Thursday, April 17, 2008

Adelaide

We're ba-ack!

Yes, just returned from a hectic four days in Adelaide. The Elder, my rentals and me. We flew out at sparrow fart Friday morning. It's been so long since I flew, I had forgotten how weird it feels on takeoff and landing. And I popped Kwells. Just to make sure!

I've never been to Adelaide before. I didn't get to see as much of it as I would like.

We were met at the airport by a car service. It was a Kia Carnival van. I was surprised how roomy they are. And comfortable.

One thing that struck me was the old architecture and building materials that are used in the houses. Most of them are cottages, made of stone. Or at least with stone facades. Complete with columns. And some of them had the rounded front window walls. Difficult to describe, but I know what I mean.

I met up with my sister. We were, after all, there for her reception. Friday was spent with her and getting ourselves checked into the motel. It was walking distance from her place, so position at least was handy. The room itself was nothing flash. Nothing at all. Brickwork was dark, the walls white, carpet and curtains turquoise. Circa 1970. Or something. But very, very clean.

The day was cloudy, and a little cool. Friday night we had a bbq dinner. The bro-in-law wanted to use his new toy.

Friday night, I discovered that the walls were NOT soundproofed. You know it's bad when you have to go to sleep with your iPod on so you can try to drown out some of the noise of the talking and telly in the adjoining room! And sometime early I was awoken by strange noises. I lay in my blankets. Please, please let them be watching a movie.....

Saturday was cool, with light showers. This was the day of the reception. And when we arrived at the local club, the set up was lovely; the food even better.

I don't remember what we did for dinner. We went back to their place after the reception for more drinks and food.

Sunday was cool too. With some showers. Why do we always seem to get rained on? That was the niece's birthday party. Some of the kids seemed nice, some did not. The usual bag. Sunday night, I put my hand up and asked for pizza. I scabbed some cash, because hey, we were all putting in. And I tried to put the whole order on my credit card. They told me it wouldn't work, did I have any cash. Luckily!! And it was just enough to cover the cost of the order. Without my contribution of course. I took the boxes and we left the store. My sister suggested that I share the boxes around so I didn't have to carry them all. Sure. Why not. I turned to the Elder who removed the top couple. I turned to the niece, who took the rest. Once again, I used my super powers of delegation, and ended up at a free end. She shook her head. Only you could do it....

Monday dawned beautifully. The air was crisp, but the sun was shining. We were making a very quick trip into Rundle Mall, followed by a dolphin cruise. I was meeting a friend for coffee before we headed off. I only had an hour, but I did manage to grab a couple of minutes to drop by Haigh's chocolate shop. Of course!

I was a bit worried about the cruise. Everyone seemed enthusiastic, so I didn't object. I don't handle water that well. I can get sick in a lift. But I took the Kwells, and as long as I didn't look outside for long, I was fine. There was a group of women on board though. Three adults; nine children. And weren't they obnoxious!!

We finished the cruise, then headed off to some warehouse to see if we could find a bargain. There was nothing there I could bring myself to spend money on. But the others seemed to find things.

Monday night, we had a lovely dinner cooked for us.

Tuesday morning, we flew out. The pick up service to take us to the airport didn't have a van. So they sent two cars. A holden Statesman. A Chrysler 300C. The Elder and I saw the statesman come in first. And then the second car turned up. OURS! we called. And we rode in the 300C. It was black. So totally mafia staff car! And swooningly comfortable. The trip to the airport wasn't long enough. He did offer to drive us all the way home though...

So now, we're back. Thankfully I have the rest of the week off. To catch up on washing!

1 comment:

Colleen Barnett said...

Him wants one of those Chryslers, black, tinted windows, number plate reads STAFF...wouldn't object!

I gather you had a good weekend? or was it just nice for my benefit? haha. Seriously though, the food at the reception was lovely, and I may book our bowling dinner there as well! For that price, it should be within the limits...