Backpacking Holidays in Perth, Western Australia - Part 1

I just came back from Perth, Western Australia about 3 weeks ago from a backpacking holiday.

We decided to go for a free & easy backpacking holiday due to 2 reasons:

1) Cover places of attraction that we really are keen to see, rather then being lead to places by tour guides (many are to commercial places/shops that the tourist guide has a commission) that we dislike

2) We can control the pace. Normally if you follow tour groups, the time spend at each location is very short - with just a few photo shots and you need to move on. With backpacking, we can control our own pace

3) Most tours agency in Singapore will only cover Perth City Central and maybe the Pinnacles. We would love to visit others Western Australia's awesome National Parks - oh by the way, if you go to places like Australia and New Zealand - it seemed like you have never been there if you have not visited their National Parks.

4) We love to interact with the people on the ground. Nothing beats chatting and knowing more about the lifestyle of the aussies living in Perth.

As usual for a backpacking holidays, you would need to check out 4 things:

1) Air-tickets - we went for budget airline Jetstar Asia as the deal was good when we bought the tickets 6 months earlier

2) Lodgings - we chose backpackers hostel (Globe Backpackers in Wellington Street - we will talk more about it later) rather than posh hotel in Perth as we would love to mingle more with the people, rather than enjoying the comfort but soloist lifestyle in the hotel

3) Travel Insurance - this is a must especially if you doing Backpacking

4) Search for Information on Places of Interest + How to travel around + Recommended food

1 and 3 was pretty easy during the planning stage.

No. 4 (Backpackers Hostel) search was relatively easy as you will find many listings on the web which consolidates the list of backpacking hostels. Just check out the ratings and testimonials by others and you will be able to distill down to a few choices to make a final decision. Once again, risk are involved since the testimonials may not be 100% accurate. One trick is to consider testimonials that are nearer to you. Overall, we would like to give a Thumbs Up for Globe Backpackers Hostel (4.5 / 5 ratings), based on the following:

My room in Globebackpackers

1. Staff: Super friendly & Helpful (Sarah and Tracey - you are brilliant in Customer Service!)
2. Accessibility: Very accessible. Train & Bus stations just opposite. Free Shuttle (CATs service) also 2-3 mins away. 3 mins walk to the major shopping area of Perth City.
3. Safety: Located along the main road. Felt safe when we went back to hostel late in night
4. Room: Clean, Comfortable, Private, Nice Linen. (Pillow maybe change to thicker ones?)
5. Toilet: Clean, Well Maintained. Private. Can't complain!
6. Price: Excellent from what i got! Felt comfortable in my 8 days stay there!

Posing with Sarah

Sean posing with Sarah

It is No. 4 (Information on Places of Interest + How to travel around + Recommended food) that we face challenges. There isn't much travel guidebooks about Perth (and outlying National Parks) in the library or bookstores. We did many nights of internet surfing for information but there was just very little information on the web. The one that always comes up is Tourism Perth Australia which, as we know shows you the "so-call" attractions. These information are usually suited for those going for standard tour activities - we were looking for more information on heartland activities and food.

It seemed like not many blog about Perth - there wasn't much travelogue or blogs to help backpackers like me. Alot was based on asking around when we were physically there in Perth. Are you one of them facing this problem like us???

As such, i promise myself to blog about Perth and Western Australia when i am back into Singapore, in order to assist other backpackers that are looking out for information on Perth. I hope google and yahoo! search engines would be able to display this blogpost for people to pick up and plan their backpacking holidays.

Let's get started with the Introduction of Perth!

Perth is the capital & largest city of Western Australia. The pace of living over there is so much slower and relaxing as compared to other Australia Cities such as Melbourne and Sydney. Most of the shops & eateries in Perth City Central are closed after 6pm and the streets will be quiet at about 8pm.

Perth International Airport

If you are a tourist looking for food in the streets, you can either go for fast-food chains such as McDonalds and Hungry Jacks (equivalent of Burger Kings). You can also find shops selling Pizza and Kebabs until late in the night - this are usually operated by asians. Alternatively, you can walk to Northbridge area where Chinese restaurants are waiting for you for late night / supper meals.

Cup of hot coffee in the early morning in Perth City

In the next few blogposts, i will share with you on the day tours that we took to outlying areas surrounding Perth City Central - many are the amazing National Parks in Western Australia. I will also give an overview of the economical food you can find in Perth City. Stay tuned for the next post!

PS: Drop me a comment. I would love to hear from you.

PPS: This blogpost is part of a series know as "Backpacking Holidays in Perth, Western Australia". Click on "Holiday Tips" for whole series.

Suprise Google Adsense Cheque

It has been sometime since i last check my google account due to work commitments, and i am surprised to see another cheque posted to me by Google Adsense!


Is nice to receive cheques in your mailbox, rather than credit card bills.... =)

Isn't it?

What do you think?

Singapore 44th National Day Celebration

Hi everyone,

Just want to share with you on my trip to watch the Singapore 44th National Day Celebration at Marina Bay Singapore.

This is my first time to attend the National Day Parade, and definitely the first time at the temporary Floating Platform at Marina Bay.

It was all excitement as we (my meow and myself) waiting towards such an celebration event. On the day, we pack some bread and chips and head towards the Marina Bay via public transport of MRT. We have to walk pretty far and go through 1-2 police security checks before we can proceed nearer to the floating platform.

(just got pass the police check)

(we are near the floating platform where the parade will be conducted)

(Of course i am happy. It was a long walk)

(Floating platform at 4.30pm when we reached)

(It is full house at about 5.30pm)

(We heard of Kallang Wave at the defunc National Stadium. How about Marina Wave Roar at Marina Bay Floating Platform?)

(Yeah..That's Me!)

Last but not least, i must stand up for my national flag fly-pass.

Facebook Fantasy Football

I have been playing Yahoo Games - Fantasy Football for the last season (Year 2008/2009) available at www.yahoo.co.uk and was 4th in the group (with group code name Maradona). Can't wait for the BPL (English Premier League) season to kick start on 16th Aug 2009. Hee. My selection of team has been done By the way, my account name is "Eric The King 7".

Just realised while on my facebook account, that Facebook has also created an application for FB-Fantasy Football based on the BPL. I have also set up an account with them known as "Eric Cantona Shirt 7".

Looks quite cool!


Join me there!

Transforming my Optimus Prime (Leader Class) from ROBOT to TRUCK mode

In the blogpost about few weeks back, i mentioned that i was given a set of Optimus Prime (Leader Class) toy.

During my Organic Chemistry Mastery Workshops 2009 in mid-July, it was unveiled to the group of GCE O Levels Secondary 4 students and they were surprised to see me bringing a toy to a proper academic Chemistry Workshop.

After telling them how this Optimus Prime Transformer toy is linked and associated to chemistry, typically Organic Chemistry, they were excited for me (as well as themselves). However, i has problem in transforming the ROBOT mode to the TRUCK mode.

Even after the workshop, i did not manage to transform it properly after i read (and try to follow) the instruction manual. Hours and Hours passed and after 4 hrs, my TRUCK mode is still not in place.

During one of the recent Chemistry regular tuition class, one of my students told me to check out YOUTUBE to find videos on the toy transformation. I was initially skeptical about it, but when i reached home and check it out, i was shocked to find out so many videos that teach us the step-by-step! It is certainly 100% more useful than the instruction manual provided with the toy.

Check out these transition states of my Optimus Prime as it transform from ROBOT to TRUCK mode:









Saw my computer LCD screen? Yes, i was following instructions from youtube videos.

If you have problem in transforming your Optimus Prime (Leader Class), check out the youtube video below. That is what i did! Social Media websites are a source of enrichment and self-developments.


Link to Youtube video

Transformers - My 1st Toys since childhood dreams

Hello friends,

Sorry for disappearing for awhile on this blog cos i was away to conduct Intensive Revision Programmes for a group of committed GCE O Level Chemistry students, in the whole month of June.

Just a quick update, i have watched Transformers Part II: Revenge of the Fallen in the movies and also got my 1st toys from Transformers, since young. Watched the cartoons when i was about 19 years old, but has never gotten a Transformer toy before.

I got my Optimus Prime lately! Yeah! It was a gift from my meow, and was such a surprise for me. Big big set of Optimus - leader of autobots.



And i won the Scorponok (member of Decepticon..the bad guys) when i enter the "Transformer Spinning Contest" at Robinsons. This decepticon is featured in Transformer Part during the "Scorpion Attack of the US soldiers"


How about seeing me with the real Optimius Prime taking pictures together?????

Diabetes Please Note - Sugar Level

Hi everyone,

Thought this will be interesting for you to know.

For diabetes - PLEASE NOTE!

ps: received these pictures via my email sent by a buddy of mine























Hmm. No wonder they always say eat more fruits if you crave for "sweet" stuff, rather than buying off the shelves processed food that are available in supermarkets.

Hope this helps. =)

June Intensive Revision Programme (O level Chemistry & Math)

How has your child performed in the Mid Year Exams or common tests?

Are they scoring the marks they want? Or did they not do well this time?



With less than 24 weeks from O level exams (10 - 12 weeks to Prelims), this June holiday will
perhaps be the ONLY TIME that all students can learn and build up a strong foundation in order
to be prepared for this major exam which determines the next stage in their educational pathway.

The outcome of their O level exams is determined on how they spend their time and energy from now till October.

All students who have done exceptionally well for O levels start their preparation early. It involves building strong foundation of concepts, ability to apply correctly on questions, confidently prepared and mentally ready for their first International exams.

Our June Intensive Revision Programme (IRP) for Sec 3s and Sec 4s this holiday will achieve all the objectives as mentioned.

June IRP is designed into topical workshops which consist of heavy weightage and tricky topics (Sec 3s and 4s) many students find challenges in.

This June Intensive Revision Programme is carried out in this manner:

1. Experiential learning
2. Active participation
3. Timed exercises environment
4. Pre-post review assessment

All of these are to ensure that students benefit the most from each workshop: Strong foundation of essential concepts, confident on applying to exam questions, well-prepared for exam condition.

The subjects involved are E-Math, A-Math & Chemistry.

For schedule of this programme, here's the click:
http://www.WinnersEducation.com/blog/schedule/

To register, please call us at 9685 7675 / 9828 7357
(Register now & Save up to $700!)

I look forward in personally making a differences in your child's

academic success!


Sean Chua

Founder of SimpleChemConcepts

http://www.SimpleChemConcepts.com

P.S: The topical workshops will be conducted in a very focused manner for maximum effectiveness. As such, each workshop will only have 12 students. Do contact us early as Seats are Limited!

P.P.S: Kindly note that our subscribers enjoy priority early bird registration from now till 24th May 2009 before this holiday programme is launched to public.

In case you haven't seen any of the hundreds of success stories we get flooding in every year, here are a couple for you that will inspire ...

"A-Math used to be such an abstract subject for me. I couldn't make sense of what I was taught and I did not pass any of my A-Math exams or tests previously. Joining this A-Math Intensive programme was turning point for me; I wish I was taught the strategies earlier! They were simple and easy to use as I learnt how to "see" A-Math better. Thanks for the belief in me!" Vanessa Lim, E8 to A2, MGS

"Sean has made it possible for me to understand certain Chemistry Concepts much better. There are several fundamentals that he insists on me knowing it, that i initially thought of skipping. His analogies and ways of relating chemistry to everyday life is very apt and makes it easier for me to grasp the concepts. With a good grasp of the fundamental concepts, it was so much easier
for me to tackle other tough chapters like Acids, Bases & Salts, Electrolysis, Mole Concepts and Chemical Analysis. Appreciate your help Sean! I would highly recommend Sean to you;
especially you face problems in understanding those Chemistry Concepts,
'cos he makes it so simple to relate to." Cheney Wong, D7 to A1, St Andrew Sch

There Is NO Failure, Only Feedback

In the previous post, we have read about Susan Boyle, an inspirational 47 years old woman that prove many critics and skeptics very wrong, and announce to the world that "Everything Is Possible". She has instantly became an Inspirational source for many. She has proved to us that everyone can succeed, if they have beliefs in themselves.

If we can have the same beliefs they do, we will have the ability to produce the same results in our lives.

However, many a times, talents have been discouraged to pursue their dreams due to negative comments, and "labeling". Many were labeled as "Failures" whether directly or indirectly.

To be successful, we need to believe that there are "NO Failures", there is only "Feedback".

Let's check out another recent video from Britain's Got Talent (BGT) and see how 12 years old Shaheen treat turn a "not-so-positive comment/gesture" into a "Feedback" to give a world class performance.

Shaheen Jafargholi Sings Micheal Jackson Britains Got Talent

Source from Youtube Videos

Many of us (even adults) would crumple at the gesture given by Simon Cowell (one of the judge).

Shaheen proves everyone wrong by believing he can do it!

PS: Let me know your thoughts on it. I would love to hear from you.

Most Inspirational Video EVER - Susan Boyle (Britain's Got Talent)

Hello everyone,

If you have not heard about “Susan Boyle” yet, i trust you will be very glad to read about this blogpost. Her video in YouTube has been viewed more than 25 millions time (that is 25,000,000 ++ times) after it has been posted just 7 days ago! A day ago when i watched it @ 1am in morning, i had “goose pimples” and my body was shivering…when i watched the 2nd and 3rd time, the effect was still electrifying! Simply Awesome!



Yesterday, i showed it to my O Levels Sec 4 Chemistry Class and i trust many have been overwhelmed by Susan's performance and belief system. None of them were skeptical or cynical about plain-jane Susan. In fact couple of them ask me about the name of "Susan Boyle" so they can share with friends and family.

We have heard of different ways and

MSN TO BE CHARGED - PLS READ; IT CONCERNS U ITS TRUE!

Hi everyone,

I have received a couple of emails with regards to MSN to be charged in near future.
Bcos of the number of emails i received on this subject, i am really wondering if it is true or it is just a "chain mail" that someone is trying to create something.

I do really on MSN to chat with my oversea friends and ex-students...so seems i need to fork out some cash to keep it alive!?

Hmm..Do drop me a comment if you know something about this ok!!??

This is the email that i received recently:

This is Tara and John, the directors of MSN.

We would like to sincerely
apologize for the interruption, but msn is closing down.

We know many of
these messages have been sent out lately, and that they wouldn't be true.

However, this one is in fact true, and it will occur soon.

MSN
will begin to charge you money soon.

This is due to the fact that too
many inconsiderate people are taking up all the names
(ie. making up lots of
different accounts for just one person).

Therefore, we only have 578
names left.

If you would like to close your account,

DO NOT SEND
THIS MESSAGE ON.

We would not reccommend this, because if in the future
you'd like to use MSN, and you don't send this message on, you will be CHARGED
to use MSN monthly.

If you would like to keep your account, then SEND
THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYONE ON YOUR CONTACT LIST.

As we said this before,
this is no joke, and we will be shutting down the servers.

Please send
it on.

We do not want to be receiving phone calls stating that your MSN
will not open, or that you are being charged for using it - because this will be
your fauly for not sending it on.

The estimated cost for MSN monthly
will be about ten dollars CAN.

SEND THIS TO EVERYONE ON YOUR CONTACT
LIST.

NOW YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION.

In case you believed this is yet another of those 'prank' ! MSN shut
down emails, go to:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1! /hi/business/1189119.stm

(I did not access the above link thou!!!)

Regards,
Tara and
John
(Directors and Operators of MSN.com, Hotmail, Windows Live Hotmail,
etc)

PS: Drop me a comment if you know anything about this.

2nd Google Adsense Cheque

Yeah..i got my 2nd Google Adsense Cheque after i received the 1st one on 28th Sep 2008.

Not alot of money but it proves again to me that Google Adsense is true.

6 months to collect a cheque worth S$170 plus is pretty cool i thought.