A Park Fit for a King
6th August, Perth CBD & Fremantle, Australia
Kings Park is by far the best spot to view Perth's skyline from. It offers a clear, elevated panorama of the city's high-rised buildings at a fairly close range. The hot weather, which was in complete contrast to yesterday, drew in the crowds. There was a nice relaxed atmosphere; people were sat on the grass, walking around the park leisurely, drinking cups of tea in the café and watching the world go by. It was one of those sunny afternoons where everyone seemed to be in a good mood.
Manda in front of Perth's CBD skyline.
We took a quick look-around the DNA tower, which I found a bit disappointing. The structure is made up of two, intertwining spiral staircases that make the tower look like a strand of DNA. While it is interesting to look at, the view from above is nothing to write home about. It may have looked great thirty years ago, but the trees have since grown and their leaves have concealed the view of much of the CBD.
The DNA Tower: more interesting to look at than it is to look
from.
There is a memorial at Kings Park that looks tidy and well kept. The design and general tranquillity of the area, encourages thought and respect for those lost in war. A flame is constantly flickering away in the foreground, serving as a reminder to the past.
Before we left the area, we stopped off at the Aboriginal Crafts and Arts centre. I resisted buying the whole shop and only left with a couple postcards! An Aboriginal artist served me; he hadn't worked behind the counter before and this was all part of the job rotation practice they operate at the centre. The artists are encouraged to learn all aspects of the business which may help them to set up businesses of their own one day. I found this refreshing and was pleased to see that the artists are given a helping hand.
A trip over to Fremantle was next. We had borrowed some tools from Dave on our last visit, so today we went back to return them and also say hello. Only Sharon and baby Jess were in so we chatted about what we'd been up to over a nice cup of tea. We found a spot in the garden, facing the sun and watched as baby Jess followed the family dogs, Mia and Colin, around the garden, Benny Hill style.
In the evening, we dropped in to Clancy's Fish Pub, where Sharon works. We grabbed a bite to eat, only just about finding a space to rest our plates and drinks. Tables were in short supply - it was a very busy night as the football was on. Consequently, we sat at a table directly underneath the large menu on the wall, and felt not unlike goldfish in a bowl as row upon row of people came in, stood in front of us and looked at the menu above our heads. Well, it was marketed as a fish pub, so we couldn't complain about feeling like goldfish! Sharon kept bringing us goodies out from the kitchen and by the time we left, we were feeling extremely full.
Before heading back to the caravan park for the evening, we took a quick drive around Perth's CBD for the obligatory night-time shots. Somehow, the city seems to have a whole different feel once the sun drops and the neon lights are switched on.
Perth CBD, viewed from King's Park, at night.
