Adelaide

University Building

I have just moved on from Adelaide - too busy while I was there to write. I had planned to stay at Brownhill Caravan Park as there is no free camping near the city. I was told there was a bus stop close by. I think that person must be a long range hiker! The bus stop was at least a kilometre from the park office and another km at least from the unpowered sites. As I was planning to visit some Toastmasters clubs and get back late at night, I didn't appreciate the thought of that walk in the dark at night.

I found the closest park to town, Levi park. I don't expect city caravan parks to be cheap so wasn't surprised to have to pay $35 a night. I always ask for a solo's rate and occasionally I get a slight reduction. This time I had to pay full price, the same as a couple so made sure that I at least had a hot shower night and morning to get some value from my tariff. As it happened I had a good spot among the tent sites at the back of the park with the River Torrens trickling by in the gully below. At the front gate, less than 200m from my van was a bus to the city, free between 9.30am and 3pm for old folk!

 

Catholic Cathedral

Now, 9.30 seems a respectable hour to go into the city but of course I had to pay to come home. During the day I was able to hop on and off buses and trams and see most of the city. I did actually walk the 3.5km city scenic circuit at least once and covered a lot of ground in the shopping malls, especially the Rundle Mall and the Central markets. There was plenty happening in the city as it is still school holidays and the weather was very enticing for tourists.

Mary MacKillop
 at Adelaide Cathedral

Rundle Mall

Court House

Part of University of Adelaide

The Intercontinental Hotel
where I didn't stay!

Railway Station and Casino

One day I jumped a tram and spent a few hours at Glenelg, the closest beach. It is very much holiday oriented with lots of kids activities, water sports and food outlets. A tram arrives from the city every 15 minutes and continues almost to the jetty. The weather was fine and hot and a walk on the jetty was refreshing. I shouted myself to a prawn skewer for lunch.

I managed to fit in two Toastmasters meetings in my three nights in Adelaide. Both were right in town and I asked someone to drop me back at my bus stop afterwards. There are dozens of bus stops and I hopped off anywhere along the way to town. To return in the dark, I only knew the one outside the railway station, so I used that to be sure I'd get home. I enjoyed both meetings and was lucky enough to be put on the program for both. What surprised me was the fact that, with a couple of notable exceptions, I had to introduce myself to the members as they did not approach me with a welcome. Are my clubs like that? I don't think so but will really have to look at guests welcomes when I get home. It might be time to have a Mystery Toastmaster again - with a fine for anyone who didn't greet that person during the night. The Mystery Toastmaster could be a member or guest, just to remind members that we are in the business of communication - with members and with potential members and guests.

The other important business in Adelaide was to see a physiotherapist. I must have poor driving posture as I waas very stiff and sore and every muscle was tight. I went to a physio centre on Tuesday and Thursday and had a good massage from Tom who specialises in sports injury - so it must have been a shock to work on my flabby body - though I am sure my muscles were as tight as anybody's. On Wednesday, not content with allowing my body to heal slowly, I went to another physio. The centre must have been registered as it is accredited by health funds but I have my doubts about my individual physio. I was pummelled and kneaded like a loaf of bread and came out worse than I went in. When I said he was too rough, my masseur just said that's what deep tissue massage is all about. However, even I know there is no deep tissue between the spine and the skin and he gave that area a good working over. The next day, I couldn't bear to have Tom touch my lower back so that was a bit of a waste. However, my neck and shoulders feel good again and I will be more conscious of my posture as I drive.