I thought that its high time to blog about the 9 day long Perth trip.

Yeah, people may ask why would I want to go back to that oft-loved oft-loathed place after having been there for 3 years? Well, the obvious answer was to hunt for a photographer for our planned wedding shoot in September (which will beautifully coincide with my dream to bring the dear to the Perth Royal Show, which will complete one of the wishes of my life). The other answer is that being in a different place for 3 years, you somehow would wanna visit it again, and ideally whack all the good foods there. If only I could have structured my meals to starve for a week then have double portions in Perth.

This was a proper holiday, and the first proper holiday in a long while. I can't recall the last time I had fun and just relaxed and let go the hassles of every day life. I think this was the first. Letting go completely can be quite hard; I still succumb to the urge to check my email and stock prices (as well as Newcastle's score against Middlesborough), but on the whole, it was great.

We had plenty of great, finger-licking food. Every meal was something to gush about; the quality ranged from good to superb; one rare dish that failed to make the mark (the soup at Sparrows), would be complained about constantly. And it wasn't horrendous, just not that great. Everything was put into perspective by our dinner at Margaret River, where we ate crap food. Whether it was because we were pampered or the food really sucked I can't say for sure, but I'll bet money that its a good mix of both.

Going overseas with a group of friends for the first time ever was fun. As expected, everyone had a good time (I'm looking at the near pang-seh person). And also, as expected, we grew closer and got to know each other better (I was amazed at how one could constantly be putting people down in so many different creative ways, and also how anyone could neglect a shower for 2 days straight outside of army).

It was also carefree and fun; just doing whatever you felt like without worrying about tomorrow, without having to drag your feet to anywhere. Sure, there were a few days we had to wake up on time, but we also had days to just sleep in, and I think that is just a valuable part of any holiday.

It was sufficient for me; towards the end of the trip it felt like I was raring to go right back to reality, but at the same time I could have held it off for another day or two. Just right; not too long for tempers to be frayed, not too short for things to feel rushed and stressed.

Having been there, there wasn't much to really comment upon. Prices shot up; the power of inflation! Some things changed, but many others remained the same. Saw a couple of things I've never seen before (a beautiful sunset, a bushfire, heavy fog, Ciao Italia etc), so it felt fulfilling.

Back now, this first week has been good. I'm still fresh from the break, and when they say that a break does you good, it really does. As long as you don't let it affect you by making you want a longer break; but rather making you prepared to go a longer distance, that's good.

Well, this is all I have; details and pictures are readily available on Facebook so I'll spare everyone (and my efforts) to post any pictures. Wordy blog this is, wordy post this will be. I should really be working on my other endeavours with fresh enthusiasm now.