Just like the typical burnt-out executives who participated in the retreat, I was rather looking forward to some good sleep and time away from the "work" in Sillypore (even though I was on official duty as a retreat coordinator). The first few days of the retreat was pure bliss; I tried to meditate but found myself so sleepy that I gave my body a real break (I REALLY slept). It is amazing how the body can recharge just by getting quality rest.

Late evenings were reserved for short (but lovely) walks during spring around the grounds. Located on a secluded piece of land near to Serpentine, it is surrounded by seemingly vast areas of forest and bushland. Most (at first sight) may ask what is the big deal about the forest where this could be found almost everywhere in Australia? With a little dose of mindfulness, one would learn to notice and appreciate the serenity of what nature got to offer; shy wallabies (or small kangaroos) hopping around in the evenings looking for food, working ants commuting busily around their nests and not to mention the variety of sounds one could hear from the exotic birds. In fact, the experience was so great that I decided to extend my stay (yes, 2 more nights of bliss out!) in Jhana Grove when the retreat ended officially. I suppose the time spent here was probably more spiritual fulfilling than spending it the city.

On the morning before we left for Perth, we went to Bodhiyana Monastery for breakfast. Ajahn Brahm was around and we gave our quick good byes (afterall, he had just came back on an overnight flight from Northeast Thailand). One of the Anagarikas (or lay attendant) then drove us to town for our train to Perth; this is when I realised that Serpentine is really not awfully big (probably just one main street with a butchery and couple of wine shops). Getting into the city via the relatively efficient TransWA train service (1 hour, A$8.60 or S$11.18, 2 trains per day) was no rocket science, though one would need to call up and reserve (without paying for the tickets upfront). I was told that no boarding will be allowed without any reservations.

After getting into downtown Perth, I realised (as I walked out from the train station) how overwhelmed I felt to see people rushing to their offices while holding on to their caffeine boost. Perhaps it is time for me to tune back to the conventional world and one way to do it was to focus on what I was going to do in Perth (afterall I only have 10 hours here before my flight in the evening). Found the "Rest Centre" at Perth train station where I rented a locker for A$10/S$13 per day for my heavy backpack. From then onwards, I was ready to go!