It may surprise many of you, but I have a love-hate relationship with Australia. I love coming home and being able to spend time with my family, children and friends. I adore the clear blue skies, balmy weather and the opportunity to walk on unfettered beaches and enjoy the luxury of walking and bike paths.....
What I don't like is the cost of living here!
Yes, electricity might cost cents on the dollar compared to the US, but if you want to buy a sandwich at a cafe you need to be ready to up the ante to the tune of about $14 and as I learned, much to my chagrin, a pint of beer will set you back a good $11!!
Eleven dollars for a pint of beer? I just about fell of my perch when I had to fork that across a bar at a Pub this afternoon... and not for anything fancy mind, just whatever happened to be on tap and in a run of the mill drinking establishment, sans fancy tablecloths or waitress service - this was for go get your own juice, pay and sit.
I realise that the demise of the US dollar has had severe impact on travellers from across that way, but what I don't understand is how regular, ordinary Aussies can put up with prices like that?
If I was earning a wage here and wanted an afternoon out with my "mates" it seems like I would have to be saving for a week (or 5) in order to afford to go out. And how the hell does a pint of beer realistically cost $11? I think in the snottiest of establishments in London, the most I have ever paid for a pint of beer is about 5 quid and in New York City? maybe $6 or $7? So I am not quite sure what sort of gig Perth is operating on but it's one that I don't care for and don't understand.
Anyway, on to sunnier matters.... I dropped by the Subiaco Craft Fair this afternoon. Held at the University of Western Australia campus - which to my mind might make it the UWA Craft Fair... but who is quibbling....
Lots of wonderful local color and artisanal work on display. I'd coveted a piece of pottery to buy at the end of my perusing only to find that I had left it too late and the specimen in question had just been snapped up. Hopefully though the potter lady will be in touch next week to let me buy another edition of the piece I'd spied and imagined sitting on my dresser in New York! And although I complain about the cost of things, this must be the only place in the world where you can buy a TUB of Red Gum honey for the "princessly" price of $20! Go figure.....