Eat Pray Love - The story of my trip

10 October

Having braved public transport and battled the streets of Perth, Sasha, Jai and I finally made the family meal.  It was the first time most of us had been together, which made it special.  Dinner was great apart from the delay in Stomie's food.  Still, it was nice to be around family after a few months away.

11 October

Marcus went away for the weekend down south, so I had the house to myself.  It was quite nice at first but then loneliness kicked in.  It's the first time, in over 3 months that I'd been on my own and had time to think about where I was or rather how far I was away from home.  During my Roadtrip in Vietnam, I picked up a book called "Eat Pray Love".  I'd been wanting to read it for a while but for some reason, I couldn't get into it for love nor money.  It was only during a chat with an old friend that she pointed out that this film reminded her of me.  But why?  It's based on a true story about a lady (played by Julia Roberts) who after a tubulant year (much like mine) decided to book a trip of a lifetime.  She chose to go to Italy so that she could EAT magnifent food, PRAY in the temples of India and find LOVE in Bali.  The latter certainly wasn't listed in my "reasons" but the basis of the story is definitely similar.  Apparently, I remind a few of my friends of Julia Roberts and if I meet my own Javier Bardem, then I certainly won't complain!

http://youtu.be/mjay5vgIwt4

Glory 'fun day' and our day trip to the largest aquarium in WA-AQWA

6 October

Having spent the morning watching Sasha play Futsal, we headed over to Freo to attend the Glory 'fun day'.  The Glory are Perth's professional football (soccer) team and every year, they put on a free event for the kids.  This year, they had games, soccer tournaments and a BBQ but most importantly, the players were left to wander around and take pictures/sign autographs for the kids.  It's such a terrific idea and one that other international clubs should adopt.

8 October

What is a better day trip for half term than a trip to the Aquarium.  Considering I only have the Sealife centre In Rhyl to compare it to, I was relitively impressed with the place.  The walking-tank was certainly the highlight for me as it allowed you to get so close to the sharks but for the kids it was the touch-pool.  Petting a stingray and a baby shark is something they won't forget in a hurry.

9 October

We headed up to Swan Valley to visit Sasha and Jai's nan. It was great to see her and get out of the city, into the countryside to feed the horses.  On our way home, we stopped off at Margaret River chocolate factory for free chocolate!  Who am I to refuse free chocolate?  On our way home, we stopped via Hungry Jacks for my first frozen coke.

In the evening, Becca and I went out to Leaderville.  We started at the Leaderville hotel which was a huge building with a different music scene on each floor.  Sadly, the place was full of seedy guys and thankfully it shut at midnight, so we headed to what looked like a shed in the middle of the car park- The Hippy Club.  Thankfully the night got better and we danced the night away until the early hours of the morning.  It was so good to get out of the house! 

Exploring the WA Coastline

3 October

Bri decided to take us on a family day out.  After months of being away from home, it was so nice being around a familiar face.  It was also great to see the beautiful coastline of WA.  We managed to pack-in Leighton, Cottesloe, City and Scarborough beaches before heading to Hilary's boat harbour for a spot of lunch.  Although the scenery was beautiful, it's true what they say about it being FULL of Brits!  I felt like I was in Scarborough,Yorkshire not Scarborough in Australia! 

Just before we headed home, we swung past my cousin's office/gallery.  It was great to see him after all these years but even better to meet 'Beans' the dog.  We also drove past Claremont which is where Iain used to live!  Surreal seeing the school where he used to work!

Funniest picture: Max drinking out of the tap. That's what happens when you get above 30C!

My first AFL Grand Final and trips to Freo

28 September

It's my first weekend in Perth and it's the AFL Grand a Final (Freo Dockers vs Melbourne).  This is the first time that Freo have ever made it to a grand final so the atmosphere around town was exciting.  All around the streets of Perth, there were banners, flags and people wearing purple.  Much to Marcus' disgust, Shona and I managed to persuade him to drive to Freo and watch the match.  When I asked him about the rules he replied "it's the only game where you get a point even if you miss".  So very true!

In the evening, Marcus cooked us a Roast Dinner.  It was amazing!  Then Georgia, Nati and I went out for drinks in Freo to the Norfolk hotel followed by the club Metros.

30 September

As it was Georgia's day off, we took the bus into Freo to do a bit of exploring.  Freo is a lot nicer than I'd pictured it.  It's a town with a lot of character and unlike the rest of Perth, the council have kept the forsades of the buildings.  It's also a quirky town with a Victorian twist which actually reminded me of Llandudno.  After wandering around taking photos, we headed off to Little Creatures for lunch.  The bar itself is attached to the brewery, allowing you to watch the beer being made as you sip your pint! The warehouse effect sort of reminded me of Shoreditch in London.  We then met up with Andrew to wander the markets and grab a hot chocolate (heated by candlelight) at San Churio.

First few days in Perth, WA

24 September

The flight to Perth was fine but the same cannot be said for the service I received on Tiger Airways.  I'd been pre-warned about them but decided to give them the benefit of the doubt.  I deliberately hadn't eaten as I was aware that Australia don't allow you to enter the country with any foreign food.  So, I went to buy dinner but the hostess refused to take my credit (close to expiry) and debit card (not as safe as credit).  Ridiculous!  To say I was annoyed is an understatement, especially considering the flight was 6 hours.  I won't be using Tiger again, if I can avoid it.

Having safely collected my bag, I met Marcus and Jai at arrivals and headed back to his.  It was so good to have my own room and a wardrobe again.  In the evening, Marcus and I went for dinner at his local - Bad Apples.  I loved the place, it's a great wine bar which even has automatic wine pouring machines - genius!

25 - 27 September

The next few days were spent today tedious tasks such as setting up bank accounts, getting a haircut and buying a pair of jeans as it's not as warm here as it was in Asia!  Sizes here are strange too.  I've also spent time with the kids (Jai and Sasha) and Max the dog, which has been nice.  They've all made me feel so welcome.  I also made a new friend (Georgia) who works at the local shopping centre.  She's British and used to live in London so we have a lot in common.

Home of the Singapore Sling and final thoughts on Singapore

23 September

This morning felt bitter sweet - I'm excited to see the family but sad to say farewell to the lads and to an incredible weekend in Singapore.  The problem was, how do I top such a phenomenal weekend?!  Well, after spending the weekend surrounded by engines and testosterone, I opted for a girly afternoon of shopping and dining at where-else but the home of the Singapore Sling- Raffles.

The building was beautiful with its colonial features and open terrace.  My Gran and Grandad had been for high-tea and I believe that AG (Auntie Gillian) had sampled their cocktail menu in the past.  I decided on the tea. It certainly wasn't Tetley but it was still pretty good considering the fact that most of Asia think Lipton is "proper tea".  I managed a bit of shopping and a few souvenirs before heading back to the hostel and bidding farewell to the lads.

In the evening, I went with the German crew to see the lightshow at Marina Bay, paid a trip to China Town, packed my bag and crawled into bed.  Tomorrow I fly to Perth for some well-earnt TLC!

Final thoughts on Singapore:

Food: You can get any cuisine here from Vietnamese and Thai to American/European!  I liked that about it, variety is the spice of life after all.

Shopping: It's certainly one of the better places I've been to but yet it's still pretty expensive for Asia.

Culture: There is certainly a lot to cover in a few days but beyond that I think I'd get a little bored.  3-5 days is plenty as a tourist.

Would I go back? Most definitely.  There are a few places that I didn't get chance to go to. I would certainly pick it as a stop-over again.

Next stop: Perth

Singapore - A weekend of non-stop F1 action

20 September

Having battled taxis, a bus and immigration, I made it to Singapore in good time.  Once thing I have noticed on this trip is the lack of information given to tourists.  As we arrived into the city centre, the bus pulled in, hurled our bags out and sent us our merry way.  I had no idea where I was and there wasn't even a taxi insight.  Luckily for me, a local spotted that I was a little lost and guided me to the metro station.  Having used these systems a number of times now, I found my way fairly easily.  

I'd booked 5 nights in The River City Inn in Clarke Quay.  Given its glowing reviews on tripadvisor, I was expecting a lot and it definitely met my expectations.  It was 5 min walk to the metro but more importantly 10 min walk to the circuit.  The negative was the 2 flight walk-up but I got over that fairly quickly. At first I thought I was the only one going to the race, but it soon became apparent that there were quite a few of us.  Upon arrival, I met a German couple who were also heading out to get their tickets/lanyards. The girl had bought her bf the tickets for his birthday - cute huh?  We collected them from a rather up market hotel next too the town hall and the main entrance.  They provided you with some much needed ear plugs and Information pack.  As we stepped through the gate, I heard the first roar from a V8 engine.  I remember smiling and thinking to myself "you definitely made the right decision".  That sound just gives me goosebumps all over.  Before sitting down to watch practice 1 and 2 , I went to the stand to buy a cap and top, McLaren of course!  Yes, I'd become a super-fan...

21 September

That morning we all sat at the breakfast table and analysed the practice sessions.  It was so nice to be around like-minded enthusiasts many of whom had travelled from Europe or Oz, just for the race.  Many people say that this race is special.  I'm not sure whether it's the location or because it's a night race but they are spot on.  It's honestly like no other.

Before heading to qualifying, I took a wander around Singapore to get my bearings and decided to buy a SIM card.  In reality it was only a tenner, but it meant that I could steam the commentary.  I also bought a new SD card for my camera and stumbled across M&S where I stocked up on Percy Pigs...for the kids of course!

Qualifying was close but as predicted Vettel was as on pole with Rosberg closely in 2nd.  My seats were perfect as I was close to the track but I also had a glorious view over Marina Bay.  However, I wish I'd been on a corner as taking photos was pretty tough at times.  Luckily for me, the other lads took some great shots too.  In the evening, we went to watch The Killers play their set.  As usual, I pushed my way to the middle and danced like a crazy person until the early hours.

22 September

After spending the morning analysing the qualifying results, I took a wander to Marina Bay and one of the most famous hotels in Singapore- Marina Bay Sands.  Unlike the quaint features of Raffles, this hotel consists of 3 towers including a casino and a shopping centre.  It also has a roof top pool the length of buildings with a view to die for.  It really is quite something.  Is it worth the $25 fee?!  Yes but there are ways and means around it. I went to the concierge desk and ask for a ticket to the roof top bar. As with most of the places in Singapore, there was a dress-code and providing you adhered to it, the entrance fee was free.  The views were memorable and the pool was quite something too!

In the evening, it was time for the main event- the race!  I met up the Perth lads to watch the Porshe race then I hung around to watch the drivers parade.  It was so strange being up close to some of my idols but one I'll never forget.  The race was unsurprisingly won by Vettel meaning it was time to drown our sorrows!  We headed for the arena to watch Rhianna and managed to spot the German lads (Seb and Andre) in the crowd.  After dancing the night away, we all agreed to end of weekend in style- drinking beer on the famous "drinking bridge" followed by more beer and dancing at a bar in Clarke Quay.  Clay Andre and I walked to get a maccies at 5.30am not realising the breakfast menu had started thus disappointed faced all round but a good end to a great weekend.