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Published: February 13th 2018
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Today was the most enjoyable day! A school friend whom I’d not seen for 43 years, but was pivotal in the most important and best decision of my life, picked up Tom and I, and along with his lovely wife Jennifer, took us out for the day.
Walter was at Coffs Harbour High in some of my classes and chose to do the same courses at UNE. We both chose the cheapest accommodation college, and it became clear to us really early why it was so cheap (It had only just gone co-ed and the rowdy, drunken, violent behaviour had continued). I usually got lifts to and from home each weekend with Walter to avoid the loutish behaviour. Half way through the year Walter decided uni wasn’t for him, and I then decided that Wright College wasn’t for me without a buddy, so I moved to Austin College where I met the love of my life! Walter and Jennifer were married the week before us, and had their first child the same year as us, so much in common! They ended up retiring and staying in Adelaide, and offered to show us around!
First stop was the scenic route
to Mt Lofty - oh my gosh the views of Adelaide from up there are amazing - the St Vincent Gulf, the Barossa Valley, the city itself and the outlying parklands and suburbs laid out beautifully before us! ‘Twas awe-inspiring.
We then continued on to Hahndorf with its lovely tree lined streets and wondrous shops with Christmas ornaments and all sorts of German souvenirs. We also stopped in to the Menz FruChocs Shop, the wonderful chocolate company who have bought back the rights to the Violet Crumble Bar, making it Australian again. We had a wander through the Hahndorf Academy Gallery, admiring all differnt types of art work and museum pieces. Then it was time for lunch in the German Arms Hotel - wonderful hotel with big windows and lush green gardens outside, and authentic German food! It was delicious dining!
Back in to the car to the Beerenberg factory where they make all sorts of things from amazing strawberry conserves and honey to relishes and Bavarian mustard. Lots of big hotels use their conserves on the breakfast buffets!
We continued on to Hans Heysens house where we were able to wander through his daughter’s studio. They
also had guided tours of the main house but we weren’t inclined to do one of those - just seeing the lovely inspiring setting that was part and parcel of Heysens work was enough.
Walter then drove us to historic Bridgewater Mill, an 1860s flour mill in a picturesque setting, now used as a restaurant and function centre. The huge water wheel is still attached to the building.
By this time we were ready for a break so we returned to Adelaide and finished off our day over an iced coffee. It was a wonderful day with never ending conversations - so much to catch up on! Thank you Walter and Jennifer for your generous gift of time and companionship to show us around your city and surrounds.
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