Sowilo Soul Centre – a little haven of loveliness

Hi, folks – and G’day from Down Under! It’s been a busy old month since leaving Spain at the end of October and heading east to the sunny climes of Western Australia. I’ve been involved in an adventure of a very different kind these past few weeks, helping my good friend Paula set up an exciting new business venture. Having secured a beautiful historic property in Fremantle, a gorgeous coastal town south of Perth, she needed a hand getting the place set up as a yoga and wellness centre. With the property in desperate need of some renovation and decoration, I decided to roll my sleeves up and get stuck in!

Out and about in Fremantle

It’s been surprisingly fun – if bloody hard work! – ripping out old floors, digging and re-planting gardens, and running countless shopping errands to procure North African and Mediterranean-inspired furniture and furnishings for the place. I’ve discovered the wonders of Bunnings Warehouse – Oz’s answer to the UK’s Homebase store, not to mention the local IKEA and a myriad of wonderful family-run garden centres. It’s been exciting seeing the Sowilo Soul Centre taking shape, and the buzz around the place as passers-by and people round town get to hear what we’re up to leaves me in no doubt that my friend Paula is going to have a very successful and happy business here.

South Beach, Fremantle

It’s not been all work, though. I’ve also been enjoying some of the beautiful beaches here – something for which Perth is renowned. Early-morning beach walks have been a regular feature since arriving and the fresh air and sunshine definitely feels good for the soul.

I have, of course, been dying to jump on a motorbike and go exploring – but for the moment I’ve hired four wheels instead of two, as a Toyota is infinitely more useful than a bike for hauling furniture, tools and garden stuff around town! Having said that, I do have my eye on a great little Suzuki TU250 that’s just been advertised on Gumtree, so let’s just see what happens, shall we? 😉