ADVENTURES WITH MYRTLE: 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.