Fremantle Snaps, Perth 2013

I will forever associate Perth with the colour blue. Those blue skies and blue seas. I have never seen anything like them anywhere else. A lot of people say that Perth is boring and slow, and to that I say, what's wrong with that? We all need a bit of boring and slow in our lives, especially when it comes in that wonderful blue package. I am already looking forward to another Down Under escapade. As far as I am concerned, it can't come soon enough.

Swan Valley, Perth 2013

Perth Journal Day 06

Initially, we planned to drive to the Margaret River wineries but after finding out how exactly how far away it was, we decided to keep it simple with a drive to the closer Swan Valley region. Before entering the Valley, we stopped off at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in the town of Guildford. There, the lovely guides introduced us to the various establishments in the Valley and recommended the places we should visit or have lunch. I highly recommend you do that if you are a first-time visitor because they are so many choices in the Valley, it can get overwhelming.

It was a truly beautiful day to drive around the Swan Valley, blue skies and white clouds. We couldn't have asked for a better last day in Perth. Armed with the map and recommendations, we took an easy drive through the valley, stopping at places we thought would be interesting or were recommended by the Visitor's Centre. We stopped in at Sandalford Wines and Houghton Winery. Sandalford had on display some heritage vines that were planted in 1890 and are still producing grapes (second image in this set)!

For lunch, we decided on Mash Brewery & Restaurant. I really like that cheeky gorilla and garage feel they have going on in that place. So many hilarious ape and beer puns all over too! Both the food and the beer was really good. We had the fish & chips and buffalo wings, accompanied by a glass of Crush beer. Perfect holiday food.

After that yummy lunch, we stopped for a scoop of ice cream at the delightfully old-fashioned Oggie's Ice Cream Cafe. Seems like many others had the same idea too. I ordered a scoop of whiskey (yes, whiskey!) ice cream. While enjoying my ice cream, I poked around the shop and discovered they stocked tins upon tins of old-fashioned candy. I imagine many of the older customers must love re-discovering all their favourite childhood candies and buying up truckloads to reminisce about yesteryear.

Rottnest Island 02, Perth 2013

Perth Journal, Day 05 (cont...)

It may have been difficult. I may have been huffing and puffing more than I should. But it was worth the cycle for my first encounter with a lighthouse. Wadjemup Lighthouse was built in 1896 and was a replacement for the original lighthouse on Rottnest Island. Wadjemup is the Aboriginal name for Rottnest Island. With Rotto being one of the larger islands near Fremantle and usually sighted first by ships, the lighthouse is responsible for guiding ships to the Fremantle Port and the Swan River.

When we got to the lighthouse, I was surprised to find out that despite it being a working lighthouse, tours (paid) were provided by volunteer guides. With a recent project at work and my own research on the Horsburgh Lighthouse on one of Singapore's islands, I am used to thinking of lighthouses as strategic and military sensitive property where access is forbidden. Unfortunately we didn't have the time to take the tour because we had to make sure we got back to dock in time for our return ferry. I would have loved to climb the 155 steps to the top. (Psst. Although pamphlets state that no water is sold  on the island except at Thomson Bay, the friendly lighthouse guides has a secret stash of ice-cold water. Just so you know...)

After the lighthouse, we headed inland where we cycled past some really gorgeous lakes (and thankfully, flat land). The waters looked really clear but unfortunately the lakes were closed. I am so glad I switched over to Provia slide film by this point. I can't get over how gorgeous the lakes look.

One day on Rottnest Island wasn't enough, there is still so much of the island to explore. I know that this place will definitely be on my itinerary whenever I make a trip to Perth!

One Day, Taipei 2012

Here are some photographs I took as I walked around Taipei by myself. Being able to travel alone for that one day counted as one of my achievements for 2012. My other great achievement of 2012 was successfully running a 5k.

When I look back, I will remember this year when I let myself upset my work-life balance. I was spending too much time at work, being affected by it even when I was outside of the office, secluding myself at home, not taking enough days off to rejuvenate. I was working hard but not playing hard enough. Sure, I received a nice bonus for all my hard work but inside it doesn't feel enough. I have never felt so mentally disturbed or unbalanced (not in the crazy sense) before.

Therefore, for 2013, I am setting out to FIND. I would like to:

FIND myself
FIND inner peace
FIND time
FIND what i like to do

It seems like a pretty tall order but right now I just want to take that step forward and see where it leads.