YESTERDAY IN YORK

York was the first inland settlement in Western Australia. It is, therefore, categorised as an "historic city". It has a nicely preserved main street, but that sems to be a feature of most Western Australian towns. Even commercial centres ike Northam look quaint and "historic".

York sits in the fertile Avon valley and has been a major agricutural site sine settlement in the 1830s. But, York lost out to neighbouring Northam as a major rail head, so time seems to have passed it by.

Nevertheless, it's become a major tourist attraction in its own right. There's a auto museum and lots of buildings from the early 20th century.

40 km south stands Beverley. Another little agricutural town, but the home of an imipressive aero museum and seeral cappucine bars.

Time is money, so signing off for now.

Promise to get some pics loaded soon.

GREETINGS FROM A VERY EXPENSIVE INTERNET TERMINAL IN PERTH AIRPORT

Time's up for our time in Perth.

Spent this morning wandering around Kings Park overlooking the freeway city. Such a nice overlook of the skyscrapers, offices, Swan river and Swan brewery ruined by the freeway.

About to board Virgin Blue's express for Melbourne. Another two hour time difference to bugger up the body clock.

B'n'B

Comments about the B'n'B in Perth will have to wait until we move on the Melbourne.

The B'n'B is in the Perth suburb of Nedlands. Presumably named after Ned Flinders. Or, perhaps not?

Avon Valley

It's a fairly pleasant day in the community of York, about 60 miles east of banal and sterile Perth. Just finished a very nice falafel and salad roll, plus thick banana milk shake.

This part of the world reminds me a bit of central Texas around Austin: the rolling countryside, ranches every mile or so and small towns with a little remaining charm.

But, there are a few difference. It's sheep rather than cattle here. The accent is different. And, there's not much in the way of German influence that you get in Texas. Still, it's brought back memories of my visit to the LBJ ranch.

Taxi Drivers

What is it with taxi drivers?

Why do they want to engage in banal conversation? Do they think they will get a bigger tip?

The cab driver from home to Heathrow hardly let us in the cab before he had regaled us of tales of traffic jams on the M25 and around the Elephant and Castle. He even butted in with his own stories in the middle of a "private" conversation.

In Singapore, we got "Ah, England. Tony Blair!" Whatever happened to foreigners on recognising you were English saying: "Manchester United. Bobby Charlton"?

Packed the wrong clothes again

As usual I seemed to have packed the wrong clothes for holiday. Last time, the shorts didn't come out: that was Madeira in the rain and cold.

Well, Perth has not been too warm so far. Yesterday in Fremantle was windy and wet. Standing on the spit watching a big container ship come in was a bit like back home on a Bank Holiday Monday.

25 deg in Melbourne according to today's paper. So, let's home that weather holds. Otherwise, my shorts will stay put in the suitcase!

Changi

Just a few minutes before departure from Singapore. Sorry if I was a bit harsh on the city state. But, for all the efficiency, cleanliness and organisation, it just doesn't really grab me.

Perth, next stop!

Oh, and there'll be pics soon, I hope

Sling 'em back

Dateline: Singapore, sometime after alcohol.

When in Singapore, one must as a transitting tourist visit Raffles Long Bar for the obligatory Singapore Sling. One part gin, one part sweet something, one part more alcohol. Followed, of course, by Tiger beer. And, more Tiger beer.

Approx 12 hours 20 mins on the plane. The IFE (that's entertainment, to you and me) was f@ck#d. So, it meant alcohol and meal; zopiclone; sleep; fidget; bodily relief; more, fidgety sleep.

Singapore. What a place. Part Europe; part Asia; mostly Disneyland. How can such a vibrant place be so bland?

Monday beckons. More aluminum tubing. More checking-in and duty-free-ing. More immigration procedures and all that.

It's Perth and the Swan Lager River tomorrow. Bladders permitting.

At some stage, there may be pictures. But, tonight's internet cafe is lacking in USB portage.

All Packed and Ready to Go

Welcome, Possums

The Donut is about to embark on a three week odyssey to the land of the Golden Sun. Judging by the weather forecasts, looks like a rather cool and damp sun at the moment.

Anyway, it's off to Oz this evening. There'll be a short stop off in Singapore to catch breath and get a few hours of kip (and a Singapore Sling in Raffles Long Bar).

With any luck there'll be another post fairly shortly and some pictures from Down Under.

Just a wee experiment from the good folks who bring you I am a Donut.