For those of you that don't know, Mo is a very good friend of mine from the UK, whom emigrated to Perth in January of this year. When we said oue teary goodbyes, we banked on it being a very long time before we could hook up again for a few vinos and a gossip. Needless to say, Andy and I worked some magic and gave Mo a big surprise when we told her were could make it. Our first night together was no surprise, lots of chat and lots of alcohol. Infact, we never stopped talking right up to the point Mark and Mo kindly dropped us off at the airport. Mo and I soon realised that we could have spent many more days together and still find things to talk about - a great foundation for a friendship and why I am so very fond of her.
Our first night left Mo wondering who this maniac was that had taken over her living room and turned it into a makeshift disco! As I am occasionally known to do, I cranked the music, dimmed the lights and got the party moving. Mo danced once with me, but my endless spinning her around swiftly spun her enthusiasm off the "dancefloor" and out onto the patio! So, whilst I danced away on my own for the rest of the night, Mo returned to a more civilised drunken chat with Andy!
We spent our first day up at an animal park called Caversham Wildlife Park. This was a fabulous day out, I got to feed and stroke Roos up close, hold and stroke this gorgeous wombat, get up close and stroke the very shy but very cute koala bear, and meet some other characters like Tommy the donkey, a bunch of "babe" lookalikeys and a lot of really friendly "ba ram you's" and goats. We had a wonderful time. Mo was a trooper, she suffered with an horrendous headache whilst putting up with Andy and I running around like kids.
On our second day, we went up to Kings Park, a botanical garden right in the centre of Perth. It was really mellowing to just cruise around, taking in the beautiful flora and fauna, as well as the pretty water features and the awesome view afforded us of Perth city. Mo took us down into the city where we had lunch and said our farewells to Andy. Andy went off to meet his mate Des from SA. Spending the night together (well not literally of course, well not that Andy cares to admit, I wasn't there!) gave them a good chance to catch up with a familiar face and talk shit. Mo and I got carried away chatting and narrowly missed having the car locked up in Perth for the night!!
Mo had some excellent news whilst we were there, a new job! So, to say our congrats, we took her out to lunch on our last day, down in Freemantle. What a gorgeous town, a really strong bohemian feel to it, kinda like lunching in Notting Hill.
Before taking us to the airport, Mark and Mo took us down to their local beach to see the sun set over a few beers. We just got it as the sun fell. Perth is afforded the most gorgeous sunsets - the sky is on fire with a myriad of colours. It was really wonderful and gave Andy and I a good snapshot of the life Mark and Mo wil have in Oz.
It was with regret that I had to say farewell to Mo. Neither of us know when our paths will cross again. We have the internet and phone, but you cant beat the old one on one.
Funnily enough, this was our shortest trip but the one with the most variety of beer tasting! Well done guys, you have helped with the beer tour fantastically. Andy can hardly close his journal for all the labels!!
Mark - thanks for making us feel so welcome and cooking up some killer meals.
Mo - you keep strong and smile everyday for me. Fate will have our paths cross again without a doubt.
