I moved here for love, following my husband who had been travelling around the world because of work. Australia gave us the opportunity to stay all together as a family.
For eight years here in Australia, I have explored and am still discovering the beautiful city of Perth. My family and I are very excited to finally become Aussie citizens. There are so many emotions inside of us - happiness, freedom and lightness. After a lot sacrifices and renunciations, we can finally say “we made it!”
As a tour operator and lifestyle blog writer, I aim to promote mutual tourism about Italy and Western Australia, showcasing the City of Perth through my eyes, as a woman and as a mum. I also like to tell people about my beautiful region, Apulia.
Western Australia’s landscape is very similar to Apulia, which is strange I know but welcoming to see. I love Western Australia because it has beautiful weather, beautiful beaches and stunning green parks, even in the city. I love the respect that the Aussies have for nature. The contact with Mother Nature is constant and this is very important, especially for kids.
In addition, Perth is a no stress city and everything is so neat, clean and organised. It is also great for families because it is full of activities to do with kids. Not only are there huge green areas in the city with one of the most beautiful zoos in the world – the Perth Zoo, but there is also Elizabeth Quay with a lovely playground close to The Island Brew House, a place where you can eat good food and drink great beers. It is also possible to take a ride on the carousel or jump on a ferry or a push bike on the Swan River.
I love to bring my kids to the new WA Museum - Boola Bardip and learn about Australian and Aboriginal traditions. There are many beautiful libraries in the city where I have been bringing my kids since they were babies, because I believe it is important for their development. My favourite one to visit is right in the heart of the city – City of Perth Library. We also enjoy the Palace Cinemas Raine Square to take the kids, or my husband and I will take time off to watch a new movie for us.
My favourite time of year is usually January and February when the Fringe World Festival is around! A stunning manifestation for families, adults and young people, there are teems of shows, concerts and food to check out across the city.
I absolutely love living in the City of Perth. I love walking around the City discovering little alleys coloured by murals. When I walk through Perth, I can smell tasty food coming out from the amazing inner-city restaurants. You can choose between so many different types of kitchens from around the world and I often like exploring new ones, with different traditions compared to mine. One of my favourite restaurants in the city is Long Chim. When you get inside, you are absorbed amongst their authentic Thai culture, the food is delicious and the staff are so prepared and kind.
As an Italian, I also love eating Italian food and not just at my own home! Indeed, I often go with my family to eat pizza, which is well appreciated by my kids. There are many different places around offering great pizza in perfect Italian style:
If you like the crunchy and thin one, Amore Mio in Maylands is super yummy, with high-quality ingredients and great burrata mozzarella cheese made in-house! Delisio Pizza Romana is another great one and they are up in the Enex Food Court as well as in Subiaco. They make pizza with many different flavours but also big plates of pasta. Delicious. Amico Cafe in Stirling offers good pizza too and if you go there don’t forget to save a little space in your tummy for the home made tiramisù! If you like to eat pizza Napoli style, there is a very good one called Basilico, offering high quality ingredients, good charcuterie, different cocktails made on-demand and delicious desserts. If you are a pasta lover, you’ll find some great hand-made options at Lulu La Delizia in Subiaco.
I find it easy for me to stick to my Italian traditions in Perth, not only because of the plethora of restaurants, but also because of the Italian grocery shops, where I can find products for my Italian recipes I’m cooking at home.
With my love for Italy, Australia, Lecce and Perth, I like to share family-friendly places, restaurants, accommodation and recipes to experience. I share the best places to brunch, drink a good Italian-style coffee and find fashionable shops and beauty spots in Perth, and a lot more!
Ilaria Ladino Corina is an Italian blogger. Follow her at www.thesweetworldofiaia.com or @thesweetworldofiaia
