Perth Western Australia

Perth City

This is the first time I travel my own. I might plan for a Indian Pacific train trip in future which is a three days and three nights on the train but five hours flight was long enough for me. Elsa (very Asian name) picked me up in the airport. Very nice of her mom, she'd cooked some yummy food for us. Elsa and Nathan took me around.

Rottnest Island, Perth

Rottnest Island Express

On the way to Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island

I could not go far but do a day trip. Next day, I did a booking with Rottnest Express although expensive. A lot of people got sick sea on the cruise. I could see almost all carrying 'sick' bag (I think that's what they were called). It could be due to heavy rain and big swells. There was an emergency announcement all the way and cruise volunteers helping. 45 minutes on the cruise was pretty long to the Island with only two stops on the way. It was a great relief, when arrived on the island. I missed the introductory tour, therefore I took some maps & information. I'd have gone for biking around, since I was alone,  a whole day bus pass was an alternative. It was a different world in Island. I took a round tour of the island with a spectacular 360 degree view. Also, found Quokka, indigenous and unique to Rottnest Island hopping around. It looked like wallaby, but it is the size of a cat and had definite mouse-like features. 

The London Court

Amongst the modern buildings lies this old-age court, London Court, I was quite fascinated with.  It's an old English shopping district located in the heart of Perth's shopping area. This place stands out from the modern architecture of Perth and is almost like stepping back in time. Nice attention to detail with the entrance and exit designs. Quirky little shops and nice cosy cafes, a stroll along the cobble stone path was a lovely experience. On the final day, I headed for Madurah, the largest city outside Perth, for a Dolphin cruise. 

War Memorial at Mandurah

Three days in Perth and thai dinner before flying was a 'Thank You' note to Elsa and Nathan; indeed a very lovely couple. 

New Zealand

4 million people, 60 million sheep

Mt Hutt

Ski at Mt Hutt

45 minutes of this, We thought we were lost.

One of the best things we did in New Zealand was ski at Mt Hutt. I really loved the crowd at Mt Hutt and it was beautiful. The ski price was expensive but found out that it's free for kids. No wonder, the mountain was crowded with kids, but I was pretty impressed with kids skiing on that that substantial vertical drop (by NZ standards).The best of-course was a 45 minutes drive on a gravel road, for some could be daunting. I asked my brother (Utsab) to be extra careful and drive slow. It was beautiful, to watch mountains on both the sides, it was like Nepal. Mt Hutt's got beautiful views to the ocean and terrific steep terrain, and is a relatively short drive from Christchurch. The vertical combined with the steep pitch earns Mount Hutt the title of the “capital of speed”. 

Akaroa Village-The building on the right was on fire therefore the fire buses.

Himalayan' shop trusted/funded by Sir Edmund Hillary fund

Akaroa Village, sister in the background

Second, was nature cruise on Akaroa Harbour to see rare Hectors dolphins, seals, penguins and sea birds. It is 75 kilometres from the city of Christchurch. It is a historic French and British settlement in the heart of an ancient volcano. The village  was quite a bit of explore with its colonial architecture, galleries, craft stores, and cafés. We even found 'himalayan' shop trusted/funded by Sir Edmund Hillary fund. We had a brief cheese factory visit on our way back.

Banks Peninsula

Banks Peninsula the next for its stunning views and beautiful bays.

We wanted to do horse riding the next and headed to this Bradley Park on Day 3. Unfortunately, it wasn't a horse riding place anymore, instead saw sheep, millions of them. There must be a reason, NZ has 3 million people and 60 million sheep. We also wanted to do Gandola ride but it was closed due to the earthquake. We could see still rubble of the earthquake in and around Christchurch.

There must be a reason there are four million people and 60 million sheep in New Zealand.

Punting at Christchurch Botanic Garden

Punting in the mid city of Christchurch, Botanic garden was fun. Watching my sister (Prashida) struggle was fun. Sitting and posing on a Pilot's chair in Air force museum was exciting with a free entry.

Siblings at Aircraft museum

Antarctic Centre on our final day was for 4D extreme theatre experience and Hagglund ride. It is the worlds best Antarctic Attraction.

Hagglund ride at the worlds best Antarctic Attraction.

New Zealand is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on earth and I want to explore more if I ever get a chance again.