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Adelaide: First (and Lasting) Impressions

When I went to the capital of South Australia for a quick visit, I had no expectations. I hadn't heard much about Australia and it didn't interest me enough to read about it.  I've known about it through trashy romance novels and history classes.

The People:
Australians are quite different from most Asians, not only in looks but also in ways.  The major difference that struck me was that they keep to themselves.  They do not mind other people.  They do not measure people up by looking at what purse she's carrying or if she's wearing hip clothing.  Each person is free to just BE.  There's no pressure to keep up with The Joneses.

They are also very keen on following the law.  Because of very steep fines, they are very strict in obeying the policies.  In the airport, mobile phones can't be turned on until the you get past customs.  I was observing everyone and everyone was very obedient.  If it were here in the Philippines, it would've been much different.

Being part of the Commonwealth, they are keep track of the lives of the British Royal Family.  The daily news consists of updates from the UK.

The Fashion:
There's not much to be excited about their street clothing.  I am not certain if it is because of winter that everything is dark and drab.  I see some British influence here.  I do not mean London street stlye.

They also have their own version of Target.  When I stepped inside, I was expecting to see familiar brands and more up-to-date styles.  But I was wrong.  Most of the clothing resemble the M&S line for old ladies. 

When I was there, Zara was slated to open in Sydney.  People were lining up outside the store like one would in the U.S. during Thanksgiving Sale.  That's how hungry they were for fashionable clothing!

They also have outlet shops but it is still on the expensive side.  Besides, there is still much to be desired in terms of style and quality.


The Places:
They are big on nature.  When you ask a local about tourist attractions, they'd point you to the zoo, the beach (Glenelg), to an island (Victor Harbor or Kangaroo Island) to see these...



On holidays, they go trekking, have a picnic or lay on the beach.  That is how they prefer to relax.

Unlike some people (ME), the mall is just a place for them to buy necessities.  Shopping is not the biggest past time because everything there is expensive.  Their malls lack seats for exhausted shoppers.

Transportation:

They have a very efficient transport system.  The city is well-covered by the tram and buses.  No one would have to walk far to get to a bus stop.  One ticket would cost A$4.70.  But that could take you as far as your 2 hours would take you.  Even if the fare is expensive, there are free routes so you can just hop in and out of the bus or tram if you are headed to any of those.  The same ticket will allow you to ride the bus and the tram.  Most tourist spots are serviceable by public transport so there is really no need to rent a car.  It is just a bit difficult to read the route matrix.

As for cars, almost anybody can own one.  Gas prices are similar to Manila price ranges.

The Events:
Apart from Miley's and Kylie's, I'd say concerts are a bit backward from what I am used to.  Olivia Newton John is still big over there.

TV show stages and props are very Bob-Barker-The Price is Right era.  Imagine Deal or No Deal in that set-up.

Sports is a big thing, specially footie.  People miss their Sunday obligations because of this.

They also hold frequent Sea and Vine festivals to celebrate abundance in seafood and wines.

Nights out usually end at 9PM.  Malls close at 5:30 on weekdays.  By 6:30PM, you'd think it was already 8:30PM, judging by the darkness outside.

The Australian Palate:
Food and Drinking are other aspects altogether.  You can also see the British influence here.  There are several restaurants offering Fish and Chips.  They love pub-crawling, their version of bar-hopping. 

I find most of their food bland.  I am just not sure if I am just used to the rich flavor of Pinoy food.  I may be leaning towards the salty side. 

Wines are a different matter.  There's a great selection of wines from Barossa and Adelaide Hills.  The best I've sampled were from Jacob's Creek and Seppeltsfield.

 

Steaks, cheeses and chocolates were abundant in the Central Market.  Haigh's Chocolates from Rundle always give me excitement.  Same with truffle honey and cheeses.  I'd come back for those anytime.


Adelaide is such a small part of Australia and I know I should not limit my observations to what I've stated above.  I'm sure Sydney is a lot different being a bigger city and all. I've only scratched the surface.  I'm sure there's more to be excited about.

Do I want to visit it again?  Sure, but not in the near future.

Comments

jeana marie said…
I agree with you when you mentioned that there is still too much to explore in Australia and Adelaide is indeed only a small part of the whole. Sydney is far different from Adelaide. Maybe next time you can visit Sydney or even Melbourne so you can see for yourself the differences and change some of your impressions about Australia ;)
piafacundo said…
yay! a blog post! long post cutty - you must've missed blogging too :)
CathyCE said…
@PKF - It was difficult to find time to write about stuff. Tapos, my internet wasn't as reliable when I got back. Then there are stuff to deal with... Hay.

@jeana marie - Thanks for visiting my blog. I'll make it a point to visit Sydney next time. If it weren't for the volcanic plumes, I would've gone for a quick visit.

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