13th June 2005

Albany

Woke up this morning. Discussed that we should go for breakfast, then head down to Albany Plaza where we could get food and most importantly get some toys for m&m, especially marcus since he is homesick.

The place where we had breakfast was really nice. It was very nicely decorated and the man was very hospitable. Made us some hot drinks too. The weather today was much better than yesterday. Heard on the news the previous nite that 12th June was the wettest winter and coldest day in almost 40 years of Perth’s history. It was like hovering at 10 degrees Celsius yesterday afternoon.





Anyway, after breakfast, went to k mart 1st. when we reached the entrance, we saw Thomas the train ride. Spend $2 in the ride for m&m. went into k mart, needless to say, marcus bought himself a Thomas train set. $50. mabel bought herself some Barbie magnetic thing where you could change her clothings $10.

After k mart, went to coles to buy food for dinner. Before we left Albany Plaza, they wanted to sit Thomas the train ride again.

Next, we head off to the Gap and the Natural Bridge. This time, the wind was not as windy as yesterday, waves were not hitting as strong, we could at least make our way to the viewing platform. Have to carry m&m becos it was difficult for them to balance and walk in the wind. The wind was very strong for them. Even as I carry mabel, I could feel the resistance as the wind was blowing.

The view is wonderful, lovely, beautiful. You cannot help but be amazed by the work of nature. There was this gap formed between two rocks. And the waves juz keeps hitting at it, causing some splashes at times. Then some distance away was the Natural Bridge. Geographically, it’s known as the arch. It was beautiful as well, I think beautiful is not good enough to describe it. Awesome?













With kids, we did not dare to venture too far out. But I realized that m&m were brave. Standing on the platform with the waves hitting below, they were not scared.

After that, we went to the beach nearby to have lunch. Chilly wind, but that didn’t stop m&m from going to the playground. After that, we came back to the room. They started playing with their new toys immediately.





We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening in the room. Mr Tan was not feeling well. Cooked simple meal this evening, macaroni soup.

Marcus slept early too, before 9. wish he could do the same in Singapore. But I guess there is too much distraction for him in Singapore for him to sleep early. Same as me, with no internet access here, I have nothing to do in the nite, so I tend to go to bed early. 10 plus by Singapore’s standard is early.

Oh yah, it is my birthday today. 30th birthday, and I got a birthday surprise for Mr Tan.

14th June 2005

Hyden

Woke up earlier in the morning becos we have a long way to travel. Started off at 8am.

Nearly lost our way on our way to Hyden. Luckily we turned back and back tracked a little.

Anyway, when we reached Hyden, we went to the Wave Rock first. It is really amazing to be there, looking at the Wave Rock. M&m juz enjoyed sitting at the bottom, like sun tanning like that.









our only family portrait for australia, i think




Need to look for accommodation. Stayed near the Wave Rock, it’s called Wave Rock Resort. It is cottage style, the cottage is made of bricks and about 15 units of cottages are smacked in the middle of a bush land. It is really bush living at its best.







it's afternoon, but it's very cold, u can see me curling up


When we go to the village to buy things, Hyden is a very small town. It has a population that is between 400 to 600. but the people are really nice and friendly.
Anyway, we spent the late afternoon in the room. It was very very very cold

15th June 2005

Perth, Scarborough Beach

Again we decided to set off early and drive as much as we could. We had breakfast 1st, then we set off towards the Pinnacles. We covered a long way today. I drove nonstop for 1 hour 20 mins. Hands were numb at the end of the driving.

For lunch, we stopped by this town and it was manned by a Chinese couple. We had fried noodle and fried rice. These 2 dishes never taste so nice.

At about 3pm, we decided that we have to stop over at Perth, becos we couldn’t possibly drive up to the Pinnacles. So I scouted for a place to stay, decided on a coastal region becos we had been and will be staying in the city centre. So came to this part of Perth called Scarborough Beach. Checked into this lovely serviced apartment, Seashells. Wow, it was really nice, the balcony has a view overlooking the Indian Ocean. There were people surfing in the ocean. It was really beautiful and romantic to be living here. There is a bathtub, looks like m&m can swim after all. It is really a nice place, I would not mind staying here for another nite.

too excited, the 1st pic, not taken well








the bathtub where m&m swam


We talked about it and decided that we shall drive up to Pinnacles on 16th, then drive back to this place again, then on the 17th, we will juz relax ard here, then on the 18th, drive back to Perth city to return the car and 19th back to sg.

16th June
Pinnacles

it was a long drive to the Pinnacles. it's really torturing. Mr Tan drove there.... it was raining and the highway is full of big trucks, it's really energy zapping.

by the time we reach there, i guess i didn't have the energy to go and appreaciate the pinnacles, juz rocks.... let the pictures do the talking.









when we drove back, it's already night, actually it's only 530 - 600, but it's pitch dark already.

very tired.

17th June
Scarborough beach

today, we juz relax ard this area, went to the beach, people were surfing, as usual, m&m were playing with the sand. they were happy.

18th & 19th June
Perth

drop by Uncle Peter's house to return the map. at night, becos we dun have the car anymore, uncle peter and auntie lisa will bring us out for dinner. had a great time with them.

some pics we took on the last day. flight is 5 something, so we had plenty of time. but i'm only putting 1 here, the rest not so nice



that's the end of our perth story