Quaint and picturesque

is probably how most people would describe the township of Guildford. No, not the one squatting near the M3 but the lovely settlement just up the river from Perth. In fact, it was the first settlement outside of Perth. Now, however, it is a collection of beautiful old buildings under the flight path for the airport...well, can't have everything in life, can you?

We started the day by trekking into Perth City to rent a little car to get around in - mainly for going down to Gracetown, but there's no harm in doing a little sightseeing too - We dutifully took our little Hyundai back and announced we were going to Guildford to look about and did anyone else want to come? A resounding wave of apathy flooded over us, so we went alone (not quite alone as we had each other but you know what I mean). We found the town and went for a stroll about, cleverly calling in to the tourist information and collecting a map of the town walks. The buildings were old colonial style and the entire town had that laid back Sunday feeling. I wouldn't have been surprised to see people in horse and carts plodding by, but it was the ubiquitous Toyota pickups we saw instead. We followed the town trail and slowly made our way along, picking up snippets of history and taking photo's of old buildings. It was very restful. Down by the river (where the original landing stage would have been) we watched parrots fighting and playing amongst the trees. Making our way back into town we spotted a cat, dozing on the boot of an old car and looking like it'd been there forever. There was a huge square park with massive old houses lining the street facing it; a church sat serenely in the middle waiting patiently for Sunday to come round again. It was that sort of place, where everyone seems to be waiting for something to happen and will carry on waiting, patiently, until it does. We relaxed and wandered along the route laid out by our map, peering into people's houses and their lives, commenting and discussing (as you do) as we meandered ever on. (Luckily the walk was circular so we meandered back again). We headed back feeling relaxed and refreshed, ready to face our next challenge as tourists.

If I ever move to Australia then I am going to be a one man sign stealing crime wave as they have some great signs! I know, I could buy cheap plastic souvenier ones, but it's not just the same. I want originals, not copies! This one of a duck and her babies is so cool. If only I'd had a spanner and a ladder handy...