Friends from Down Under !!!

In the short 10 days at Perth, came to realised that there were lots of Singaporeans who are either living there or are working there. It was like a home away from home where Singaporeans are meeting in the streets, at supermarkets, at the golf course, etc.
Had the pleasure of meeting Dr Philip Bay and William at the Whaleback Public Golf Course where I was introduced to "air-conditioned" environment golf game. The cool atmosphere was simply wonderful despite the fact that it was a walking course without buggy nor caddies. Was also introduced to good local chinese food, such as Fish Wing bee hoon and ice cream waffles.
Also visited the home of Marisa (Angel's parents). Nice cosy place, nicely stored up and most importantly ... warm.
Also met their "kakis" who enjoyed ocassional gatherings over glasses of wine and chit-chats. Good fun and enjoyable company.
Before leaving for the airport, also met up with Dominic and Helen from the St Francis Xavier Church, as well as Patricia Cheng. Had a meal of local Singaproe Hawker Food ... Char Kuah Teow, Wanton Noodles and Chicken Curry Rice. There is also an outlet known as "Singapore Hawker Food". How to loose weight like that !!!

Have an enjoyable Aussie experience !!!

As the parents packed and make their way back to Singapore, the 5 girls are left to enjoy Uni-life and what Perth has to offer. To all of them .... Have a good and frutiful experience.
Take care !!!

Cold, Wet & Windy @ Fremantle

The day start off sunny but it was short lived. Whilst enroute to Fremantle, the wind started to blow and an overcast with dark rain clouds quickly moved in. Within half an hour, it was dark skys, heavy raindrops and cold wind. Could even feel the car been pushed by the wind as we jourveyed towards Fremantle. By the time, we parked the car at the Marina, it was pouring. Visibility was down and it was brrrr !!! (cold !!) The call for the the Fremantle "Fish & Chips" was certainly loud and off we went, braving the weather to gobble away the traditionally wrapped goodies. Whilst waiting for the food, the smell of batter and potato wedges was by itself ... "shiok liao !!!" Fortunately, the hot warm meal also bought us time for the rain to ease-off and gave way to some peek of sunshine. That gave us, some time to wonder around town and head for the local fish market. More like a flea market with lots of odds & ends. Even fruits looked good (see pic) Bargain items such as hand gloves, scaves and hats were hot selling items, especially for those who were poorly equipped to meet such freezing weather. As the cold wind builds up, it was also time for some yummy Ice Creamery from COLD ROCK. (It was Cold but nice !!!). It was a quick dart around from shop to shop, to grabbed whatever that was needed and head for the car before it gets wet again. Sarah-Marie's KPI was to get hold of a branded "slipper" for ... "you know who". (No points for guessing correctly... and gues who has to bring it back to Singapore ... "special delivery service" !!! It was already decided liao !!!) By the time the engine was started ... we could feel the wind blowing through the clothes. Time to return home.... err... to the college !!

Alice in Aussieland !!

After much communications via SMS and emails, Sarah & Dad finally managed to meet up with Alice, Michael and Andrea (Aaron was not available). They came-by the college to link up with Sarah and to provide valuable advice on where to rent a car, phone plans and some DOs & DON'Ts. Alice, armed with discount coupons provide us a 10 days rental for the price of 8 deal. They also subsequently provided directions to IKEA where the girls furnished their rooms with some essential items, such as a side table, iron board, shelf and the must-have, full length mirror.

1st Day in Perth

Was greeted at Perth International Airport by a 8 deg C temperature (nice !!). The aniticipation of Custom Officers going through our bags was unfounded. Sarah and I declared the medications that we were carrying and was shown the exit, without havng to go through the X-Ray screening. Both were equally surprised as many of the other passengers were subjected to lots of various questionaires and checks.
The next anxiety was to ensure that all the luggages were out and accounted for. The shock was not for us but for the UWA representative who came by to pick us up. All-in-all, there were 18 pieces of luggages. In his words ... "It was like house moving !!!". After a short 25 min ride, we arrived at St Thomas More College. This is where it would be home for the 3 girls for the semester. (Sarah-Marie @ N126, Kristine @ N125 and Yvette @ I66). Their rooms come with the essentials .. bed, wardroom and a study table + most importantly, 24-hr Internet Connections (the channel/window to their cyberworld !!).

Met Mr Greg Bates, the Administrator, who facilitated a smooth check-in for the girls were most helpful in providing local advice and enabling the girls to quickly phase-in with the college/UWA life. We were indeed most thankful and fortunate for all his personal assistance and care.

Following a quick lunch and introduction to the catering staff, the next obvious move was to take the walking path, through the underpass to the UWA grounds. The icon for the campus was the large clock tower that faces St Thomas More College. A must take snap-shot for anyone who will pass through the gates of UWA. On the campus grounds, we found the WestPac bank where most of the financial transaction is going to take place, the cafe and "odds & ends" shops. Very self contained !!!
We also walked around the campus neighbourhood to view the many houses/apartments for rental. Much were in demand. One single unit and some 20 applicants were waiting in line. Also, dropped by the nearest supermarket to check out the prices. Generally, cost of living in Perth is relatively high. Its also a rather quiet place and locals advised to remain indoors after dark !!(Hmmmm !!! Is there something that they know, that they are not telling ?!!!)
Whatever the case, it was a good start for a 2.5 years of stay in Aussieland.

The day finally came

As Sarah-Marie gobbled her favourite "Xiao-long-Pau" at Cyrstal Jade (Terminal 3), her friends from SJC, SFX and TP made their way to send her off. Armed with small gifts and warm wishes, they met after the meal for about 90 minutes, snapping pictures as her Grandparents, Godma, Uncles, Aunties, Cousins and family members stood by. Her long await date for Perth was just minutes away, where she will embark on a 30-month course on Communication Studies at the Universaity of Western Australia (UWA).
Together with Kristin Kesavan and Yvette Tey (and accompanied by Dad & Yvette's Mum), the group left with about 18 bags weighing some 120 kgs, they headed for Perth via the past midnight flight to arrive on Monday morning (14 Jul 08). On arrival, Sarah & Dad took the GREEN LINE, straight out to the arrival hall to be greeted by a cool 8 deg C temperature. It was a refreshing start for the journey. After accounting for everyone and the 18 bags, the UWA pick-up service whizzed the group to St Thomas More College (STMC) where the girls will be residing for the first semester. The driver just couldn't believe that all 18 bags belonged to just the 5 of us. After being assigned their rooms, all took a walk to visit the campus and the surrounding area. It was a cool start for a new journey ahead.