In case you hadn’t figured out their numbering system – the day you board is Day 1 and the day that you get off doesn’t count.
So, since I have already talked about the ship (it hasn’t changed), and some of the people, I thought instead to mention some of yesterday.
We docked on the 9th and were released to freedom around 0715. I was one of the first (no surprise). For $11.60AU you can buy an all day transportation pass for the local area. Or you can pay as you go. Since I wanted to take the train to Perth and back + the Ferry’s, the pass seemed the way to go.
So – I took the train. Then walked to Barracks Ferry Point and took the ferry across the Swan River both ways. Of note, the Ferry Captain is a Dane named Soren, recruited to come to Australia in 1988. He came, he stayed.
From there the Bell Tower was just opening. So if you wondered what ever happened to the Bells of St Martins-in-the-Field, the answer is on the fourth level of the Perth Bell Tower. I didn’t stay long enough to watch the Change Ringers practice. Took the CAT (local inner free bus system) to the Australian Museum and Art Gallery and followed that up with a wander through the local music festival. On the main square opposite the train station, the Australian Military Band (not sure which) was performing some wonderful 1920s-1940s music.
Then there is the White Dwarf – the science fiction and fantasy book store on the square. By this time my energy was flagging a bit so I took the train back to Freemantle. Couldn’t get back on the ship without checking out the Maritime Museum, The Round House and the local street festival…….
(pictures to follow)
