Caroline's in Perth!

When Caroline booked her flights to Perth over four months ago I was so glad, but wow, it seemed like a long time to wait for her visit. Time always passes more quickly than expected though and before I knew it Dave and I were at the airport, guessing when she'd come out, making up little games about how many people would be out before her.

Even though you wait and wait at the airport it is still always such a surprise to see your friend in person. There are always a few seconds of awkwardness when you haven't seen someone in so long, but it's amazing how quickly that evaporates. It was so great catching up on the drive back to our place in Mount Lawley.

Let me just say that Caroline is an absolute champ - after travelling over 35 hours she stayed up and even went out for a couple of drinks with us for Cutter's birthday at Clarences! After her 2nd warm cider the fatigue started to hit her - she and I went home where we had noodles from Goreng and a little girl talk before she went to sleep.

Dave and I had spent a very lovely but quiet weekend together before Caroline's arrival and the next morning was the first day I officially felt like we were really and truly on holidays. After a sleep in we started the day with birthday cake and bubbles, then it was off to the Swan Valley for a brewery lunch with Josh and Amy; Caroline tried kangaroo! We went for a lovely walk through the woods and bush over the rapids, then out for a drink at the Rose & Crown. A great day! On the next day we took a drive through Fremantle and stopped at Cottesloe beach, where Caroline dipped her toes in the Indian Ocean at sunset. Dave went home and then Caroline and I did a bit of late night shopping in Mount Lawley. She got the cutest dress and shoes at Elroy! We celebrated with a drink at the Queens and some nibbles at Bliss Nooodle Bar before coming home and watching "The Blind Side" with Dave.

Friday was a day to rock out! The three of us went to the AC/DC exhibit at the gallery, it was really fun! Afterwards it was time to get ready for a night out - dinner with Lou, Kok, Dan, Mel, Busta, Liz and Sian at Utopia, then off to Devilles Pad! They had a Beach Boys tribute band playing in addition to the usual fun, kitch vibe, cool cocktails and great music! Dave, Caroline and I met up with Cutter and Mark and had a blast. To continue the great time we were off to Amplifier for more music and dancing! Turns out Caroline was quite popular with the Aussie boys, who lined up to dance with her and tell her that they loved her.

Saturday was a beautiful, warm sunny day, a perfect day to enjoy Caversham Wildlife Park. We saw lots of cool birds and marsupials, fed kangaroos and met koalas, lizards and a wombat, although the emus didn't seem to want to cooperate and come close to us - I think they suspected that Caroline intended to eat them; her goal is to try as many Aussie animals as she can! I loved visiting the bunnies at Molly's Farm. The sun was setting as we drove home and for dinner we got Stones pizza. Next stop tomorrow: Margaret River!