Perth: Of Margaret River and Devil's Curry

The last instalment from last break!

Feels good to be churning out post after post, clear the cobwebs a little from this blog ( for some reason, when I re-read this, it sounds like clear the bowels).

So!

Last trip I was working off Australia and word was it could be our last trip. I've spent some time in Melbourne before, and I thought perhaps I'll do Perth this time. I contacted Limay who is living with her husband there and she said she'll be in town! 

A couple of days before we met, she texted me that luck wasn't on my side - the next three days I will be in town is forecasted to rain. Damn.

Still, it all worked out perfectly, you'll see. Limay and her husband, Adrian, picked me up from the airport (Pretty chilly at mid-teens!) and we took a short stroll in King's Park before heading back to their place for a much-needed dinner.

Bless her, she'd even made nasi lemak!

Bit blurry, oops.

Bliss, I can't remember the last time I've had nasi lemak. She also made beef rendang and the sambal was as good as any. She'd even decorated and sliced the cucumbers in pretty shapes! If that isn't admirable, I don't know what is.

After breakfast the next day (pulut inti made by her mom-in-law and then at a local café for a good cup of cappucino), we went back to King's Park. She insisted I should see it in the day time as well. 

Check out the brewing clouds!

We took a leisurely stroll before driving towards Fremantle, or Freo, as it is affectionately known. It isn't far from Perth, approximately 15-20 minutes drive is all.

We stopped by at Cicerello's for lunch - yummers

I'll let you guess what S.O.Y means.

Battered and deep fried salt and pepper squid (my ultimate favourite!!)

And a baked fish of the day with a side salad and chips.

Seafood chowder which Limay confirms is the best in the world - complete with scallops, mussels, and prawns.

Washed down with Bundaberg ginger beer. The only downside eating al fresco in this weather - our food got cold real fast

We finished, and walked around the small harbour town. A very light drizzle was present, but otherwise nothing worse than that. I bought a pair of Emu boots too ;) I was initially looking for the Australian Uggs but was told by the shopkeeper that there isn't a lot of difference between the two, except that Emus are Australian made whereas Uggs can be assembled in China (she emphasised that sheepskin and wool are definitely local).

Limay was most enthusiastic over my choice of boots, lol. She kept taking photos and exclaiming how pretty the boots are - that alone was well worth the purchase!

Another home-cooked meal for dinner, yay. Eating out in Australia can get really expensive (AUD30 per pax) and besides, I'm a sucker for homemade meals!

Aglio olio penne and roasted root veg that Limay announced she'd forgotten to include garlic and onions, hehe. 

The next day we left early for Margaret River. First things first: headed for another coffee place frequented by Adrian - he used to work as a barista and I'm'glad he knows where's good for coffee! 

3.5 hours to Margaret River, and a couple of pit stops before - 

The iconic blue houses on Busselton Jetty - It was cold, and we only stayed briefly. There is an aquarium at the end of the jetty (a covered undersea tunnel to view the aquarium under the jetty!) but we decided it was too expensive - about AUD30. On the posters it looked pretty cool though whole array of marine life between stilts of the pier.

Hehe, I borrowed Limay's jumper because I wasn't prepared for the cold!

There is plenty to do in Margaret River, and generally holidaymakers stay for 3 days, at least. The sides of the roads are lined with vineyards, and I'd say cycling in the vicinity will be very pleasant! There are great views to keep you occupied - beaches, greenery, and a beautiful weather.

We went to a German restaurant for lunch - the servings were massive! Between the three of us, we struggled to finish two mains and an entrée.

Pork knuckles that every table seem to order as well. Crackling isn't, well, crackling! Disappointed.

Ending with sunset at Canal's Rock:

A lovely infused water Limay made and brought with us - rosemary, cucumber, strawberries and lemons - an effective thirst quencher!

Spoiled by Limay's MIL - she made devil's curry (a Eurasian dish of pork with potato curry and supposed to be very spicy. For us veterans, it was only mild, but delicious), a simple stir-fried bok choy (requested by yours truly) and fried omelette!

Honestly, nothing beats a home-cooked meal. I cleaned up every last drop of curry, and every last piece of bok choy.

We planned to have Vietnamese pho before Limay sends me off to the airport but because she had an interview just before, we didn't have much time left. And so, we went for an express duck rice-

Salivating thinking about it now!

Thank you lovebirds for a most awesome stay :)