FREEMANTLE MARKET AND FOOTBALL

We took a lovely ride up the coast to Hillary’s Boathouse.  The skies were clear and the roads were quite empty – so driving all the way up with a continuous view of the ocean was a treat.  We arrived at the Boathouse and went through the many shops and then stopped for lunch at a fabulous fish and chip shop.  The choices of fish here are hake and barramundi.  It was all very tasty, lightly battered and delicious. 
 

After lunch we returned to Fremantle where Laureen and I went walking through the old Fremantle Market that dated back to 1897.  There were many kiosks filled with beautiful fruits and vegetables and stalls with the work of local artists, handcrafters, some antiques and even a tarot card reader or two.  Laureen tried on a $16,000 diamond and sapphire ring in one of the antique jewelry stalls.  I tried on a $3500 ring.  In each case the ring fit beautifully, but we left them both behind.  

Eucalypts in the distance

Ocean view
 

We drove up to the war memorial near Diana’s house.  It is a lovely high point in the city with ocean views on one side and the eucalypts bush on the other with the distinctive blue hues.  It was so lovely to look out and over the surrounding cityscape.  So rather a quiet day today. 
 

War Memorial

Since we arrived, there have been purple banners, signs, flags, balloons all in preparation for an exciting Aussie rules football game that took place near Perth last night.  Diana isn’t a fan every day, but like our Stanley Cup, she was a fan that night.  We gathered in the living room to watch this fast and furious game that is Aussie rules football!   At first observation, it is a cross between volleyball, basketball, football (as we know) maybe even rugby – looked more like no rules.  There is a lot of whistle blowing that doesn’t mean penalties – seems that every time a ball is caught a whistle blows. 18 men form a team and are all moving in every direction for the whole of the game.  The field is larger than our football or soccer fields and no visible protective gear.  So a bit of blood here and there now and then – but up they get and continue to play!  Wow – I think I enjoyed it…but alas, the Fremantle Dockers went down in flames to the Hawks from Melbourne.  So it was a sad day in Mudville.  News flash....The West Coast Eagles won the game on Saturday - so once again there are smiles all around!  Go Eagles - they are now in the final.