Koalas, Kangaroos and Kookaburras

Settling in Perth has been alot more easy than Hanoi. Even though I haven't managed to find a job (yet). It's sunny and clean and pretty and everyone speaks English. 

It is also very very dry. But after the humidity of Hanoi, i'm not going to let that bother me one bit!

I've seen Koalas; way cuter in real life than I could ever have imagined.

Sadly, so far, the only 'roos I have seen are dead ones on the side of the road. Everytime I see a 'kangaroo crossing' sign my eyes are READY. but no. 

 And Kookaburras. I reckon I hear them more than I see them. Definately the loudest, chirpiest bird I have ever heard. The song makes sense now. I haven't managed to capture a photo of one so I will give you a Galah instead for now :) 

....We went to this town called York. You're driving up into the hills, out into the heat and desert and nothingness. driving driving driving...

And suddenly, kaboom, there's a little town. 

Nothing was happening and it kind of felt like nothing ever did happen, or ever would. 

Still, there was something quite special about it.

I will finish off with some more gorgeous photos of the Swan River...beautiful in the morning, midday, dusk and night. Honestly, the most stunning city I have ever been in, I wonder if my complete awe of it's loveliness will start to fade. 

I highly doubt it.

Perth

So guys, I realise I have been seriously out if it for the past few weeks. 

My excuse is a pretty valid one I hope - Bali doesn't do high-speed internet. nope. no way. 

They do trickling along waiting an hour for google to load type internet.

 So blogging was seriously out of the question. 

SO, to catch-up I am going to do a long photo blog...

leaving Hanoi, arriving in Bali, leaving Bali, arriving in Perth.

My next one will be more focused and meaningful, I promise.

I left Hanoi with few tears. 

A trip to Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum was obviously in order before I left. 

Following very strict rules (hands by your sides, no hesitation as you walk round his body, no laughing, no smiling, no talking, no bags, no camera's etc.) I walked round his yellow very waxy looking body all silent and peaceful. It seemed a good way to end my time in Hanoi.

I then went back to the Hanoi army museum (hadn't quite got my fill of Vietnam war propaganda), where I met some Vietnamese students on a school trip who were enthralled by my SLR and asked if they could try using it...

you can decide whether they were successful in their phototography skills!

 Bali. Very different to Vietnam (thank goodness), and a really lovely holiday. One thing remained the same though - animals on the streets. But instead of rats skuttling along the streets eating up the rubbish and god offerings, we had goats. 

Personally, goats over rats any day.

 Luscious rice fields and volcanoes. That's how I will remember it. Viewed the volcanoes (Batur) from a distance...

 And then as close as you can get without getting your feet hot :) 

well, not really, but it was raining and I couldn't be bothered to go on a 4 hour trek in the rain up to the crater.

umm, more animals. But more interesting this time. Ubud monkey forest. I always thought I liked monkeys...but after this rather traumatic trip, I reckon i've changed my mind.