Revisit Swan Valley

WA seems to have  an endless supply of interesting spots where visitors can spend a few hours enjoying, exploring, relaxing and dining. On Day 3 after landing in WA on 15.04.2025, we were taken to Swan Valley Station  - a cafe, nursery and gift shop rolled into one in Swan Valley wine region.

At the little animal section, we met friendly farm animals like goats, ponies and parrots among others.

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Instead of heading to the nursery, we wandered over to a small man-made lake at one end of the property. Along the way, we paused to admire some of the whimsical metal animal sculptures scattered among the garden - these artistic touches - graceful heron, playful frog and quirky farm animals - add character to the surroundings. We enjoyed spotting them as we strolled along, and the lake itself was a peaceful place to relax (though a bit hot under the afternoon sun), to watch the water shimmer and snap a few photos.

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While the cafe at Swan Valley Station looked inviting, Serene decided to look for another spot for lunch. After a bit of searching, we set our sights on Joey's Swan Valley Diner, known for its classic burgers.

Interestingly, even though Joey's is only 1.5Km away from Swan Valley Station, the Swan River lies between the two, forcing us to take a much longer route. What should have been a short hop turned into 12Km detour.

When we finally arrived, we tucked into huge delicious burgers and chips!

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Our final stop before heading home was a visit to The House of Honey & Sticky Spoon Cafe - a delightful destination, especially for us as amateur bees keepers (Read here). The House of Honey is an outlet dedicated to producing pure, unpasteurized unadulterated honey. In this outlet, we were offered to taste a diverse range of honey products, including Jarrah Honey, known for its high antimicrobial activity. Beyond honey, the shop also offers array of beeswax candles, beauty and wellness products as well as a selection of meads and liqueur crafted on site.

In front of live bees and honeycomb kept behind glass frame.

Exclusive Time with Nathan and Grace in WA

Beside our time at the story studio, we set aside a full day with Nathan and Gracie on 16.04.2025. At the top of their list was enjoying their favourite ramen at Ramen Kaisuke Tonkutsu King.

After breakfast, we took the train from home to Elizabeth Quay and before heading to lunch at Ramen Kaisuke Tonkutsu King, we hopped onto the hop-on hop-off bus for a visit to the Kings Park.  

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As we walked through Kings Park, I was immediately drawn to a massive thick-trunked tree. My first thought was: "Wow, they have brought a baobab tree all the way from Africa!". But when I stopped to read the information sign, I learned that this tree is actually a boab called Gija Jumulu. Remarkably, it wasn't brought from Africa, but transported 3,200Km from Telegraph Creek in northwestern Australia to Kings Park.

Interestingly, the trunk is carved with the initial - AL.

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I have visited Kings Park numerous times, even attended a wedding in a location popular for wedding couples (Read here). I am always fascinated by the open green lawns that stretch out like a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. This is a lovely spot to relax, enjoy a picnic or simply take in the beauty of nature. 

On our way to the pond with multiple playful jet fountains, my grandson Nathan stopped and offered to carry my backpack. He is such a considerate young man! Eventually, we settled on a quiet spot some distance away, where we sat together, letting ourselves be wrapped in the gentle peace of the place.

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After arriving at Elizabeth Quay Station from our visit to Kings Park, we decided to walk to the restaurant. Time has certainly brought change - where we once led, the roles have now been reversed! This time, we followed the younger generation as they took the lead. After about 15-minute walk, we finally reached the restaurant. As usual, we joined the queue and waited patiently for our turn to be called in.

Queuing up for our turn at Ramen Kaisuke Tonkutsu Ramen.

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After lunch, we strolled along some familiar roads in Perth city and paused at the Spinning Ball Fountain giving Nathan and Gracie to have a chance to have fun with the giant spinning ball. This public artwork offers a playful, interactive experience and serves as a fascinating example of physics in action: the water reduces friction so effectively that even a heavy stone weighing over a ton can be moved with a gentle push!

Premier Story Studio

On the recent trip to WA, our grandchildren, Nathan and Gracie were determined to continue the tradition of the "Story Studio". This time, they elevated it to what they called the "Premier Story Studio". Before we were allowed to enter the Studio, we received a link via WhatsApp to an online form.  The form contained a set of delightful questions such as: A glass of water - room temperature or cold? Massage - foot only, back only or both? We were only allowed into the Studio once the forms were confirmed received.

Ever since we started telling stories to Nathan and Gracie (Read here), the roles and format have naturally evolved over time. In this transition, we caught a glimpse of something larger - the natural passing of roles across generations. What began as us reading to or telling them has now become them telling us about their stories, their ideas and their lives. Over time, the stories shift from fairy tales to real-life adventures, from imagination to experience. And we, once the guides and narrators, now become the listeners, learning about the world through their eyes.

As Nathan and Gracie grow, they are increasingly the ones carrying the conversation forward. They shared stories about school, friends and teachers - sometimes with laughter, sometimes with a touch of frustration, and occasionally with a bit of disappointment. Through their stories, we get a window into their dreams, challenges and joys. And as grandparents, we have the privilege of listening - marveling at how far they have come, and how much they have to teach us.

Seats all nicely set for the VIP's

True to the promise of Premier Story Studio, as we listened to the stories, beside drinks, we were also treated to foot massage, back massage or both whenever we asked.

It was an experience we will never forget!

Planned Meet-Up and Randomly Meet-up

Each time we visit WA, we make it a point to reconnect with old friends and family members who now live overseas.

On our latest visit to WA, we chose Two Hands Noodle Shop in Como as the meeting place - considered the most convenient location for everyone. On the family side, we were expecting to see Alicia, my wife's sister. Among friends, we were looking forward to catching up with James Cheah, Choy Min and Tian Sze. James has been my lifelong friend for 52 years, ever since we met in 1973 in University Malaya where I was studying engineering (Read here).

At the scheduled time of 11am on 22.04.2025, we were pleasantly surprised to have four other guests joined us: TaiTai, my nephew (my wife's eldest brother's son), his wife, his SIL and her young son. Although we had been informed that TaiTai would be joining us, the presence of his family was still an unexpected surprise!

A later chat with TaiTai revealed that he and his wife had come to Perth for just a week to support his SIL who was expecting the arrival of her second child at any time. Once TaiTai returns to KL, the children's grandmother is expected to fly in from KL to help out.

At the restaurant, we decided to catch up and enjoy the meal in two separate groups. Naturally, the three gentlemen gathered at a separate table. I had last met Tain Sze, Choy Min's husband less than two weeks earlier at the reunion of the former classmates of Class 70 of CHIJ in Batu Pahat (Read here). However, it's been quite some time since I last met James. In fact, I had called him during my previous visit to WA in September 2023. Unfortunately, we couldn't meet in person as he was recovering from Covid at that time. Remarkably, it's been seven years since we last met in person - back in April 2018 (Read here)!

James keeps himself busy with an impressive daily routine of walking and cycling. Remarkably, he walks at least 10,000 steps each day and cycles around 40Km per session - far surpassing anything I've managed in my own walking and cycling efforts. On top of that, he is also a member of the WA Male Choir and sings regularly. He told me that his choir just returned from a tour in Ireland!

If James has any regret, which he sometimes mentions with a laugh - it's that he has yet to experience the joy of being a grandfather, even though his daughter has been married for many years! His only son who lives in Melbourne is currently still single.

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After the meal, the five of us moved on to Krankin Cafe, a nearby spot to continue catching up over coffee!

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In another family WhatsApp chat on 01.05.2025, a photo was shared from Tokyo showing Lyanna and her husband from KL together with Lim Min, her husband and their baby girl from Sydney. Someone asked whether the meeting had been pre-planned or just a coincidence? Their answer: "by chance!". This sparked another cheerful comment in the chat: "Randomly met!"

At Twin Fin Fish and Chips Restaurant+Bar

Cicerello's Fremantle at the Fishing Boat Harbour has long been our favourite spot for fish and chips, though we occasionally visited the nearby Kaillis' Fishmarket Cafe as well. Read here about our last visit to Cicerello's in January 2023.

During our recent trip to Fremantle on 21.04.25, we had the chance to try something new - Twin Fin Fish & Chips Restaurant+Bar, a fresh addition located just a short walk from Cicerello's. One of the reasons Serene chose this place was its proximity to Sculpture at Bathers 2025 - an art exhibition held on the beach right next to this restaurant. This free, biennial event ran from 04.04.2025 to 21.04.2025. 

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Immediately after our lunch, we set off to explore the artworks on display - a collection of sculptures and installations scattered along the beach, beneath the old jetty and even out in the ocean.

Hanging exhibit at left is titled "Light and Shade".

Left exhibit is called "Carve".

The above photo shows the colourful exhibits, themed "Encrusted Jewels". They are made of acrylic and natural fibre yarns, threads and strings, plastic cable ties, plastic mesh, fishing line, wire hanging basket frame and steel cable.

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From Bathers Beach, we walked through the historic Whalers Tunnel which eventually leads to the public car park. Built in 1837, the Whalers Tunnel is the oldest tunnel in WA and runs under the Round House, Fremantle’s oldest public building. It was originally constructed by convicts to provide direct access from the town and Bathers Beach to the Long Jetty, once used by whalers and ships.

The Whalers Tunnel.