THE HOSPITALITY OF FRIENDS

The rental market in Perth is just as challenging as the buying market so we called out to friends to see who could have us until we could find a temporary home. Part of the reason we want to return to Perth is because both Susan and I still have connections there - often going back to High School. But keeping a friendship via the occasional email is very different to moving into someone's house. In this case, we needed a home not just for us but for Indigo, the cat, as well. 

Susan and Indigo spent an enjoyable couple of weeks in a studio apartment belong to friends Anna and Arthur. I met Anna during my years in community radio in Perth when she produced and presented a range of programs including one on trade unions. She met Arthur through this connection when he worked for a union in the North West of WA. They are the owners of Artija Fine Art Gallery which means that their home and the studio are full of indigenous art. If you have any interest in buying art, I highly recommend that you look at their website or, if you are in Perth, reach out and ask for an appointment. They also have exhibitions throughout the year with a new one opening coming up in March: Warlukurlangu: The art of Yuendumu. The e-catalogue is already on line. As well as their work in the indigenous world, Anna celebrates her Greek heritage and we were invited to a delightful meal full of delicious treats shared with their friends. Kind hospitality and good fellowship.

Anna and Arthur's Greek Feast

While Susan enjoyed South Fremantle, I stayed in Claremont around the corner from where our parents used to live, with Gabrielle and her dog Masie. Or rather, her daughter's dog Masie. Katie is currently in London so Gabrielle is in charge of this minature schnauzer who only stops barking when you stop moving. Which made for the perfect excuse to sit with Gabrielle, sip wine, and discuss the arts world in Perth. We met during a production of the play Women Beware Women directed by that great English actor Timothy West back in the 1980s. And then we met up again when she went to Adelaide to do the Arts Management course that I was studying/teaching. She's working in performing arts management ever since.

1982 - Women Beware Woman - L: Ann; Centre: Gabrielle

As well as wine and conversation, Masie was also a good excuse to walk along the beautiful Swan River. It's a wide expansive body of water providing wonderful vistas at every turn. 
Gabrielle and the Swan River

We are so lucky to have friends who opened their doors and their hearts to us.


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