Perth ~ Day 3

Off to the weekend market markets in Fremantle to do some shopping for souvenirs. We had a light breakfast before the usual preparation and setting off. As usual we did not set off as early as planned. First stop Eshed market which is a mere 5 minutes drive away. Parking was really tough as the place is so crowded and packed to the brim with cars. No initial intention to stay long here but was captivated by the numerous activities held due to the Annual Maritime Day. What a coincidence, which explained the really packed car park! 

We had to go hunt for early lunch due to the light breakfast we have and hoping to avoid lunch crowd madness in view of shopping in peace without fearing the hungry children! It was no different as we are met with a crowded food court, forgoing the mobile food vans lining the street which looked really tempting. Quite an eye opening experience in the food court which is rare by Australia's standard. Chinese food are served buffet style and charged as per size of plate regardless of how much one can filled the plate to the brim and the varieties of food selected. My plate of food does looked really humble as compared to how the local piled their food into a mini mountain! I'm so conscious in selecting the food having the mindset that I will be watched only to realize the vendor do not bother at all! A wise choice to have this western food style thingy with choice of meat to be served on chips (fries in our context) or baked potato with mixed vegetables topped with generous portion of gravy. Does not score well in the Presentation which look horrible but honestly it taste so yummy as the meat ate so tender, simply melt in the mouth. As mum is not a beef eater, we chose roasted pork with chips and roasted lamb with baked potato and steamed vegetable. It taste so so good and portion is very generous that we could not finished the 2 portion sharing among 3 adults, super yummy to the max!

Filling up the tummy, we are all ready to shop! The souvenirs are very much worth getting and we bought a whole big bag ranging from cute keychains that of koalas and kangaroos to tee shirts for both kids and adults! We went on to explore the beaming activities happening under the great weather, sun is shining brightly yet cooling to walk in the sun. We took pictures with this huge trailer like vehicle which is supposed to be on one of the longest vehicle only seen in Freo, lost count of the number of wheels! The children get to try out fire extinguishing, various guns and machine guns, the different army vehicles. A kind elderly gentleman put on this original British helmet on Zethan to have his picture taken which is super duper heavy which makes one wonder if the soldiers might result in having shorter necks!

Leaving Eshed market,  we drove to the nearest supermarket to stock up on spring water as well as groceries before heading to Fremantle market for a walk. It would be silly not to step into Fremantle market when we are staying in Fremantle when it is operating over the weekend. We must have been a joke since we had to ask for passerby's help on how the parking ticket machine work! The walk around Fremantle market was really fruitful especially it was such a joy to see the fresh and beautiful fruits and vegetables, all well priced! Quite tough to resist the temptation to buy all the fruits and Vegs back, looking so deliciously fresh and colorful. Not like we can as we will be moving off to our farm stay tomorrow for 2 days and please spare me the extras to pack for the stay.

Discovered amid researching this very much talked about and highly recommended authentic Japanese ramen shop within Fremantle market thus was determined to go in search for it. Surely Asian food for tea break would be welcomed by all after all the fish and chips. The stall was hunted down in no time, thanks to the enclosed market though very little information are available on the exact location. Initially all of them are like - what, eat again. no thanks, we are not hungry, evident in the photo. I am the only one much excited to give it a try. 2 bowls of ramen were ordered just for tasting purposes and as soon as they taste them, had to order another 2 for all to have a fulfilling and satisfactory experience!! The broth is so so rich and ramen taste totally al dente.   

With a warm and full tummy and all shops and supermarts closed by 6pm, we went for a stroll at Fremantle fishing boat harbor again. Now we can take our own sweet time as all are armed with windbreaker, sweater cardigan to brave the chilling wind. Or so we thought, the wind is so freaking cold sending shivers right to the bone kind of cold yet the scenery and sunset is simply breathtaking and gorgeous. Made our way to Cicerellos Fremantle, no excuse necessary for some hot drinks and pastries. Nothing beat a hot cappuccino and hot chocolate in the cold weather though the tiramisu is rather disappointing. The restaurant is packed to the brim partly because it's Halloween night! Wandering around and looking at the seafood, regret a little not having some empty spaces in the tummy for their specialty fish and chips, what else.

A short stroll back to the car amid the cold wind and we are back for a good night rest. Reserve all the energy for a super super exciting 2 days head, *rubbing hands in high anticipation and hopping from foot to foot* The young lady however insisted on a pic or two with the souvenirs we got before retiring to bed happily. As always I am the last to jump into bed, having to crack my brain on the stuff necessary to be packed for our farmstay along with some groceries and snacks for the kids along the way.