Sassy Subi

This morning I took the train to Subiaco to catch up with a friend.  We met in a cosy coffee shop, taking possession of a corner table as the warming winter sun danced upon our table. We chatted about our lives, our dreams, our kids, even our coffee while the streams of people outside walked, sauntered or beat the footpath to their next stop. Our conversation entertained us. We enjoyed our coffee and shared half a raspberry and white chocolate muffin of mammoth proportions.  Our hour together passed quickly and we parted promising to do it all over again sometime in the future.


Sassy Subiaco

I had promised myself a walk along Rokeby Road in the warm winter sun.  The main shopping precinct in Subiaco.  In my youth (oh so long ago) Subiaco was a poor cousin of the affluent surrounding suburbs.  Years later an influx of younger people, the well known yuppie population bought numerous brick or weatherboard Victorian houses, renovated them into lustre gems and Subiaco was reborn with a much improved price tag.  One real estate
 agent advertises Subiaco as;
'Stylish Subiaco - Subi to her friends - is a sassy inner-city neighbourhood just west of downtown Perth.' 

Along with the new price tag came multitudes of villas, townhouses and apartments.  Once boring Subiaco was reborn.  While Rokeby Road is no Rodeo Drive it boasts a eclectic range of boutiques, cafes, book shops and quirky shop fronts.  



My bargain buy

I was drawn into one of the quirky shops which appeared to have been invaded by anyone and everyone passing by.  It was like a Myer Christmas Sale!  The biggest surprise of all was this overflowing shop is a well-known second hand store, Good Sammy's.
Thinking it was overrun by grey haired grannies I did a double take.  A young girl on school holidays was rummaging through a cardboard box as she was calling to her friend.  She pulled out a tiny green bikini with great delight.  A young man held up a beige overcoat for his girlfriend's approval.  There were young men everywhere carefully selecting their second chance clothes. Mothers and their children (its school holidays) rummaged through the boxed games, bangles and jewellery.  I was caught up in the excitement and found myself rummaging through the handbags.  Mel goes through a handbag every six months.  I have bought her handbags worth over $100 and they last no longer.  I find an amazing brand new specimen.  I check the price tag and rejoice.  It is $5.50!  A great bargain.  I check out a few racks of clothing but find nothing which inspires me.  I pay for my treasured find and congratulate myself.  Others line up with their spoils.

I am surprised, this most ordinary shop is not only smack bang in the middle of Rokeby Road but it is teaming with bargain hunters! 

I continue on my walk reaching the end of this iconic road.  I cross over to the other side and head back the way I came.  I pause at the old screen door of Ogilvie's Café and enter with expectation.  I have been here before and delight at the French Provincial charm, the wooden tables, jars of jams and chutney and the displays of aged and charming treasures.  I order yet another coffee and a chicken and salad baguette. I sit at a small wooden table and read today's paper as I await my freshly made coffee.  All thoughts of my otherwise stressful life depart while I relax and enjoy my lunch.

My day is almost complete and I make my way back home.   It has been a day to remember. 




Quirky Ogilvie Café