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Trip out West


We embarked upon our journey
Almost two long weeks ago.
We’d packed our bags with many things,
But left room for them to grow.

So down the freeway we did drive
On that late December day,
Through Sydney traffic we did ply
As we headed for the train.

We didn’t know what to expect,
How big would our cabin be?
We jumped aboard and stowed our things
There were so many things to see.

This tiny berth would be our home
For the next three days and nights,
We made some friends and drank some wine,
Sampled culinary delights.

But more than just a home for us
The train rolled down the track
To take us ‘cross the continent –
Australian outback!

The scenery spectacular –
With hills and desert plains,
And farming land, suburbia,
We viewed it from the train.

We stopped a bit along the way
Saw Broken Hill and Cook,
In Adelaide we took a tour,
In Kalgoorlie, had a look.


But finally, we did arrive
At Perth, our destination,
Said our goodbyes and grabbed our bags,
As we left behind the station.

Our next adventure did begin
We toured city streets and parks,
And learned about Perth’s history
And notable landmarks.

In our hotel we found the gym,
Guest laundry and the pool,
Unpacked our bags and settled in –
Air conditioning was cool!

Which was just as well ‘cause Perth is known
For summers that are hot –
No clouds, no rain, just searing
heat -
And that’s just what we got.

But we explored and looked around
Took tours to see the sights –
Cruised down the Swan to Freemantle,
Rotto was a delight!

A winery, a wildlife park,
A chocolate factory,
Were packed into an afternoon
Up in the Swan Valley.

We even took a scenic flight
Upon a helicopter
Experienced the “birds’ eye view”
‘Twas really spectacular.

The WACA was a highlight too
For cricket we love plenty
So it was great to view a game
That they call Twenty/twenty.

But what we really came to see
(And, boy, we’ve seen enough!)
Was all the stars from ‘round the world
Playing in the Hopman Cup.

Matches were fought so long and hard,
And upsets did abound.
Great tennis was the winner here –
At least that’s what we found.

We’re glad we came to do it all,
I don’t care what you say –
This trip’s been so exhausting that
I really need a holiday!















Penny O’Shea
January 2009

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