) with a nice glass (or two) of Australian wine.

On Monday, I set off to Bunbury, a town further down the southwest coast. I arrived here midday and soon discovered that there really is nothing here. Admittedly some nice beaches but that is about it! Apparently, there is a 'Cappuccino strip' where, according to the tourist information brochure, I will find a cosmopolitan atmosphere among the many cafes and restaurants. I have taken a photo of the 'Cappuccino Strip', be the judge if you get the cosmopolitan atmosphere....

Went to the dolphin discovery centre this morning but no dolphins turned up. Ah well, but my ticket is valid for the next 6 months, so I can always come back. Yeah right. Afterwards, I went to the Big Swam Reserve, which is more like a big garden with some animals running around. Saw some kangaroos, emus, parrots and other funny creatures, so was quite amusing. But the walk around took all of 25 minutes (with plenty of stops to watch the animals that was) so you can see how big the 'Big' was....

Just waiting for the bus now, which will take me to Busselton. Public transport is great, there is one bus nearly every day, except weekends! I hope I am not sounding too sarcastic here! Busselton is 'famous' for its 2km long jetty which has become a great artificial reef with time. So I will be brave again and jump in on Wednesday morning, even though the water feels even colder than in Vietnam!! Hopefully they have better equipment here!

That's the news from me. Let me know what is new where you are, because I definitely need some news out here to know that I am still alive!

Take care everyone and as always, keep smiling!
Yvonne
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