A Star is Born…

This last week at Planet Inn Backpackers, we organised a Quiz Night in our bar lounge for current and former guests and friends.

Although we had a slightly delayed start to the quiz, the multi-cultural teams got into the spirit of things and it was very keenly contested!

Well that is, until Maddy came home from work…

After a spell of intense brain straining, the teams dispersed for a ‘half-time’ break, while Tony set up the guitar and PA system ready for a post quiz music session.

That was all it took…

The Generation Y (short concentration span) people quickly lost interest in the quiz and wanted to grab the microphone.

Before we knew it, the Kiwi boys started doing the ‘Haka’, which is a dance routine performed by New Zealanders prior to rugby matches (Ok, before they hunt me down – it’s actually a Maori War Dance designed to intimidate opposing warriors, but it’s obviously nowhere near as stirring as ‘Waltzing Matilda’).

Tony played a few songs on the guitar, then welcomed Maddy Ralls onto the stage.

What followed could be described as a defining moment in Planet Inn’s history – a star was born!

Maddy delighted the crowd with renditions of songs by artists such as Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette, along with some amazing originals with captivating lyrics.

A few other guitarists made very enjoyable contributions, such as Tony, Jamie and Martin, but Maddy enthralled the audience with a blues voice that gave you goosebumps.

The quiz was quickly forgotten (postponed), the drinking began in earnest and the singing continued through the night.

We are confident that we will be hearing some more about this young star from Bristol!

Check out the full photo gallery on the Planet Inn Photos 2009 gallery on this website.

This Hostel Made My Time In Oz The Best!!

“I can truly say this hostel made my time in Oz the best. It was like making a new family.

I only planned to stay a week while visiting relatives and ended up staying for 3. I was so upset when we had to leave! Everyone was brilliant, the guests and the staff.

When we arrived it seemed like we were already part of them. Instead of going out with your friends you go out as a family. I noticed it was the only hostel in Perth that seemed to be that way!! I loved it so much and can’t wait to go back. If you’re thinking of going definitely do! We thought we had landed lucky with such an amazing place and I’ll never forget the people we met there.”

Natalie Miller AKA Scottish Nat…, November 2005