Emma: When in Perth there’s really only one place to head to on your first day: Cottesloe Beach. Big statement, but it is definitely one of my favourite beaches in the world. And this from a woman who loves Wells Next The Sea in Norfolk. Sadly, the weather in Perth was unseasonably grey and overcast - accurately representing the thousands of English cricket fans who found themselves at a loose end for three days. You could spot them trudging in disconsolate fashion round the city streets, unsuitably dressed for the chill wind in supporters T shirts, shorts and flip flops. Yours truly has been caught out by cold weather in Australia before now, so I felt particularly smug in my bright pink jumper and matching rain mac. It was obviously anything but a beach day, so dear family friends Ayn and Richard resorted to plan B.
A short train ride away from the centre of Perth is the booming town of Mandurah. There you will find the fascinating Giants Trail. These huge works of art - in effect enormous trolls built of reclaimed wood - are scattered throughout the area. Some are on beaches, others in woodland and nature reserves . They were designed by Scandinavian Thomas Dambo. He’s the world’s leading recycling artist and has created the trail as a game, aimed to bring tourists to Mandurah. We only got to inspect a couple as lunch was calling but I can highly recommend a trip to visit them. (Lunch at the local brewery is an hour well spent too!)
Today is a travel day. As everyone knows travelling takes ALL day, wherever you are going. Ramming clothes back into the suitcase (why is it there never seems to be enough room after the initial packing?) Then there’s the endless wait in the departure areas. Luckily Jonathan was entertained by a number of cricket fans who were happy to chew over the Test Match . I just kept him supplied with coffee. Always looking for the positives in any situation, Jonathan won a hair care kit in an airport raffle. Highly appropriate!
Next stop is Sydney. I’m not sure there is any city in the world that has such an iconic approach. If there is, let me know.
Tomorrow we set off on the Angel Flight adventure with Orange, NSW the first stop. Captain Cockpit and our friend Mark, Jonathan’s instructor and therefore the most important person on the plane - are very excited. And at least the captain of our Virgin Australia flight very kindly did a last-second go-around at Sydney just to get me in the mood!
There’s one person here who may have a restless night and be uncharacteristically quiet tomorrow morning
