Opening the dossier

Phew, where to start? Like most of my previous diary-type enterprises I have fallen behind already.

The weekend in Perth was a success. We've decided that Fremantle (or 'Freo' as I should perhaps now start calling it, as a future local) will be our new home. We checked out a few of the inner city suburbs of Perth, quite liked them, will return to visit, but felt that Freo had a lot more happening. So, when we arrive in a little over 2 weeks, the house-hunt will begin.

We thought we liked Subiaco in the day time, but luckily returned at night to discover that we didn't. From what we can gather there is one pub: the Subiaco Hotel (yes, I managed to remember that without notes). The Subiaco is a beautiful building, but unfortunately it's populated by people with pretensions to being even more beautiful. And no chairs. Now I don't know about you, but for me a pub is not about standing up in heels looking gorgeous - that's what weddings are for. So one drink in the window observing the passing, scantily clad crowd sealed the deal for us and we fled to Northbridge for the rest of the evening.

Some items for the fact file:
- Perth real estate agents seem even more self-important than Sydney ones. And they don't run open house inspections as a general rule - appointments are more the norm.

- We struggled to find decent food that wasn't obscenely expensive - actually even the expensive food was a bit rubbish. Turns out we are spoilt in Sydney. *sigh*

- Perth is much bigger than any 'big country town' I've been to, so you naysayers can please stop describing it as such.

- Perth is really beautiful. The beaches, the river, Kings Park - all lovely.

- As much as it's possible to generalise (and I plan to do so, wildly) we found Perth-ites (Perthians?) friendly and open. This bodes well for two friendless refugees from Sydney.

- Despite our best intentions we managed to discuss the issues of Sunday trading and daylight savings. Luckily the locals were very patient with us....