Arriving in a chilly Perth (compared to the heat of Asia) I make my way to the city backpacker YHA the culture shock over the next three days was immense ! Getting used to the cost of everything and accepting that i could no longer take advantage of the cheap massages, food and manicures as part of my daily budget really hurt... I also had to buy a hooded top to keep me warm in the evenings !
So i bed down in a 4 bed female dorm...the nights are busy, doors slam, people party into the morning, snoring, loud voices...arrrrrgggghhh ! a bout of home sickness sets in and I find myself struck dumb and slightly unenthusiastic about my month in OZ...
Youth hostels and Backpacker places for those who have not had the experience is like being on a school camp...fully equipped kitchens are provided to do your own cooking (when not full or so messy its impossible) everyone has a little section in the fridge with labels all over food items (many of which are far beyond the sell by dates and stink)and you generally sleep in bunk beds with 4-10 other people and have a locker for your gear. After night 1 i have almost decided that i am now too old for this hotel lark that is until i jump down from my bunk to find a little 80 year old woman (also on a round the world trip) snoring loudly below me...reiterating the real diversity of people you find in "youth hostels"
The first night came and went the second came and went...Met Shona a great Scottish girl in the hostel...she had just arrived and feeling in the same boat. We wandered the city of Perth...did not like it really apart from the art gallery and museum which was excellent...went to the suburb beach communities nearby and enjoyed them but still felt lacking.
By day three drastic action was required...I decided to book a road trip with a small local company with 9 other people...thinking the companions would pick me up, less effort required to drive and plan and it was only a bit more than the basic bus ticket between Perth and Broome or car hire it would be a new experience having never done a company organised tour for more than a day or two before...Shona decided to join me the big brother road trip begins...
Pics shows (road trip mates Nina and Heiki) hostel room example...we were rather proud of our mess...random big blue Perth sky, kangaroos (not alive ones !) the museum and sign that made me giggle (very immature !)
3 comments:
Nah, don't believe you are too old for anything! Sounds like you made a good choice to let someone else do all that driving....can't wait to see you in just a few weeks! H&G XXX
Yes you are too old!
Go down the cost to the Margaret river wine region, if you have time. Alternatively, go up to something called the pinnacles which you will have to run naked around like Billy Connelly did. We look forward to the pictures.
Hi Heather - apols for being slack and not having emailed for a while - I am busy tying up loose ends in preparation for maternity leave starting in 2 weeks - baby number 2 due in 4 weeks! I am currently working from home as too uncomfy to do the daily jaunt from Hexham to Durham......
Enough about me - so good to spend an few minutes catching up on your adventures through the last (god knows how many) entries - I am so pleased that you sound as though you are still thoroughly enjoying your travels - although I have to admit bunking down in a dorm - er, no thanks! I know that I am definitely too old for any of that malarky! Vietnam sounds amazing though I am really envious of you! Look forward to the next installment(s)...... take care, lots of love Al (J and Esmee too) xxx
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