About Perth

First of all, I have to mention that I'm sitting on my bed with the laptop in my lap, hoping it will give me some warmth. Nine degrees in Croatia is definitely not the same as nice degrees over here.


Secondly, I was going to share some information about Perth, which I heard from people or read in various guides. So, here goes.


Perth was founded in 1829 by Captain James Stirling as the Swan River Settlement (Swan river is the one that central Perth is situated on), who - unlike the Dutch - found the newly discovered land attractive.


But before him, Indigenous Australians lived here, arriving from the north about forty to sixty thousand years ago. They have lived peacefully and in concord with the nature up until Australia was occupied by Westerners. Classic story.


I say occupied because Indigenous Australians consider the discovery to be the start of their doom. They have been placed into camps, the land was taken from them and they were pushed to the brink of the society, drained by killings, alcoholism and disease.


But let's keep it on the sunny side, shall we?


Perth is said to have the best weather in Australia and even on the globe ("Perth has the weather California thinks it has."), which puts it high on the list of the most desirable places to live. Up until fifteen or so years ago it has been a cosy little city, but it's getting busier by the second.


During the history, its position enabled it to develop rapidly. The Swan river enabled transportation, while the curvy river meander protected the city from the Indian Ocean. Strangely enough, the English found it more suitable for convicts, who they kept sending down here during the mid 19th century.


Once gold was discovered around 1890, the population exploded and the city and its surrounding were filled with arriving workers, which made Perth as the colony's trade capital. Fremantle (where I went for lunch earlier today) had its port upgraded to cope with the increasing demand and it has kept its architecture untouched even today.


The discovery of various types of ore pushed it even further along the road of development, so that today some of the biggest mining companies have their offices located in Perth (of course, the ones with the most money have the biggest buildings).


Offering attractions ranging from water parks and zoos to buildings that make music and numerous parks and museums, it seems to be the perfect place for young professionals and fresh families.


Let's see how that goes...