Day 62

Finally the train pulls into the station! The immigration officer comes through the train to collect any fruit, nuts or honey that we have because of strict laws in Western Australia protecting their local crops. While I wait for my bags, I have a bit of a chat with this cool old couple who are travelling around australia. It's been a big journey, it feels like I've travelled and experienced a bit of Australian history. Now it's time for me to explore a bit of my history - the last time I was in Perth was 10 years ago and I was a fresh faced teenager. Get onto a taxi with no hassles, cost less than I expected and am so happy to get to Justin's place. A bit of drama with the front door key but I'm here!

I surprise myself by eating half a packed of spaghetti (2 1/2 times my normal portion) and I am exhausted and dehydrated. Rest.

Day 61

Wow look day 61! Looks like this blog lives on..haha..

Early early early day today. The train arrived in Cook, Australia's Ghost town, population 4. Most of the houses, buildings and schools are deserted now, when the trains became privatized. It is HOT. We are starting to feel the australian desert/outback now. Had a bit of a run around, that felt great after being cooped up in a seat for days. To my delight I spot wild brumbies (wild horses) running alongside the tracks. Gorgeous muscular chestnut bodies and flying mane...so beautiful. I also spot wild rabbit, sheep and eagles, and I eat even more meat pie. The cafeteria car's air-conditioning is broken and it is a sauna in there!

Much much later, in the evening, we arrive in Kalgoorlie, a gold mining town (not a ghost town). A lot of the mining in Kalgoorlie has fed the growth and boom in Perth city, there is a lot of money to be made in this little country town. Did another town tour and they take us to the "Super pit" (a hole 300m in the ground) and around to the local taverns, hotels and brothels. Everything you'd need in a desert mining town really...

Yet another long night as I try to get comfortable, tomorrow we arrive in Perth and I have lots of luggage to bring to where I'm staying.

Day 60

Wake up at some strange hour.. 530am to be exact, to the sunrise. I woke up 3-4 times last night, getting up and trying not to step on people sleeping under their seats or in the aisles. The train is operating at strange hours now, they asked us to turn back our clocks 30 minutes before we got into bed (or reclining seat) last night. First stop today is at Broken Hill, where we stay for 1-2 hour while the train refuels. There are 2 stands set up on plastic fold out tables, that are run by pensioners, selling what I can only describe as...junk. Trashy romantic novels, jesus statues, handmade magnets - it seems like they've raided their garages and brought everything out to sell to us. As the train leaves, I see them put everything back into the plastic cartons. Next train, 3-4 days. Nothing much in Broken Hill, the cafe I was at was run by a jovial sort of guy, who seems to cater mostly to the international crop of people who stop by on the Indian Pacific train twice a week.

By 3pm we arrive in Adelaide. The countryside outside is surprisingly European/English pastoral. I'm not sure if I've accidentally stumbled back into a browner, drier version of the English countryside. Did a 1 hour coach tour of the place and am further surprised by Adelaide, which looks like an European/German city. The tour explains that the colony in South Australia is the only NON-penal colony, (non-convict colony, all free settlers) and many of them were very rich and a lot of them came from Germany, which explains a lot.

Back on the train again... had a good baguette before I get back on. This time I have someone sitting next to me, so no more leaning over both seats. The train is moving ridiculously slowly (80kmph or slower) because of numerous freight trains on the same tracks.