Friday 3 February: Perth

 We sleep for 12 hours and wake feeling pretty okay. Nice breakfast in our hotel sitting out on a balcony: delicious home made granola, fruit bread and enormous buns that defeat us. It is just a bit cooler and we manage a pleasant walk through the commercial city area to the Elizabeth Quay with its high rise glass buildings and sculptured bridges. We take a boat cruise down the Swan River towards Fremantle that helps us to get our bearings. There is much reference to James Stirling who discovered the area but little mention of the numerous Aboriginals that we gather he slaughtered in the process. The rest of the commentary seems to focus on the cost of the real estate on the shoreline and the millions of dollars of Government investment in various projects! It is scenic and comfortable and a good way to spend 3 hours. Refreshed with an iced coffee we head up the hills to King’s Park and arrive extremely moist! The botanical gardens are attractive albeit somewhat dry and there are fine views and some impressive Boab trees. A free bus shuttle takes us back to the city and a short stroll back to the hotel. We have a drink on the roof terrace and enjoy an impressive sunset over the city. Dinner at Petition Restaurant which has a great atmosphere. We share tempura zucchini flowers, swordfish ceviche and blue eyed trevella, a type of cod. All very delicious and washed down with a glass of WA wine of course. Simon enjoys a chilled red. We stay awake until 10.30!