Joie de vivre (French) is a phrase used to express a cheerful enjoyment of life; an exultation of spirit. It “can be a joy of conversation, joy of eating, joy of anything one might do. Joie de vivre may also be seen as a joy of everything, a comprehensive joy, a philosophy of life, and ‘involves one’s whole being’.” -Wikipedia.
We are fortunate to have met some people who embody the essence of ‘joie de vivre’. They are an absolute joy to have around. They are creative in their outlook, optimistic in their attitude, are kindhearted, mind their manners, and carry an intelligent conversation. They love their food, their wine, their tea; and are equally tasteful in their sense of fashion. Enthusiasm, vibrance, and spontaneity are their last names. They can whip up a party even when by themselves, but they love good company and catch up with kindred spirits as much as occasions will allow.
In this section, we follow three such people who possess the enviable joiedevivre, as they do a tour of familiar and not-so-familiar Perth digs and give these places a lively vibe: our photography enthusiast, Amil; his wife, Isa; and their soulmate, Luna.
Picnic are yours to enjoy on the high hills of Armadale.
Peninsula Tea Gardens set by the Swan River in Maylands offer what they call
‘Parisian Afternoon High Tea’. Would the Queen of England be pleased, one wonders. Morning tea is likewise served seven days a week.
Perry’s Paddock, Yellagonga Regional Park Yellagonga Regional Park in Wanneroo was named in honour of Yellagonga, the leader of the Mooro people who inhabited the region north of the Swan River at the time of colonial settlement. The Park is of cultural significance to the Nyoongar community, forming part of their Dreaming.
The Park has a number of sites of historical importance, such as Perry’s Paddock, named after Jack Perry who bred racehorses here at the turn of the 20th century. Limestone ruins on the site include a two-storey shed and single room attached cottage that has been restored. Perry’s Paddock, on Ocean Reef Road, is a registered heritage site and is part of the City of Wanneroo.
The Leopard Lodge, located in Carabooda WA, 45km northwest of Perth near Yanchep, defines their restaurant as the South African steakhouse in Perth. They invite people to ‘come hungry and leave happy’
“Everything Old is New Again” at The Guildford Hotel. Beer is flowing again at the iconic Guildford Hotel, since it was officially reopened to the public on 26th May 2016. The Grand Old Dame, as it is sometimes referred to, is one of the oldest Heritage-listed sites in Perth. It was gutted by fire in 2008, and remained in a state of disrepair for 6 years until restoration works began in 2014 after the WA Heritage Council gave approval for partial re-roofing of the historic pub and the state government chipped in $100,000 for its construction. Although the new open plan quite removed from the original layout, the restored hotel contain relics of Guildford’s history can be glimpsed from original tiles, fireplaces, doors and windows which have been retained.
Walking Trail, Waterfalls, and Wildflowers
At the Lesmurdie Falls National Park in the hills east of Perth can be found one of the more spectacular waterfalls quite unlikely to be found anywhere else in the region. The trail starts at the top of the hill. In winter and spring, the rains swell Lesmurdie Brook which tumbles over the Darling Range Escarpment. Walking down the hill, the trail follows the brook until it reaches a bridge at the top of the falls. A lookout allows you to view the falls and, on a clear day, the flat land of the coastal plain sweeps the eye out over Perth city to Rottnest Island on the western horizon. Follow the trail down to the picnic area at the base of the hills. From here a short trail leads to the bubbling brook at the base of the waterfall where a lush vegetation and seasonal wildflowers are of interest. Lesmurdie Falls, Perth Hills, Shire of Kalamunda.–trailswa.com.au
