Glorious Adelaide Big statement coming up; I think Adelaide is my favourite Australian City. It can be referred to, rather snobbily by other Aussies as a “small country town”. I think that’s precisely why I find it so charming. Known as the city of churches, the city is surrounded by huge expanses of beautifully maintained green parks. Every evening we witnessed a myriad sport and exercise taking place; people walking with their families, taking in the evening air with their dogs or just sitting around chatting.
The architecture from a bygone era is still ever evident; lowish level buildings with those old wrought iron verandas. Of course there are high rise buildings around, but the overwhelming feeling you get, with the river meandering through the city, is yes, that of an English county town. Head of Entertainment has organised a jaunt out to McLaren Vale for a wine tasting. When in South Australia these things have to be done - don’t be fooled into thinking we enjoyed it for one second! The scenery, wine and lunch was as delicious as you’d expect; we didn’t do a lot of “spitting“ that’s for sure. Overlooking much of the area is a huge cube shaped building - literally looking just like a Rubik cube it’s supposed to represent the complexity of winemaking. On closer inspection it’s actually very attractive and is currently hosting a Salvador Dali exhibition. Well worth a trip.
Since we have been out here, the world has witnessed the tragedy of Bondi. The first day at the Adelaide Oval struck exactly the right note of solemnity; there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as John Williamson played True Blue - an unofficial anthem for the unity and resilience of Australians. It was an emotional moment.
On the day the weather hit 40 degrees, I couldn’t face the cricket so Dawn Tufnell and I decided to head for the beach. With familiar names from home like Henley and Brighton , we slathered on the factor 50 and got the sand between our toes. Many of the beaches have life saving surf clubs patrolling, and there’s often a cafe attached. I know the weather is grim back at home so I’m trying not to rub it in, but when the sun overwhelmed us we retired there to the shade and enjoyed a couple of tasty MOCKTAILS (really? -Ed) All joking aside?
When we headed back into the city centre the heat was ferocious; like the blast that escapes from an oven door when it’s opened. How the spectators and players managed to cope with the long days at the ground is quite beyond me. Our six days has raced past; Head of Entertainment (aka Mark) has taken our little trusty plane back to Sydney. He’s meeting up with his three children which will probably be a lot easier than organising Jonathan and I. Tomorrow it’s time to head off to Melbourne. The countdown to Christmas is on although it honestly doesn’t feel very festive here. Bah humbug Emma - although I have ordered a tree with a difference for the BBC apartments on the South Bank. Watch this space!