Adelaide and such

The reason it took me a while to write my next entry is simple. I couldn't decide what to write.  Or rather how to write it.
My head is full of thoughts and as much as I wanted to have a blog about travel tips, I urgently need to describe my view of Australia, to get it out of the system.

After a few days in Melly I took the Great Ocean Road tour. This was not entirely a bad idea as the route is really nice, but masses of tourists kind of ruined it for me. 12 Apostles are indeed a spectacular sight, but when a group of Japanese tourists is pushing you in every direction you can't help but to start hating the trip.

Later I returned to Melly where I waited for my night bus to Adelaide. I actually had no other option but to take this bus as the day route has been booked a week in advance. Gosh. Still, the night ride wasn't bad and things started improving as soon as I've arrived to Adelaide.

First of all the bus station has complimentary showers. I am not kidding.  There was a shower at the station and I HAD to try it (curiosity, not only because I was super stinky after the ride). The shower was clean, spacious and actually really nice. 10 points for Adelaide.

Then I had an early morning walk to the hostel. I love early mornings! Everything is so peaceful and serene.

At the hostel I dropped my luggage and got a free bike. Another 10 points! Thus I was breezing through the city on the bike which is absolutely the best way to get around.

Central Market? Probably +20 points. Lots of produce, also organic, lovely stalls and many interesting things to try. If only my budget was a tad bigger... I'd probably own half of the Central Market by now.

The city itself is lovely. There's a nice river flowing through, which offers many jogging, walking and cycling opportunities. The centre is small, manageable and full of interesting shops (old school candy shop anyone?).

I decided to catch the guided tour at Aboriginal art centre, only to come to the Spirit festival that celebrates Aboriginal culture. Yay! I attended painting, weaving and singing workshop, free of charge, and each one was incredible! What an amazing turn of events! (Have you noticed how many things are free of charge in Adelaide, unlike in Melbourne?)

I am still having regrets for not spending more time in this pleasant city. If I had to move to Australia, Adelaide would surely be at the top of my list of cities to live in!

Sunday morning demanded some discipline of me as I walked for 3km, with all my luggage, to the Great Southern Railway station. There I boarded the Ghan, one of the greatest train travels in the world.

To be continued....

Yours truly,
Ajda

Travel tips:
- spend less time in Melbourne and more time in Adelaide
- consider renting a car to avoid tourists (which means also travelling very early or very late in the day)
- if coming to Australia in the summer, be sure to book everything in advance
- do the Great Ocean Road in two days, don't rush