It's about time somebody addressed all these allegations of Perth being "Dullsville".
To all those that malign Perth - yes, we understand. Not many shops are open after 6pm. Not many shops are open Sundays. We don't have daylight savings (permanently anyway). We don't have a massive public transport system. We don't have every sort of shop you could think of. We don't have readily available taxis. We don't have an overabundance of night-life. And (shock, horror, despair) we don't even have Krispy Kreme!
So then, why would anyone want to live in Perth? Isn't is because it's such a beautiful, clean city? Isn't it because of it's relaxed and laid back lifestyle? Isn't it because of it's small-world status and fewer degrees of separation?
Now think about the connections between the last two paragraphs. Surely it's not too hard to see the inherent causality.
Detractors of Perth usually compare it's lack of excitement, night-life and facilities to cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo and London. They say Perth needs to move with the times and become more like them. But surely there are already enough of these bustling metropolises in the world. Perth is something special, so why should we make it like the rest? If you much prefer these busier cities then what is stopping you from going and living there (or going back there perhaps?).
Lifestyle in Perth revolves around having good friends, not good facilities. We invite friends around to our houses for BBQ's, dinner parties, pool parties, games nights and movie nights. We chill out on the beach and watch the sunset. We have picnics in our many lovely parks and take the kids for bike rides. Surely this is a lifestyle that makes for healthier bodies and relationships?
So really, Perth deserves the tag "Chillsville", not "Dullsville". It's a great combination of perfectly adequate facilities with a relaxed and healthy lifestyle. Isn't that worth keeping as it is?
2 comments:
Hi Peter,
Fair call. I do enjoy the "Chillsville" aspect of Perth life.
However, Perth is apparently set to double to 3 million by 2050. As a big-city lover, I say bring it on. But I guess that will be goodbye to "Chillsville"?
Cheers,
Rory
Hey Peter, cheers for the link off Facebook.
Perth is Chillsville, not dullsville. and I love the lifestyle, or i wouldn't be living here as an expat.
Last summer, I went to the beach with mai and sulli on a friday after work. Hang out with friends for BBQs, dinners, social parties and gatherings.
I have a rather active lifestyle, and I love playing around for a few hours after work.
Which is why having that extra hour at the end of the day is so important to me. That's an hour where I can go windsurfing at matilda bay, running through south perth's foreshore, going to the beach and then out for fish and chips.
Stuff which I don't do in winter, as it gets dark. Which brings on other, more indoor activities, but it's jsut not the same as summer beaches.
It's definately a lifestyle adjustment, as little children have to learn to sleep with daylight, and others who have to wake up early.
But for those families who have 2 working parents, that extra hour to spend with children, in such an awesome city is invaluable. Or working professionals who work more than 8 hours a day like me on occasions. Rather than sleep through that first hour of sunshine. :(
But this debate isn't about perth/dullsville. Sure we have a conservative population. Perhaps that's what gives Perth that country atmosphere. Daylight savings meant to me more time to enjoy this city's unique offerings.
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