We arrived Perth late night already. We were surprised that the 3 kids of Kuya and Ate are awake to fetch us in the airport. They also prepared a welcome banner for our arrival, so sweet of them. Upon arriving to their home, the kids also prepared a card and some treats in our room. All of our exhaustion from the travel surely went away. We did not have the energy to fix our things anymore so we called it a night right away.
We started the next day early. It was a Sunday so it is a Church day for us. We attended mass and I am really happy that we met some Filipino families there. After the mass, we had a picnic nearby King's Park and Botanic Garden.
So much fun to spend our Sunday with the fam bam. I love also that we had a picnic. Simple happiness :) I definitely miss this now
After having our lunch we went to roam around King's Park to see some botanic attractions. We were also able to see the state war memorial and DNA tower.
The beautiful twins with the equally attractive background
The other Penarandas at King's Park and Botanic Garden
Female Penarandas
Beautiful flowers blooming
There is so much to see as the Park is really huge. There are different guided tours / trails but we just chose areas that we would like to check out. I hope one day we can be back to explore the whole park.
I believe this one is one of the oldest tree in the Park. So massive and the bark really seems to have so much rings, an indication of their age.
View of the State War Memorial
Commemorating Western Australian Servicemen and women who were killed in action since World War I
Great view from the memorial. I am unsure though if this is Swan River
After our very informative tour, we went to the DNA tower and climbed up the top to see the view.
See why it is called DNA tower? :)
View from the top
After the tiring climb, we decided to leave the park and visit the nearby blue boat house. It a perfect shot for families and couples. You just have to wait in line since many also would like to have their photo taken there.
With the right light and camera, I am sure this is picture perfect
We lined up for this :)
After our photo session, we visited the Giant Slide where we played for a while with the kids. Last on our activity is visiting Elizabeth Quay. We were so tired so we were not able to look around the area anymore. We just captured some shots and head back home to finally call it a day.
They have a dinosaur exhibition during our visit
Elizabeth Quay Bridge
For our second day in Perth, kuya Jun and Ate Mylene arranged for another fun filled activity. We went strawberry picking, sand boarding and visiting the Pinnacles.
Oh those sweet strawberries! :)
These are truly delicious. We had been eating it in the car
Time for lunch! Pizza and Chicken
Hubby enjoying the sand boarding experience. He was brave now compared when we did this in Ilocos last 2016
The Pinnacles of Nambung National Park. These are wonderful limestone structures after the sea moved further away and left deposit of sea shells. Coastal wind removed the surrounding sand over time, leaving the pillars exposed to elements.
Marking that we went to the famous Pinnacles
We headed back home before the sun sets since this is a long drive back. I can also remember vividly that Kangaroos tend to go out in the hi-way as the sun sets leaving them prone to accident / death by car collision.
Our third day in Perth was allotted to a more relaxing experience. We went to Swan Valley for a wine and chocolate tasting. We also shop for honeys (real honeys!). In the afternoon, we went to Ikea. It was my first visit so I was so amazed and inspired by the set-up.
Wine and Chocolate Tasting. Perfect Pairing.
I remember how strong those chocolate liquors were
So many free tasting! Chocolate heaven
Another wine tasting activity in Lancaster. We are kinda drunk already. Purchased cheese as well
Honeymooner shot in a winery
After our shopping spree, we headed back home to rest for a while then Kuya drop us off to Ikea to look around and shop. I was so happy since this was a first for me. I really hope one day, we can get to decorate our own humble home. May I also commend how yummy and affordable the food in the cafeteria are?
Day 4 in Perth was spent in a morning stroll at a nearby beach with ate Mylene and Kuya Jun. They also treated us for a morning snack in a cafe. Oh how loving to have this relaxing activity on a vacation. I had appreciated life in Australia more.
2 pairs of Mr and Mrs P
Coffee Art
We later on went to the city to tour around. Kuya just drop us off in the nearby train station. I love this part as we just helped ourselves navigate around the city. We also met with my other college friend, Jean and his husband for dinner.
This is what welcomed us after alighting from the train
Gothic architecture
An orthodox chruch near London's Court
I am unsure what this one is trying to depict
Postcard Perfect
St. Mary's Cathedral
Glad we were able to go inside this catholic church
Fascinated by this shop that sells soldiers' stuff
Spring time in Perth
I am fascinated by this alley (London's Court)
Meet Jean, my college orgmate
So much to see in the city center
Thanks Jean and Eric for this lovely Korean dinner
It is quite late already so we had to head back to the train station. On our way home, there were too many drunk passenger that got us scared so we asked Kuya Jun to pick us up in the train station. Glad we went home safely after the sumptuous meal.
Our fifth day in Perth was so thrilling. We were given by Kuya's family an experience that's one of a kind - indoor skydiving. I was so nervous and excited to try it. I made a boo boo mistake during orientation, I did not catch the correct position during the session so my session turned into a disaster. I was not floating properly and my shoe flew to the chute. It was embarrassing, but it was an unforgettable moment.
Mr. and Mrs. P is so thrilled
Thumbs up to this wonderful experience
After our adventurous trip, Kuya dropped us to Fremantle. The place is a major Port City in Australia. The city still contains well preserved architectures from the 19th century. Wished we had more time to check the place since the old vibes is so captivating. There is so much history waiting to be unfold to tourists like us.
Our first stop was the Fremantle Prison. It is one of the most fascinating cultural attraction. This jail is initially used by convicts from Great Britain. Later on, locally sentenced prisoners used this. There were a lot of resistance to changes in the prison that resulted to a riot in 1988. Guards were kept as hostage and a fire broke that resulted to damage. The prison was closed by 1991. You can experience goosebumps inside as you tour the 6 hectare property. You can imagine the hardship being jailed and how lonely it could be especially for those isolated in maximum security.
Fremantle Prison facade
Grounds of Fremantle Prison
The insides where each convict stayed
It was an eye-opening experience. No wonder why there are also special night tours. The place is so creepy and well preserved. You can learn so much about the prisoners' lives inside. Husband and I decided to enjoy the other parts of Fremantle to discover more about the port life there. We also went souvenir shopping for our happy pill.
My sailor
Happy husband done shopping
A church near the train station
We decided to call it a day since we need to commute back to Kuya's place. Definitely, we would love to spend more time in Fremantle next time we visit Perth.
We were fortunate that we got to visit Hilary's on our second to the last day. I was told that this area is home of the richest in Perth. They really got a nice view and there were a lot of privately owned ship / yacht. Kuya and Ate toured us and we got some post-shoot for the 2 sets of Penarandas. :)
What does it feel like to own one?
Amazing!
See the happy honeymooner faces?
Spending quality time for our last few days in Australia
In the afternoon, we wento to Mullaloo Beach with the kids and Ate and Kuya to try fishing. The weather seems to be trying to be good to us, but it did quite drizzle during our time. After the slight rain shower, we had the most amazing sunset ever. Our fishing experience though was quite fun since we only catch puffer fish (which is not edible).
View while trying to cast
Almost sunset
My most amazing, wonderful sunset. No words can fit this memory
There was actually a whale or dolphin that said hello to us with this view
Thanks, Mullaloo!
Post Nup overlooking the beautiful sunset
Memories we will forever cherish
Before our flight back to Manila, we had our last picnic lunch with our beautiful family. I also learned that there is a tradition where people leave stones with drawings for other to find and hide again for the next person. We got this in the park.
A piglet on my stone
Starting to feel summer already in Perth
Super fine sand in Perth. Too bad we did not get to swim
This entry had long been overdue, but I am glad it is finally up. We are so grateful to Kuya and Ate for accommodating and touring us around Western Australia, mainly Perth. The several days we had with you will forever be cherished. Thank you so much and We miss the fam bam already! :)
