A Resolution to Appreciate Perth more in 2013

If Perth gave me a report card for 2012 it would say "Didn't try hard enough". Which is true. And some guy from The Huffington Post has made me feel all guilty about it. 

Yes Yes Perth has fabbo weather, the best beaches in.the.world and proper fish'n'chips but I've been in mourning for the East Coast and its plethora of fabulous Thai take-aways. I also miss jumping off the pier at Balmoral Beach. I'm fickle, so sue me. 

What makes this worse is that I'm a born and bred West Aussie. Multi multi generation West Aussie and all that as well.

A vintage car club displayed their oldy worldy jallopys in Forrest Chase today before re-enacting the first drive from Perth to Armadale.  The first drive took 7 hours so hopefully today's was a little quicker given the 38 degree temps.

So I've decided that my New Year's Resolution for 2013 will be To Appreciate Perth More.

If this resolution is as successful as my 2012 Don't Buy Anything Black resolution then I'll be almost successful but fail at the last moment.  I had to buy some black shoes for a black tie work function (surely that doesn't count?).

Cactus thingy, Forrest Chase - Perth City

On paper Perth should be heaven.  The weather is almost perfect, the beaches are white and the economy is booming.  And yet there is something not quite right.  It might be great to visit in the summer, enjoy the balmy evenings and watch the brilliant sunsets over the Indian ocean, but there is a closed-in feeling to the place.  A skepticism about anything from outside.  A local patriotism that is a little unsettling.  Made In WA is a big thing.  I almost expect West Australian flags to be flown from car windows on Australia day.  The State equivalent of Nationalism.  And the children here are even more Miraculous* than their Eastern States counterparts.

Unveiled - Bridal Exhibition from the V&A visiting Perth for a couple of months

BUT, in 2013 I resolve to look for the GOOD in Perth.

Like a teacher with a school child I will try to catch Perth doing something Good and create little diversions if I come across something bad or boring.

I may even bore you silly with some of those observations here.  Unless rising food prices mean I have to pawn this computer.

*BTW if you ever get the chance to see Matilda the Musical which has an opening song by this name, do so.  Fabulous.