Perth Glory

I’ll admit I was pretty apprehensive in the days leading up to this trip that, having built it up so much over the past few months, it wouldn’t be what I had hoped for.

Within an hour of my first morning in Perth, those fears were very firmly put to bed. A trip to Mullalloo beach was enough by itself to convince me that I was going to love it here.

It was like stepping into an episode of Home and Away. Sand as soft and as white as I had ever seen, the sea a mesmerising blue.

Jesus, even if I did nothing else for my next two weeks in Perth other than visit this beach it would have been worth the trip.

The above picture wasn’t staged, that’s genuinely how I felt that morning. A sense of awe. (‘He’s easily pleased’ says you)

Rather than give you a blow by blow account of my two weeks in Western Australia’s capital, I’ll summarise my highlights. (I’m writing this mid-air, somewhere over the bush between Perth and Brisbane)

The city itself

My first taste of the city was catching a 15 minute ferry across from South Perth over to the Central Business district. Fantastic views of skyscrapers and other architectural wonders distracted me from the choppy crossing.

It might look enormous but the main areas of the city centre are all within walking distance.

There’s plenty of trendy bars and restaurants, none of which are too pricey, although coming from Dublin has probably immunized me to gasping in horror at the cost of a meal out.

If it’s wild nightlife you’re looking for, keep passing through. I spent a Sunday night searching for a bar with a bit of a buzz but most places were either empty or closing at 10pm.

Unthinkable really for an Irishman. Do you know what though, I liked the fact that the people of Perth get by just fine without basing their social lives around late nights out.

It’s a different way of life, they’re early risers and head to bed by 10. They seem to prefer getting the best out of the day itself rather than what the night has to offer. I can certainly respect that.

The beach

Let me just point out that I normally hate going to the beach. Freezing cold water and sand stuck between your toes doesn’t quite do it for me.

The beaches here are special though. The water is a lovely cool contrast to the intense heat of the midday sun. The Ozzies thought it was freezing but compared to our own Irish sea, it felt like jacuzzi temperature.

Elliot and Tess brought me body boarding one of the days. I’m pretty sure that to anyone watching on, I resembled a pale white seal being carried to shore on a slab of polystyrene but I had my fun!

The torch light tour of Fremantle prison

Having recently finished the latest season of Prison Break on Netflix, I found this experience very enjoyable.

Freemantle prison closed in 1991 (great year!) having seen tens of thousands of prisoners enter through its gates over the course of a hundred or so years.

The tour is done after sundown and throughout the 90 minutes, the only light inside the buildings comes from the torches of those taking part.

There’s some gimmicky scares along the way for the jumpy ones of us (I didn’t even flinch once).

What I found most interesting was the sheer number of Irish ‘convicts’ that were sent there over the years. Some of them for pretty trivial crimes.

I even came across one or two fellow Egans in the prison log. Not entirely the scare a minute tour I expected but thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless from the point of view of a history buff like myself.

Lunch on the 33rd floor of ‘The C restaurant’

This was a real treat. Myself and Elliot went for the most picturesque ‘man date’ I’ve ever been on, two days before his wedding.

The restaurant is 33 floors up. All of the tables are on an extremely slow conveyor belt so that you’re guaranteed a 360° view of the city for the length of time that you’re there.

The food wasn’t half bad either!

Spending time with great people

Although we keep in touch through social media, nothing beats actually spending time with a person. Imagine that!

I hadn’t had that much time with Elliot since he abandoned me when I was 16!

It was so good to chat and laugh about old times as well as making new memories.

For Elliot and Tess to put up with me staying in their beautiful house for two whole weeks and make me feel so welcome was a credit to them.

Particularly seeing as they were preparing for their wedding day.

I won’t embarrass them by telling you how great they both are but seriously, they’re an amazing couple and are two of the nicest people you could meet.

Benji and Benjy! That’s Elliot and Tess’ pet dog. If I wasn’t continuing travelling for the next few months I definitely would have stolen him and brought him home as a brother for Henry!

I also managed to catch up with my cousin Chris who is a doctor in Perth. It was great to see him doing so well for himself. We grew up together in Lucan, so to be sitting over the other side of the world chatting to him was quite surreal.

The Wedding

The catalyst for this big adventure. I never would have taken the leap of faith to go on this trip if it wasn’t for the wedding.

I’ve been to some great weddings in my time but playing such a big part in this one (groomsman) bumps this up to top spot.

From the lovely ceremony at St Columba’s Catholic church to the Riverdance dance off between Tess’ father Bill and Elliot’s aunty Tracy at the reception (honestly haven’t laughed as much in ages at Bill’s attempt at Irish dancing) this day will be hard to top.

Rottnest Island (Rotto)

This deserves a post of its own when I get the time. Too much to say about it!

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Plane is just landing in Brisbane, my ears are killing me, I’m hungry and I’m cranky but very much looking forward to the arrival of the cavalry from Ireland. Their flight gets in three hours after mine.

Hoping to have posts up about Rottnest Island and the beginning of our big east coast road trip in the coming days. Watch this space!

Ben.