A Brief Berth in Perth

​I haven’t done a lot on here as of late. I guess it could be that not much is happening. Or it’s because I’ve stopped noticing the small and interesting things that one sees when in a different culture. Or maybe it’s because I’ve lost the mojo to do so – much like the loss or motivation to run? Okay, that has a basis in physiology. I’ve got a pain that is exacerbated when I run, so I’m giving it a rest. Perhaps my body’s readiness and my motivation will return simultaneously.

Whatever the reasons, I’ve been here in a new-to-me city now for 5 days, and haven’t posted a damn thing. The weather is the coldest I’ve experienced since my last visit á Los Estados Unidos in March: highs only reaching the low 60s, cloudy, windy, and periods of rain here and there. Still in shorts, though. A couple of layers on top to keep my ugly-skinny torso warm and a raincoat, and I’m still wandering 12-15K each day.

A couple of things did cross my mind while I’ve been wandering (mostly aimlessly) here though. Here and now is a good enough time and place to document.

1. Australia is expensive.
2. By law, they can’t serve a drink neat. They have to put at least one ice cube in it. At least that was what I was told in the bar where I bought my “celebratory” birthday whiskey last night. And as I paid for it, I recalled the first point above: $21 AUD for one ounce. Second most expensive shot I’ve ever bought. The most was $30 USD in a bar in Sausalito twenty years ago with my bride. That was a good time, even though I don’t even remember what whiskey it was, other than a single malt.
3. I don’t fit anywhere. Probably why I keep moving. Probably why I’ll fly solo from here on out, too.
4. Body entropy is accelerating. This sucks.
5. My kid rocked his first Half Ironman tri. He’s already a better athlete than I ever was. Smarter too.
6. My other kid is killing it in school and life. She’s doing personal training, going to school, and heading overseas for pretty much free over winter break. Nice.
7. Australian Rules Football is more fun to watch than the American derivative. Faster game.
8. Often a restaurant that doesn't sell beer or liquor allows BYO without any added fees. Nice.

So here are some images from my walks around in Perth. I’m leaving in a few days for points north again. As Jimmy Buffett, that Shakespearean-level songwriter, penned: I gotta go where it’s warm.