West Australian Museum, Boola Burdip!

With Darrell working at his new job on Saturday, I decided to take off for the day. The weather was particularly bad when I woke up and rain was predicted for the duration, so I decided to take the train from Midland to Perth and spend the day in the city, just to get away for a bit. I still have to wait for a couple of months before I can work, so I am trying to keep as busy as possible in the interim. Despite saving to buy a house and trying to live within my means, which is difficult when you aren't working, I am still taking off to the city when I can. Yes it does cost a bit, but it is worth every penny; if I didn't go, I would surely go insane; the waiting for residency rights, is the most difficult part of this whole process!

I didn't have any real plans while I was in Perth, just a mooch around the city, a bit of window shopping and plenty of walking. The more I keep active, the better. I like to do at least, 10000 steps per day, and power walking around Perth is perfect for keeping active.

After arriving at the station, I noticed a poster for the cultural quarter, in the opposite direction, to where I would usually walk. I decided to head there instead of the shopping district, on Murray and Hay, and wasn't disappointed. For $15.00, I bought a yearly ticket to the WA Museum, a short walk away. This vast complex, in a modern, spacious building, was perfect for spending a few hours, enjoying all the cultural aspects this state has to offer. The weather was particularly cold, and the rain was just starting to come down, so I was more than happy to be inside, instead of walking the streets.

The museum is split into different zones, over three floors, and includes displays of indigenous culture, wildlife, terrain, and modern history, especially the two World Wars. The different sectors are bright and wonderfully creative. Wandering around the cavernous halls, I was struck by the informative nature of the various exhibits, and by the end of the morning, I had learnt more about Australia, than I had ever learned in my life.

I was especially impressed with the exhibits detailing aboriginal culture, highlighted throughout the museum, and sat watching various presentations and videos, as I continued my tour. Interestingly, for me, I gained a more rounded, balanced view of native culture. It was a fascinating insight into this enormous ancient land, that struck a chord with my own spirituality and sense of purpose. Wherever I have lived in the World, it is important for me to absorb local traditions and history, something I wouldn't otherwise have taken part in, back home in Britain.

I did, however, get lost several times, but that was no big deal. It gave me time to sit, think and enjoy my surroundings. This interactive experience was a joy and with a yearly ticket, I really do look forward to returning again and again. There are new exhibitions showcasing all the time, and there is much more I want to discover about Western Australia, before I start my wider travels across the country, towards the Eastern States. If anything, my time at the WA museum was a perfect introduction to life down under, and I would highly recommend it to anyone venturing to this isolated part of the World. For now, I am looking forward to visiting other parts of Perth's cultural quarter; the next time I go, I will focus on other areas of interest, including indigenous arts and crafts.

After spending time at the museum, I left for some lunch at my now favourite restaurant on Murray Street; a few pints of Stella at the Belgian Beer Café. The roast beef baguettes are to die for, and although they are a bit pricy, like everything else in Australia, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have one, as I do when I'm in Perth. I have fallen in love with the ambience of this place and although slap bang in the centre of the city, its menu is markedly cheaper than the Shoe in Yagan Square, where I usually go.

Suitably fed and watered, I went for a look around the shops, window shopping mainly, although I couldn't resist buying a few souvenirs to send back home. Like most places in Perth, city or otherwise, you should always shop around for the best deals, and I did manage to find a cheaper shop just off the beaten track; I really have learnt to be a canny shopper in Australia, even more than I was in Spain.

After shopping, I had just enough time for a cup of green tea and some carrot cake, before getting the train home.  I always have an enjoyable time when I'm in the city, there Is so much to do and see. It is much quieter than comparable cities I have been to, but that is part of its charm. This is a place where I feel at home and always look forward to going to. Until I am able to work, there will be many more days like this, but I'm not complaining, it's all part of the course when you're starting a new life down under!

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