Last days in Perth

Had a pretty quiet last few days in Perth. My host Susanne and went to the Perth Zoo in search of exotic creatures. We found a few- here's a kangaroo and a kookaburra

They also have a big area for orangutans and have a very successful breeding program

We also sighted the a meerkat and the wily echidna - or maybe a pile of straw with quills?

Next day I was to leave in the evening so I spent the day with a drive east to complete my survey of the Perth area. I went out to York, a small town founded in the early days of Western Australia. They are primarily a tourist destination now, with restored buildings and hotels and restaurants.

I took a walk out of town across the suspension bridge and the river and then headed home. Here are a few shots from my walk

Upon my return, Susanne had prepared a wonderful fish dinner for my last meal in Perth.

Thanks, again, Susanne for being such a great host. If you would like to explore Susanne's cookbook collection visit her website

Wilder by the Dozen

Off to Bangkok on Garuda Airlines with a long layover in Jakarta. I decided to rent a hotel room and this is the one I found at the FM7 hotel.

-$31/night including breakfast and airport shuttle. Pretty good deal, even though you are taxed getting out of the airport and again leaving Jakarta.

Both flights were about 4 hours, so I was in what I would call a 'regular' seat - nice sized and comfortable but not high tech. Had a very nice lunch on the way to Jakarta.

My room in Bangdkok was huge - an apartment in fact. Not shown in this picture is the marble bathroom with separate shower and bath and the kitchen with eating area.

I collapsed and took it easy, getting ready to face Bangkok in the morning.