world cruise QM2 18th February. Tuesday. Fremantle 19 degrees going up to 32 degrees C

18th February. Tuesday. Fremantle 19 degrees going up to 32 degrees C
Awoken by the staff at 6am, banging down the corridor, or then again it could have been guests getting ready to depart.
Deputy captain came on at 7am to tell us we had landed, then every 15 minutes they broadcast an Australia message about smuggling food into Aussie.
I took the opportunity to do a load of washing, with everyone heading off the ship l expected to have a free run in the launderette, and l wasn’t disappointed. I had the whole place to my self. Joys of Joys. The highlight of my day. Makes a change not to arrive into the steamy atmosphere of an argument. A boiling pot of frustrations and accusations. 

Did my usual walk, although slightly longer as Judith wanted a lie in, plus we didn’t expect to be able to get off until later. Needed all the tours and departures to exit first. After 45 minutes headed down to transfer the cloths into the dryer.
Once l had my porridge and prunes l collected a muffin and coffee and took it down to Judith. Then off to the launderette to collect the washing. All the other machines were now in use and people were waiting to get into my dryer.

As we were going to be out all day, we went up for a late, but large cooked breakfast.first of the cruise. 

Didn't really eat as much as this

Through immigration, which was very civilised, and over the bridge to the railway station. Lovely old Victorian brick station. $9.20 for the single into Perth. Interesting journey, along the coast at first , then through the neighbourhoods, small single story houses, close together, with minute gardens. After around thirty minutes we were into the centre. A mixture of modern glass high rise and old colonial timber and brick buildings. A bustling, vibrant place, made even more lovely with the expanse of blue sky, bright sun with a cooling wind to make it comfortable.

Do the bridges walk, 10k around the swan river, before visiting the famous cricket ground the Waca. Jumped on one of the free buses and did a circle before heading into the centre. 

Roamed around up and down the streets, through the precincts, eventually stopping at a fish and chip restaurant. Highly recommended on the web, it was located at the back of a travel agents, opening out onto a graffiti adorned lane. It was brilliant. Battered Hake, squid rings, propped hand cut chips and dips. Washed down with Diet Coke.
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Managed some shopping before jumping on the train and heading back to Fremantle and our home. Exhausted.




19th February Wednesday 28 degrees, clear sky’s, and it forecast to get up to 32 degrees C. 
Early breakfast and out early before it became too hot. Headed out towards the maritime museums, passing through old warehouses that had been converted into shops and restaurant. Many of them made of corrugated iron, that had a beautiful patina about them, commonly known as rust. Some great sculptures depicting the immigrant migration to that part of the world. Then up to the round house. The first building to be built in Fremantle. It was a prison to house the Aboriginals prior to deporting them to Rottness Island. Then we walked along the beach through some really fascinating pieces of art. School children were running around, trying to find clues from artefact lying around. Great school room, fresh air. 

The place seemed to be heaving with visitors, and there wasn’t a shortage of volunteer guides to point you in the right direction. We were trying to find the Aboriginal Culture Centre. One of the volunteers actually took us to the place, giving us background information on the history of the area on the way. The centre was housed in the old pilot house. Great visuals and lovely volunteers who explained how the indigenous people were treated. Shocking.

Judith managed to find some interesting pieces. Then back to the beach and harbour. Eventually arriving at the new brewery. Massive complex, but prices to match. A real tourist trap.
Meandered through a section of the high st before heading back to the ship for lunch. 
Retuned to the town and investigated every emporium, supermarket, art gallery and charity shop available. Or so it seemed. As per usual, keen eyed Judith found some good bargains, including 4lt of Chardonnay for A$14, £7. Can’t be bad.
The liquor store was emptied by QM2 guests. The girl was saying that they had organised extra staff and stock for our visit in March. Obviously, due to our unexpected arrival, she was by her self and didn’t have enough stock. She had run out of tonic water within an hour of the ship arriving.

Walked back to the ship to find that all these smart QM2 guests had used the supermarket trolleys to bring their booty home, and just left them by the gangway for some other person to return. Would they have done the same thing back home on a visit to Waitrose.
Took a drink out onto the deck to watch the sail away. It was truly amazing, so emotional. The quayside was overflowing with people waving and cheering, more were on rooftops. The pier was chockablock with cars and all manner of boats were out to wish us Bon voyage. A great send off.