Why I love Rotto - Nico does Rottnest Island

1:  Quokka. Like mini-kangaroos, but cuter. You can pet them.

2:  Snorkeling at three different spots - and that didn't even exhaust all of the options. Back might be a bit burnt though (but not as badly burnt as James was tonight after spitting out the habanero pepper that Ash and I, being real men, were able to conquer).

3:  Spotted a baby stingray hanging out on the ocean floor.  Let me get within a few inches before darting away; that baby can move.

4:  No cars allowed, leaving a beautiful 20K bike ride around the island (with many beach/snorkel breaks included, of course).

5:  White sand and all kinds of calm turquoise water just a half-hour boat ride from Freo - it's like having a resort island in our backyard.

Why I love this city - Nico does Perth

1:  Doesn't matter what the weather report predicts; it's been hot and sunny with clear blue skies every day - perfect for the Camelot outdoor cinema (one of the city's many) two blocks from my villa.  I'll be heading there tomorrow for the premier of the annual Flickerfest International Short Films Festival.

2:  I can bike to work any day I want and there's always time to cool off with a dip in the ocean and jog on the beach when I get home.

3:  There are so many fine white beaches with turquoise water and dolphins diving in and out that there simply aren't enough people to make them crowded. Ever. (except for maybe the Sunday Session at Cottesloe, but that's offset by Tim's comment - see below).

4:  There are a dozen microbreweries just across the bridge in Freo

and dozens more wineries down the highway in Margaret River.

5:  Life is relaxed - nobody works too hard, sleeves are optional, my biggest concern is what kind of surfing to attempt, and the last train home on Friday nights is free for all riders.