Saying Goodbye to Perth

At Kings Park by the Ancient Boab Tree

The West Australian Aboriginals decided to replant an ancient Boab tree in King's Park to save it from destruction due to a road widening project.  The tree is reputed to be 750 years old and was driven almost 2,000 miles.  This was just one of the memorable things we saw on our last day touring Perth. 

Kings Park is a beautiful place in the heart of the city.  Over 1,000 acres was set aside by the forward thinking inhabitants of the city back in 1800s.  It has spectacular views of the city skyline and the Swan River.  It has fantastic plants and fauna that are not found in any other parts of the world.

It was a gorgeous day, perfect for the park.  Check out our  Pictures.

Our hosts also drove us to Cottesloe, reputed to be one of Prince Charles' favorite beach destinations.  We could see why.  The beach was pristine with white sand and we really enjoyed having coffee at Indiana Teahouse.    As we headed home, I thought about the great time we'd had. 

Our hosts, Linda and Colin, immigrated to Australia from Lancastershire, England in 1982.  They arrived with 3 little girls and their goal was a better life for all of them.  They had to stay in immigrant housing for quite a while before they could move on with their life.  Now almost 32 years later, they are recently retired after running a successful business and Linda helping him and also being a nurse early in her career.  They have 3 grown daughters and 5 fabulous grandchildren. We could not have stayed with nicer people.  As we gave them a group hug in the airport, I had a lump in my throat because we will miss them.  We hope that they will stop by Florida for a visit the next time they are in the U.S. 

The Perth Friendship Force is a fantastic group of people - so warm and friendly.  We had a great time at the Farewell Dinner and laughed at their puppet show skit of the song Waltzing Matilda.  We joined the Texans in teaching them the dance, the Cotton-eyed Joe.  Such a good time and wonderful memories!  On to Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayers Rock), the Outback tomorrow!

Cottesloe Beach's Indiana Tea House

Puppet Show for Waltzing Matilda



Our fabulous hosts, Colin and Linda, with Joanne