P-Town could signify a great many places indeed: Paris. Pisa. Pennsylvania. But it can only mean one thing to me: Perth. I arrived back in my hometown a little over three weeks ago now. Much has happened since.
It all began with me losing my voice for about four days. My poor voice wasn’t used to being used so much, until I caught up with all my old friends and suddenly had a lot to say. I managed to rasp out a version of ‘Where the Wild Roses Grow’ (sounding more Nick than Kylie) while playing Singstar at a party. It was all downhill from there as I was beaten at MY karaoke song (‘Perfect’ by Fairground Attraction), the game proclaiming I was “awful” and “tone deaf”. Now my voice is back to normal I’m looking out for opportunities for revenge. Singstar, anyone?
As well as the non-stop parties, I’ve managed to squeeze a few concerts into these past weeks. I hadn’t even heard Gotye’s new album (which is causing quite a sensation in Australia), but I was singing along (silently, as this was during my voiceless period) by the end of the night. Rising Perth star Felicity Groom showed off her talent and a lot of leg, first with Diger Rokwell on the decks and then with a full band, leaving us wanting more of both.
My pal Cheryl & I, waiting for Gotye
It’s been fantastic to catch up with old friends. Some I saw in August 2010 when I last visited Perth, others at my wedding this July, the rest not since late 2008. It’s nice to see that some things never change, like friendship, the pure Perth air, the birds (especially the crows) who sing as noisily as ever, the Australian twang, the direct but friendly “What can I getcha?” or “Do ya wanna drink with that?”.
A picnic with friends in a sunny Perth beach-side park
A lot of other things have changed, however. I have been feeling like somewhat of a foreigner in my own city – getting lost, asking directions, going to places I used to like and finding them gone, standing on the wrong side of the escalator (that hasn’t changed, it’s just me – in France you have to stand on the right). I have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of new shops and cafés that have popped up and multiplied like a crop of mushrooms in my absence. I am pleased to say that there are more things to do in Perth now than ever. Prices are way up, though. Partly thanks to the Western Australian mining boom. May I just point out that not all of us are benefitting from said boom and we don’t all earn upwards of AU$200,000 a year? I am outraged mainly because the average cost of a spinach & ricotta roll is now AU$4.80 and when I left three years ago it was around AU$2.50.
I don’t want to talk about the heat, because then I would just start thinking about how hot I feel at this very moment. It’s not pleasant.
What I can provide you with is a demonstration of the stages of my summer tan:
The stages of my summer tan... or lack thereof
I do take care in putting on sunscreen every five minutes or so, but my freckles are looking angrier by the day.
What a strange feeling it was to have a sunny Christmas. It’s the first since 2006 for me, as I spent Christmas 2007 in Japan and then 2008-2010 in France. I even went to the beach for a swim this Christmas Day, which I spent with family. We took our time exchanging gifts and eating our way through the enormous banquet that had been prepared for us. A lovely day was had by all.
Jim being sun-conscious on a sunny Perth beach
To conclude, I have some good news. As of yesterday I am newly employed. I will be working in a delightful Northbridge boutique that sells decorative items, homewares, jewellery and a lot more. I have already earmarked numerous items for purchase… Let’s just say I know where I’ll be spending my first few paychecks…
I wish you all a very Happy New Year. May 2012 bring us all much joy and staying power in the face of our unrealistic New Year’s resolutions!
Happy New Year to you and Jim too, Gemma!
It’s 40F here, and been raining for five days with so much wind all the roads are littered with tree branches. I LOVED living vicariously through your climate
I have been too busy to comment, but I’m still reading!
Thanks Mikey. I have been reading your stuff too… But it’s a busy time of year!
Congratulations on your new job! It sounds like the perfect fit for you.
You’re right back into the swing of things. I’ve never moved internationally so it seems like a tremendous undertaking, but it sounds like you’re moving along swimmingly.
May you and Jim have a happy and peaceful New Year.
Cheers, it’s all coming together, bit by bit. I just have to remember to be patient…
I laffed out loud and almost choked on my milkless coffee when I saw your sun tanning meter/graph. Also, “my freckles are looking angrier by the day”. Being pale to translucent myself, I remember the embarrassing flash of freckles across my nose and cheeks as a kid. They will still brave coming out once in a while, when I’ve spent time near the ocean, but I’ve warned them!
Your Christmas day looks jolly! I see you are in a hot part of the world, but if you and the hubster get creative, you can still enter the Great American Snowman Contest over at my place… Let’s see what you can do with sand, glitter and a staple gun
Additionally, and I don’t mean to be a party-pooper here, but I don’t see you making any money at this new job. I see you spending it all at the store. You’re going to have to buy a house to put it all in.
I’m working on the house… Thankfully, because I seem to be collecting more and more things to put in it! There will be a bulk rubbish collection in a nearby suburb tomorrow, so I spent the afternoon going around and rooting through other people’s junk. I had to come home four times to offload my treasures. It’s amazing to see what some people throw away.
As for the Snowman Contest – I was a bit behind on my reading, so thanks for letting me know. i’m all up to speed now and am toying with a few different ideas. Prepare to be amazed!