Solo Travels, Pt 2.

So, let’s continue! I began my tourism in Adelaide by wandering through the shops, and to the city library. Here, I arranged to meet up with Stephan, who I know from ANU. He’d been in Adelaide for a few days already, and so was able to direct me to an area of the city I didn’t know to buy some cracking food. I spent the afternoon taking in sights by the city, as well as calling to do a little shopping – I now have a bag with wheels!

I walked alongside the Adelaide river, and relaxed for a while to watch the local rowing teams train. I was very glad not to be having to partake given how warm it was. As the evening wore on, and the Sun began to set (not that it got any cooler mind!) I found a little local bar to get some dinner, before meeting up again with Stephan to catch the bus to a momentous occasion on my travels…

Adelaide United, Hindmarsh Stadium
7:30pm November 26 2010, Adelaide United v Gold Coast
Attendance: 12,005 (max 16,000)
And it was a great stadium to start at. A large crowd of Adelaide supporters in a sea of red meant my Middlesbrough shirt fitted right in as the home side controlled their way to a 2-1 win. They took an early lead with some smart passing, before a half-time thunderbolt from a Gold Coast defender drew things level, but Adelaide were back in front soon after the second half kick off. Gold Coast later had a man sent off as they tried to battle back, but it was an easy win for the home side.
The following morning was Saturday, and Adelaide showed itself up as not being the most tourist-friendly city. I’d noticed on earlier days that the city almost seemed to shut down at 5pm, and it seemed to have slowed down on Saturday still. I took a lunchtime stroll through the Central Markets after a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs, before taking advantage of the clear skies to look at the sights. I walked up to Light’s Vision, named for Colonel Light, who selected the site of Adelaide to build this city. From there, I walked by the Adelaide Oval, which carries strong references to Don Bradman, including a huge bronze statue of him outside.

After fully checking out a few more of the sights, I arranged to meet up with Stephan again at Good Life, an organic Pizza shop which has won awards in each of the last 6 years for its pizzas. The perfectly cooked chicken, new potatoes, bacon and cheese did not disappoint! The area that was in, Hutt Street, also had various Formula 1 handprints lining the street, without explanation as to why they were there. I would appear I have bigger hands than drivers such as Coulthard, Schumacher, Lauda… In fact, all of them! After that though, Stephan was catching his bus to Melbourne, so I would truly be a solo traveller for the first time.

Another bright start on Sunday to go and take in the Museum of South Australia, which details a lot of Aborigine history, as well as the geological history of Australia, and the evolution of local animals. It was an interesting walkthrough, but I find glass boxes of stuffed animals just a little impersonal and unsettling. I did find the fossil records and Geological stories cool though!

After that, it was on to the Botanic Gardens to take in the sights. It was a relaxing area, and I stopped frequently to relax by water features and read a chapter of my book. I also chatted with a local couple in the Palm House who were both retired Mathematics teachers, and were delighted to hear that there were still people taking up the subject! I also wandered through to see the Victoria Amazonica, one of the largest water lilies in the world, which was kept in an incredibly warm and humid greenhouse. After that, the gathering clouds persuaded me to meander back towards the hostel, and just in time to avoid a shower.

And finally, ahead of my departure from Adelaide, I’ll leave my favourite characters from this city, the pig statues in Rundle Mall…