G' day from W.A.

It is amazing what a difference a hemisphere can make. As we read about the bitterly cold temperatures in America and England, here in WA we are sweltering. Perth has had no rain for over 50 days, and temperatures in the 10 days since our arrival have been close to or over 100 degrees F. (37 C.) every day.

Perth is a fascinating place to visit. Many parts of the culture are similar, of course, to both the UK and the US, but with some real differences. One major difference is the geography. WA is enormous; its land mass is 5 times the size of the UK, Germany and Japan put together. But the population of the entire state is just over 2 million with 1.5 million in greater Perth. Perth also seems proud of the fact that it is the "most isolated big city in the world" and this fact is printed on the back of most postcards of the city. In addition to the vast Indian Ocean on its wstern border, Perth is isolated from the rest of Australia simply by the huge land mass of Australia and its often inhospitable interior. Perth is closer to Singapore than Sydney.

Thus, although the entire country (and continent) is a huge island, I feel like living in Perth produces a real "island mentality". A number of residents have spoken to us about their need to go to Singapore, Sydney, or Hong Kong for a weekend just to "get away". Perth and WA, like most of modern Australia, has attracted immigrants from all over the world but no matter what the local attractions are, there is still the need to see other parts of the world.

Being isolated has some advantages, however, as WA seems to have avoided some of the worst impacts of the recent world-wide economic downturn, with a vibrant economy led by the minerals industries in the state.

We've experienced a number of things that are somewhat unique to Australia. Last weekend we had to keep an eye on the horizon as we returned to the city from the country in order to make sure that we weren't heading too close to the clouds of smoke billowing from bush fires to the east of Perth. Then the next day we were enjoying one of the city's beautiful beaches when the peace was broken by a wailing siren from the lifeguards' shed - a shark alert! Everyone rushed out of the water very quickly, and a lifeguard later told me that one of helicopters that patrol the coast had spotted a large tiger shark just 25 meters from the shore. The evening news said that 6 sharks had been spotted that day at different places along the coast. We met several local friends who had attended college in the UK, and they said that they had never experienced a shark alert - so either they were demonstating some Aussie humour, or else we really did have a unique experience.

Life in WA is not all rough and tumble, however. The last two days we have spent touring wineries in the Swan Valley, just a few miles outside the Perth city limits. Grapes were planted in the valley early in the state's history, and some of the vines still producing are over 50 years old. Each of the wineries has a "cellar door" - a tasting area, and we were treated well at each of the different establishments. Chenin blanc (white) and shiraz (red) are two of the predominant varities grown locally, and it was interesting to compare the different styles and blends of the various wineries. Bush fires, sharks, beaches, wineries - just a few of the experiences we have had in WA. We are having a very enjoyable holiday, and only wish we could trade a little of our heat for some cooling breezes from England or America!