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| At Dampier Salt Lookout |
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| A drink and a bite to eat at Dampier |
Sunday 22 June 2014
Saturday 21 June 2014
Across and up........
Wednesday was a very frosty morning and very dark when Lara took me to the bus in Beechworth. Only a few on the bus (driven by Cuppy) at that time of the morning and arrived in Wang to the fog and cold and had a lovely latte and muffin at Cafe Derailleur before catching the train to Broadmeadows. It is so convenient being able to get the bus at Broadmeadows to the airport and free with a Vline ticket. A few hours at the airport to fill in before the flight to Perth.
I was surprised the plane was so big and so many seats across (10 I think) probably an airbus and the first time I had been on one. I hadn't been on a plane that big since I went overseas a long time ago! I used to sleep on planes but with the little TV screens on the seat in front now I find myself watching movies all the way. Watched The Grand Budapest Hotel - it was OK, a bit quirky. Arriving in Perth it was another wait until the flight to Karratha. Another cuppa and a look around the shops. It was interesting to see that the majority of air travellers at Perth airport were men who were obviously FIFO workers in the mines. I arrived in Karratha at 6.30 pm (WA time) so it had been a very long day. So happy to see Tom waiting for me!! Only a short drive to Tom and Petra's home. Dinner and bed zzzzzzz.
I was surprised the plane was so big and so many seats across (10 I think) probably an airbus and the first time I had been on one. I hadn't been on a plane that big since I went overseas a long time ago! I used to sleep on planes but with the little TV screens on the seat in front now I find myself watching movies all the way. Watched The Grand Budapest Hotel - it was OK, a bit quirky. Arriving in Perth it was another wait until the flight to Karratha. Another cuppa and a look around the shops. It was interesting to see that the majority of air travellers at Perth airport were men who were obviously FIFO workers in the mines. I arrived in Karratha at 6.30 pm (WA time) so it had been a very long day. So happy to see Tom waiting for me!! Only a short drive to Tom and Petra's home. Dinner and bed zzzzzzz.
Monday 2 June 2014
Wonderful Adelaide!
An adventure Myrtle-less - somehow it was freeing not be drive! To relax and read along the way.....
A dear friend was turning 60 and her daughter invited me to Adelaide to celebrate the big "0" birthday. It was a surprise so many clandestine arrangements. My birthday is only 12 days before my friend's and we haven't celebrated a birthday together for probably about 40 years so this was my chance. I caught a V-Line bus from Wangaratta Railway Station early on a Wednesday morning. Five thirty a.m. to be exact! It is such good value at about $50 one way normal fare. A bit less with a seniors card.
It was very dark so I snoozed till about Echuca where we had a break and then back on the bus. Such lack of good food to eat at the service station rest stops. All deep fried food and nothing looked appetising. I am sure they would sell more if they had really good food! I brought some nibbles with me from home so just had a coffee. Back on the bus and lucky I had a good read, The Secret Life of Bees, to pass the time. The bus stopped at Ouyen for lunch and I had a walk. Not many on the bus but a few getting off and other getting on through connecting services. Driving through the Mallee is an interesting trip. Very flat and some small towns along the way. Arrived in Adelaide about 5.30 pm and then I found the YHA Adelaide Backpackers (Waymouth Street) which was only a short stroll from bus station (Franklin Street). Since I didn't feel like sharing I booked a private room with shared facilities ($85). Very comfy. Never a wait for showers or toilets.
After a wander up to Chinatown for a feed of very tasty wonton soup with delicious homemade chili sauce I headed back to the YHA for a good night's sleep. Super comfortable mattress. I think foam covered with vinyl to deter the bed bugs! In the morning I went for a walk to take a few photos then back for a free pancake breakfast cooked by some girls from France. The YHA has excellent facilities - great kitchen with all the utensils you would need and a huge dining/lounge area with heaps of light from the windows and a balcony. I would definitely stay there again.
In the morning I went to my favourite spot in Adelaide - the Central Markets. A colourful sight with heaps of fresh fruit and vegetable stalls, tea and spice shops. Also cheeses, breads, pastries, raw foods stall. I always get a bit carried away and buy so much to eat. There is also a shop at the markets called Goodies and Grains which has a very good juice and smoothie bar. Also there are bulk health food buys and lovely natural shampoos etc. A wonderful friendly staff too! When I could carry no more I phoned my daughter's friend and she picked me up to go to the airport to pick up other surprise guests. Time to catch up with old friends and my friend's lovely granddaughters.
My friend was surprised and we had a great evening celebration at the Fountain Inn. I love the area near Unley. The houses are beautiful and it is quiet and close to the city. The following day off to the markets again. More food!!! When I visited Adelaide when my children were young we caught the old tram to Glenelg however now there is a modern tram (just not the same ambience). An afternoon by the seaside and a walk on the beach before heading back to the city.
Next day a drive along the coast to McLaren Vale. A few wine tastings then lunch at the Currant Shed. A long wait for lunch. We had some dips which were nice and I chose the swordfish/snapper(?) It was a tiny serve with a small piece of fish on cold eggplant mash with squid ink and muscles. Not a great dish. Others had rabbit or duck which looked a much more satisfying meal. I gave dessert a miss but the chocolate platter looked amazing.
Next day back to the bus station for my 13 hour trip back to Wangaratta. A long trip back time to sit back relax and have a good read and a nap. Arrived back home at 11 pm.
What a wonderful mini adventure. I had so much fun catching up with friends and enjoying the lovely city of Adelaide.
A dear friend was turning 60 and her daughter invited me to Adelaide to celebrate the big "0" birthday. It was a surprise so many clandestine arrangements. My birthday is only 12 days before my friend's and we haven't celebrated a birthday together for probably about 40 years so this was my chance. I caught a V-Line bus from Wangaratta Railway Station early on a Wednesday morning. Five thirty a.m. to be exact! It is such good value at about $50 one way normal fare. A bit less with a seniors card.
It was very dark so I snoozed till about Echuca where we had a break and then back on the bus. Such lack of good food to eat at the service station rest stops. All deep fried food and nothing looked appetising. I am sure they would sell more if they had really good food! I brought some nibbles with me from home so just had a coffee. Back on the bus and lucky I had a good read, The Secret Life of Bees, to pass the time. The bus stopped at Ouyen for lunch and I had a walk. Not many on the bus but a few getting off and other getting on through connecting services. Driving through the Mallee is an interesting trip. Very flat and some small towns along the way. Arrived in Adelaide about 5.30 pm and then I found the YHA Adelaide Backpackers (Waymouth Street) which was only a short stroll from bus station (Franklin Street). Since I didn't feel like sharing I booked a private room with shared facilities ($85). Very comfy. Never a wait for showers or toilets.
After a wander up to Chinatown for a feed of very tasty wonton soup with delicious homemade chili sauce I headed back to the YHA for a good night's sleep. Super comfortable mattress. I think foam covered with vinyl to deter the bed bugs! In the morning I went for a walk to take a few photos then back for a free pancake breakfast cooked by some girls from France. The YHA has excellent facilities - great kitchen with all the utensils you would need and a huge dining/lounge area with heaps of light from the windows and a balcony. I would definitely stay there again.
In the morning I went to my favourite spot in Adelaide - the Central Markets. A colourful sight with heaps of fresh fruit and vegetable stalls, tea and spice shops. Also cheeses, breads, pastries, raw foods stall. I always get a bit carried away and buy so much to eat. There is also a shop at the markets called Goodies and Grains which has a very good juice and smoothie bar. Also there are bulk health food buys and lovely natural shampoos etc. A wonderful friendly staff too! When I could carry no more I phoned my daughter's friend and she picked me up to go to the airport to pick up other surprise guests. Time to catch up with old friends and my friend's lovely granddaughters.
My friend was surprised and we had a great evening celebration at the Fountain Inn. I love the area near Unley. The houses are beautiful and it is quiet and close to the city. The following day off to the markets again. More food!!! When I visited Adelaide when my children were young we caught the old tram to Glenelg however now there is a modern tram (just not the same ambience). An afternoon by the seaside and a walk on the beach before heading back to the city.
Next day a drive along the coast to McLaren Vale. A few wine tastings then lunch at the Currant Shed. A long wait for lunch. We had some dips which were nice and I chose the swordfish/snapper(?) It was a tiny serve with a small piece of fish on cold eggplant mash with squid ink and muscles. Not a great dish. Others had rabbit or duck which looked a much more satisfying meal. I gave dessert a miss but the chocolate platter looked amazing.
Next day back to the bus station for my 13 hour trip back to Wangaratta. A long trip back time to sit back relax and have a good read and a nap. Arrived back home at 11 pm.
What a wonderful mini adventure. I had so much fun catching up with friends and enjoying the lovely city of Adelaide.
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| Free pancake breakfast at the YHA Adelaide |
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| Happy surprise Birthday for J organised by J's daughter. |
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| Romeo at the Adelaide market |
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| Glenelg |
Appreciating Life
It has been a long time since my last post. My big trip, in 2012, up the centre of Australia and out west was the reason I started this blog.
I became busy with work and just doing basic stuff around the house and yard. Sometimes I forgot to focus on the good things in life that bring me joy. And now I have changed my mindset and other things....
Recently I resigned from my job and decided to follow my bliss - to experience new places, new adventures and get work somewhere out there. Well that is the plan...
And along the way I am going off on mini adventures. I still have Myrtle and haven't sold her yet but have been venturing in other modes of transport!! I am so reluctant to part with Myrtle however she may be going to a new home sometime soon.
I became busy with work and just doing basic stuff around the house and yard. Sometimes I forgot to focus on the good things in life that bring me joy. And now I have changed my mindset and other things....
Recently I resigned from my job and decided to follow my bliss - to experience new places, new adventures and get work somewhere out there. Well that is the plan...
And along the way I am going off on mini adventures. I still have Myrtle and haven't sold her yet but have been venturing in other modes of transport!! I am so reluctant to part with Myrtle however she may be going to a new home sometime soon.
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