Adelaide

After traveling from Melbourne to Adelaide on a 10 hour train journey on the Overland, I was whisked away to an International Evening at the Uniting Church. A wonderful evening of tasting dishes from around the world and being entertained by Philipino dancers. Here in Adelaide I am staying with Joy who is a SERVAS host. Joy has traveled to many countries around the world, so it has been interesting listening to her stories.

Adelaide is a cleverly planned city with Colonel William Light choosing the site for it in 1836 – becoming the capital of South Australia. It has the charm of a big country town but not the hustle and bustle of a cosmopolitan city. Prior to settlement of Europeans, the area now known as the Adelaide Plains was home to the Kaurna Aborigines. Adelaide is unusual as it was established by immigrants, and has no convict history. Rapid expansion took place during the First World War and after WW11 new immigrants arrived from Europe, including many Italians, bringing with them the Cafe Culture which is now so popular with the people of Adelaide.

Nestled deep in the picturesque setting of the Adelaide Hills, I visited the historic Hahndorf – a little piece of old Europe transplanted into a beautiful Australian setting. Another day I visited Victor Harbor where the local trams are pulled by horses. It was here that I visited an interesting art exhibition where exhibits were from young adults with intellectual and learning disabilities.

From Adelaide I will be driving a 2 berth re-location camper van for $5 a day, across the Nullarbor Plains, which I am told is a mainly desert area. It will be a 6 day journey to re-locate the camper to the city of Perth. I have advertised for a female traveling companion – unfortunately the first one was a male called Luke. My reply to him 'I was not prepared to share my bed with a guy.' I expect to be in Perth on 25^th August, with or without a traveling companion.