Fremantle, Australia
We sat in the piazza awaiting our number to be called signifying our luggage was ready. To keep us entertained, we played a quick game of five crowns (I lost). Paying attention to our game was a challenge because so many crew members were being escorted off the ship to head back home months earlier than expected. Such raw emotion... most of them initially had a spring in their step at the thought of returning to their home country and family but then reality set in and was replaced by a profound sadness. Crew members were leaving their ship family. I got teary watching them say goodbye... the hugs, the encouragement, the camaraderie. What an amazing team!
Using our last bit of wifi, we ordered an Uber to take us to our accommodation. it would have been an easy walk but with the new luggage, we felt a ride was the way to go! We were prepared to drop off our luggage and wander around for a bit. Up to the desk we went... and surprise, surprise our room was ready! Up the elevator, down the hall, key in the door and we were "home". We were expecting a hotel room based on the price. When the door opened, our eyes opened wider! It was like a one-bedroom apartment! there was a nice entry, beautiful bathroom, a kitchenette fully stocked, dining room table and living room. Perfect!
In addition to doing personal research, we asked the front desk for a few dining suggestions. Benny's was the winner! Fremantle is an adorable walking town, so all we had to do was turn the corner and pass by a few shops. Within no time, we were sitting at an outdoor table going through the menu! Great place to people watch!
This little gem had such a variety of selections. Seafood for me, meat for my hubby. Unfortunately, they had run out of the first thing I ordered. With the Majestic Princess staying in port longer than expected, the businesses experienced a run on food and supplies. Our waiter told us the owner had put in an order that should be arriving later in the day. So... in addition to our lunch, we ordered a take away meal for later in the day to enjoy in our flat! Win/Win Back for “Happy Hour”… 1/2 off beer and wine, $5/drinks. By the way… the $15 price on the sign amounted to $9USD… the $5AUD drinks equaled $3USD. Quite a bargain!
Sipping on our cocktails, watching the people made for a perfect dining experience. When my meal arrived, my mouth was instantly watering! Two appetizers were served... shrimp and pork belly. Oh. My. Gosh!!! So incredible! It made me want to try everything on the menu! Barry had a salad and pasta... I was so enthralled with my meal, I failed to take a picture of his OR the rest of my meal! Actually, my mouth is watering as I type this... just remembering the taste!
After lunch, we decided to do a little walking... we had eaten so much! Fremantle consists of several streets of shops and restaurants. It turns out, this quaint town may be one of my favorite ports! The People are friendly and seem to really appreciate the business. Accommodations are reasonable and food... well... you saw the food! This is just one of many streets we wandered through. In one store, then another, and another. We picked up a few souvenirs to bring home.
In the center of town (where the ship shuttle dropped off each of the extra days in port), is a church called St John's the Evangelist. Still in use, it was originally built in 1843. A larger church was needed so it was torn down and a "new" one built in its place around 1882. Situated on High Street, it is the focal point of King's Square. The second photo is the front door... as you may have noticed from past posts, I have a "thing" for doors!
After experiencing two weeks of uncertainty, we had developed a plan. We would enjoy one more day in this charming town, take a taxi to Perth Airport and fly back to Sydney. There we would spend one night in an airport hotel and head back to the USA. For now, we decided to enjoy the bottle of Belle Glos we purchased on the ship so we would have a nice wine in our "hotel room". After a quick stop by the grocery store, we were able to create a small charcuterie board. Whew... a nice, relaxing evening at home in Fremantle.
