Perth, Australia

The Perth Bells - also a nice view
of the city from the top
Downtown viewed from the Swan River
- crystal clear skies
Commuting the trails
Enjoying anothe pastime
Perth

The Swan City rises up like the Phoenix
From the blistering Earth

Her buildings piercing the crystal blue sky
Reflecting the ever constant sun

The River flows for miles through her heart and soul
Serving as her lifeblood
Emptying into the azure Indian Ocean

Freemantle, the port city
Her doorway to the World

To the east, north, and south bounded
By the interminable Outback
That consumes the mother country

Every afternoon the Doctor returns from the West
Blowing cooling winds across her parched skin

The Swan and Ocean her children's playgrounds
They proudly believing in her future

She is Perth
The City of Sunshine
May Sol always rise upon her gleaming skyline

Perth: Travel across the vast continent, thousands of miles of bareness, and you arrive in Perth, the Swan City or the City of Sunshine. The latter name is derived from the river that cuts through its heart. It averages over 300 days of sunshine, the most of any Australian city. Perth including the sister port city of Freemantle is the only one of size in Western Australia. The welcomed stiff breezes from the Indian Ocean arrive every afternoon. They are nicknamed the Doctor. There are a number of tales of how that name was assigned. As one guide put it, "The bottomline mate is that on a hot summer day of 46° C (115° F) they bring blessed relief." Despite the fact that it was early fall, the temperatures were still in the 80's - then cooling down at night. Interestingly, most of the citizens were in long sleeves. Not me! After cool Tasmania, I thought I was back into summer. Furthermore, Western Australia has had drought conditions for over a year. In fact, the last rain of consequence was six months earlier. Except where watering occurred, the grass was brown. Ironically, during my stay, the clouds arrived, and we had five minutes of drizzle - didn't help much.

Like all the major Australian cities I visited, the water serves as the playground. Miles and miles of bike paths also travel along the Swan all the way to Freemantle.

My one recommendation deals with purchasing Aboriginal art. Indigenart at 82 High Street in Freemantle has some of the finest Aboriginal art in Australia. While you will pay more, it is authentic and worth the additional money. I made a special trip to there from Perth to make my purchase.

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