Jack’s Blog

This is a bit out of sequence, but I wanted to get my impressions into writing before I forget too much.
My plane-Virgin Blue-arrived on time, really a few minutes early.
We landed 12 minutes early and I was out and on a bus within 30 mins. Bags came fairly quickly and no damage, but I was using the duffle bag I got for $19 from Aldi so no hard sides to damage. Adelaide airport is new and big and only a few kms from the centre of the city. We landed from the sea side.
Found the Jet bus stop and bus came within a few mins. I thought it was just an airport bus but it is a regular commuter bus so within a couple of stops it was full. I had put my duffle-with a lot of effort-into a bag rack. Cost $2.60 –I forgot to ask for Senior rate.
The driver told me when to get off and I knew I wasn’t going to be able to haul the bag out so asked a really tall guy-“you look pretty strong, could you get my bag please”. He did but not very graciously.
Followed the driver’s directions and trundled down to North Terrace and soon found the Mercure.
It was just on 10am when I got to reception-I had sent an email asking if I could leave my bags at this time, but there was a really helpful bloke on reception, and he found me a room and allowed me to check in immediately-that was a huge relief. I was able to sort of relax, clean up and get my backpack better organised.
There is a tram stop just in front of the hotel so got a tram to Glenelg within a few minutes. The system in Adelaide is that any ride just within the CBD is free and you pay if you go out of that area. Trams are good but the seats are very hard. Conductor comes around when tram leaves CBD area-this time I got seniors rate $1.20.

Observations
Adelaide people are very friendly & helpful- no matter who I asked I got polite assistance. Might be the grey hair and age-but it was a pleasant surprise.
There is a very big coffee culture here.
Enjoyed wandering Glenelg. Went to the end of the jetty and back and then wandered the streets. There are still a lot of awnings over the footpaths with supports which give it a real old time feel. I love that as I don’t like all the modern architecture of east coast cities. Wandered right along the main street. By this time I was starting to fade so decided to go back to the hotel and have a siesta. The trams come every 15 mins so soon on my way back.
Good to lie down even for a short time. The room is very modern but quite small and I seemed to fill it up easily.
I had seen a Ti just around the corner from the tram, so decided to go there and get more info. Very helpful young bloke got on his computer & found the bus stop I needed tomorrow to get to the Brewery. Got some more information and brochures and then began to follow the 3 hour walk around Adelaide I had printed.
A lot of the places are buildings and churches so just observed from outside. Came across the YHA-it is in a very good position
The toenail on my little right toe was hurting & I had forgotten to put in scissors. Bright idea-get some emery boards and file all nails. I was wandering the Rundle Mall and came across a big woolies. Got some strange looks from women as I was searching through the make up isles. Asked a girl if I was in the right spot and she showed me where they were.
I wanted to see some of the places I would be staying at when I returned. The Austral is on a corner and looks great from the outside and the bars have not been modernised.
Overall impression is-I would readily come back anytime to Adelaide.