Thursday, 13th May 2010

THURSDAY 11 AM WA TIME

Well here we are on the Convention bus leaving Perth Airport. We had a little communication problem: the bus was parked at one end of the airport car park (currently under reconstruction) and we were at the other end, so it took a few phone calls to find each other. We had plenty of time to get to know our fellow travellers. As I've been awake since 2:45 am (to catch a 3:30 am train and a 6 am plane) and the others in our group were up equally early, we were a little irritable. In addition, Perth is cold and drizzly and expected to stay like this for several days.

Sonya Ahearn and I were on the same Virgin Blue flight so arranged to sit together. We expected to sleep but ended up talking most of the way. Sonya's had a most interesting life, living in exotic places overseas with her husband Bob who was an airline pilot for 44 years. The man sitting next to us was also interesting as he's an automotive engineer for a multi millionaire who does car rallies and speed boat races as a hobby. He travels all round the world doing this and is off tomorrow on a 5 star 4WD trip through the Pilbara to Broome with his boss and friends.

Sandy O'Neill and Kris Dodd are also on our bus. We agreed Karen Breidert was a wonderful coach, and were interested to hear about Endeavour Harmony Chorus's preparations for competing in Seattle in October. I'm looking forward to a preview of their show package when we go to their 'Family and Friends' preview on Sunday, 25th July at Kirrawee High School (which you are all encouraged to attend).

THURSDAY 2:10 PM

The bus ended up at the Mandurah Visitor Centre, when we'd expected to be dropped at our hotels (but what can you expect for $15?) My hotel was not far away so I got out and the others persuaded their bus driver to drop them off on the way. While waiting for our room to be free, I explored the Marina precinct and had lunch at a fish cafe on the wharf. There are lots of cafes and fashion shops – I imagine in summer this place would be very busy.

Our room at Seashells Resort was well worth the wait. We're on the third floor looking North West over the hotel swimming pool and the beach to the Indian Ocean. I imagine the sunset will be spectacular. I've unpacked, set up the netbook, and am having a cup of tea while I wait for Inese to join me.