I assumed a tall black was an Americano but even after adding water, it was still too strong. I ate mushroom with avocado, ricotta and beets on toast. It was quite delicious.
Baked Eggs
We then repaired to King’s Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world. The park is situated on an escarpment of the Darling mountains and has been a recreation centre ever since the colonists arrived.
It was a beautiful, sunny morning as we arrived in the park. It’s situation on the banks of the Swan river makes for a spectacular setting.
We walked along the Law walk and entered the Botanic Gardens. The Auusies are very protective of their fora and fauna. They have different levels of protection depending on the plant’s vulnerability to extinction. As it is Autumn here, the variety of plants in bloom was limited. There is no indication in Oz of the autumnal colours we experience at home.
Their ‘ king’ is the Menzies Banksia. It goes through a number of stages from bud to blossom.
The Gardens also sported a section relating to women’s achievements in Oz.
What a change from my first visit when women with a degree were a source of wonderment and we had to hide the fact that we were graduates, when applying for jobs!
As it is Easter Sunday the lawns hosted families with their picnics, playing cricket (yes even with the national teams’s recent debacle in South Africa!) and tennis.
We walked to the lake and having admired the quality of the Aussie lifestyle, we took a taxi to Perth station and boarded a train to Fremantle.
Unlike Friday night on our return from Rottnest Island, there was a great buzz around.
We went to see the famous Freemantle markets.
We graced the old Freemason Hotel
A festival of comedians and street performers packed the mainstreet, entertaining an appreciative audience. The pubs were full but a family atmosphere prevailed.
We adjourned to ‘ Bread and Common’ a restaurant recommended to J and it didn’t disappoint.
We partook of freshest of oysters,
followed by salmon mousse, squid and of course kangaroo or as the Aussies say ‘roo’. It tastes not unlike a very tender, fillet steak.
The variety and quality of the bread was excellent - hence the name.
We returned to Perth station
and decided to visit the newly restored Melbourne hotel, the oldest hotel in Perth. However, it’s interior disappointed.
We taxied back to the hotel. We depart for Hobart, Tasmania via Melbourne tomorrow - 4 hours Melbourne and a further hour to Hobart.
To be continued.......
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