Family in Mandurah and Hello Perth

Off we head to Mandurah. I was feeling a little Nervous because we were on our way to meet some extended family (3rd  cousins, we decided, who I have never met) Im sure you can understand. I had been assured by mum and dad that they were lovely people who would welcome us, so that did ease the nerves a little.  After grabbing some supplies from the best fruit and veg shop ever, spuds, we set off.

We arrived as they were leaving to head out to the shops, but they soon turned around and welcomed us in. Well, there was absolutely no need for nerves, Gail and Brett were friendly, and it felt as though we had known each other for years, and were just catching up. After a few good hours of talking, we met the youngest daughter Maddy, who was so sweet and friendly also. Then came in Kellie oldest daughter, and Brendan middle son, with girlfriend Chantelle and their son Aaron. Was lovely to meet all this family, and the talking did not stop.  After being sorted out with a street directory to help get us around Perth, we were handed some cream to repel mosquitos and a big net to live under when I am outside, who seem to be really attracted to me, (I think I may be allergic, as I break out in an itchy rash for a week after being bitten). We were offered a spare room in the house, and as the weather was so crappy I took up the offer, with Nick staying in the car with the girls. making ourselves at home with showers and washing clothes, the girlies were even allowed inside when Brett went to bed, it was time to call it a night round midnight. Nick went to bed earlier, and had to put up with the rain all night, and it leaked through the roof. Needles to say I had a brilliant night sleep, and someone else woke up a bit "shabby".

Given full access to the tool shed the next day, Nick went about fixing the leaking roof. I had my first bath in over 6 months, it was glorious!! We then went for a drive in the afternoon to explore the coast a bit and take the girlies for a beach walk. We went to Rockingham and towards secret harbor, I think.

 This was a cool little crater

 We got back just in time for dinner and to meet oldest son Aaron, who was down from the mines. I convinced everyone to pose for a photo afterwards.

 Then Maddy, a beauty technician by trade, gave me a full eye beauty "treatment" with an eyebrow wax, and tint and eyelash tint. I felt pretty relaxed and special, getting this done (it has been a while) and the results are stunning. Thanks so much Maddy.

 

 

We were off the next morning , so after convincing Gail that we had enough linen, and towels and Blankets to keep us warm, she let us start packing. With a wave we were off and it was nanna day anyway as Leane and Gail were taking the grandies to the beach, so we set off towards Freemantle.

 

 

We arrived and had a look around. Atfter finding somewhere to park we took the girlies for a wander and found the info centre. While I was in Nick ended up getting "bailed" up by this drunk guy, and it wasn't to pleasant. Remembering the advice from Mark warning not to park around "Freo" too many people out to make trouble, we felt we had seen enough and decided to go towards Perth.

 

 

As it is getting so cold, we have both agreed to make our time around Perth and surrounds a quick one because if we come back we would probably fly and land in Perth, from there we can hire car and explore the area more. So with thanks to Gail and Brett's handy street directory we navigated our way around and found Govinda's( Hare Krishna restaurant) where we could have a cheap feed. Also were able to add it on to our list of places we have eaten Govindas including; Thailand, New Zealand, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and now Perth

 

Great Value

We then pulled up at Coobe St carpark and landed this amazing view and decided that we would stay right here to camp. We did so the next night too! With all the traffic and people we both were a bit 'freaked' out particularly after being bush for the last few months, nothing can really prepare you for such a big city. We both loved Kings park and had a few days exploring around there, mainly to escape all the people, and walk the dogs. Its like  huge botanical / scrubland in the middle of the city.

 

We ate out a fair bit, keen to try some Vegan/ Vego food, and were very impressed at all the options Perth has available. They even have their own Veg restaurant food chain, called Utopia, of Formosa, depending on your destination. We had a lovely meal at PAW'S today, people and animal welfare. Everything in the café and store were vegan, so I had a field day, we even had a piece of baked berry cheesecake and a chocolate/caramel cream  sponge. What a way to say goodbye to Perth, thought we'd splurge as we are about to hit rice and 2 minute noodle country, with not many options. wish i'd taken a picture.

Well were off, set to chase the sun and get some warmth n our bones. Cant wait to see what North of Perth holds for us, here we come Barb and Jim, Kunnanura not long now :)