The People Who Made Perth Feel Like Home

Looking Back on Perth

We wanted to look back on some of the wonderful meetups we had while in and around Perth, Western Australia, earlier this year. We'd also like to say just how many lovely people this Community has brought into our lives.

Our WA stay began in Halls Head, Mandurah, south of Perth, at Callie and Stewart's  lovely beachfront house. The weather greeted us with a storm, heavy wind and rain, but soon turned to glorious sunshine.

We didn't get to meet Callie and Stewart in person, but their kindness reached us all the same. Stewart's parents picked us up from the airport and helped us settle into the house.

Lunch With Cindy and David

Next was lunch at Cindy and David's place in Jindalee. We were due to stay at their house a little later on, so it was lovely to go through the whole house beforehand and have everything explained in person. It was such a nice way to ease into a stay before it even begins.

Coffee and Cakes With Fiona and John

Not long after, we were invited to Fiona and John's in Karrinyup for coffee and cakes at their home, close to where we were staying with Trish and Darrell. Such a warm welcome, and the perfect afternoon.

Returning a Key (and Gaining a Lunch)

During our stay in Busselton, we forgot to put the keys back in the keylocker, a bit of a moment of panic! Fortunately, Jenni was heading that way a few days later, so we arranged to hand the key back to her at her home in Perth instead. What could have been an awkward mix-up turned into a lovely surprise, as we were invited in for lunch with both Jenni and Trish.

A United Nations of Travellers

The very next day, we were invited to a "United Nations" travellers lunch at Fiona and John's place, with fellow PLU members all together around the table. What a wonderful mix of people, stories and accents in one room.

Barbecue Time!

Trish and Darrell then invited us to a big barbecue with their neighbours and Jenni. Nothing quite like a backyard barbecue with new friends to make you feel completely at home.

Christmas Lights and Dinner at Leapfrogs

To round everything off, Cindy and David invited us to dinner at Leapfrogs, just as they'd opened their Christmas light show for the season. A beautiful way to close out our run of Perth meetups.

Reflecting on It All

I've found myself thinking lately about what the biggest changes in my life have been. It's hard to go past having children, but after that, I honestly think PLU comes in as a very close second. Without it, we would never have met so many wonderful people or had the chance to stay in so many gorgeous places.

I wrote this on a quiet day at Trish's home after spending the day prior walking beaches all day (and getting properly sunburnt, of course). The day before that, hiking at Lesmurdie Falls. What a weekend it was!

I'm so grateful for this Community, and to everyone who's made it possible for us to spend three months in and around Perth. I think a three-month stay in Australia every Autumn (or is it Spring here?! Everything really is upside down on our sides of the world) might just have to become a tradition.