first term break festivities, walk around town . . . and no wine, but. . . chocolate!

Adelaide has more coffee shops and eateries per-capita than any other city in AU, but what you don't hear much about is the chocolate. Perhaps the extreme amount and numerous factories is a given. I have been in many, Haigh's being the most famous. But when on a walk the other I stumbled upon this, by crickey:

I knew that I hit chocolate heaven.

An entire walk-in closet made of chocolate

Oh, I must take a break from blogging
for a bite of chocolate!

Imagine how chocolate and shoppers would feel

The exhibitions, the pop-up bars, vertical and community gardens, the super talented buskers, the rainbow piano out under a veranda with a sign, "please play me":

the free gardens, the museums, the miles of bike trails and the murals city-wide may be typical of cities everywhere. Since I haven't lived in one in so long perhaps I am just too provincial, but I am always feeling crickey. Adelaide is full of surprises.

I took my friend Heather to get on the famous Gahn that goes from Adelaide, stops in Alice Springs then up to Darwin. Definitely will be a woop woop experience! She texted amazed that there was a moment of service to say that she has never been in such a remote site. Ellie, let Peter know that I thought of him and will look for a postcard of the iconic train. It only departs once each week and has at least 20 passenger cars! The Ghan travels through the very middle of AU and is named after the cameleers from Afghanistan who traveled the same route. There are so many names for the area north of here: The Northern territory, the outback, the lands, the center, the red center, the bush. Further north is called the Top End.

I work with Mary who is a roving teacher, and excellent at her job. She went part-time last year when she had a son and this weekend her boy Leo turned one. Mary and her husband come from Greek and Italian backgrounds. Here in Adelaide culture from countries of origin is strong, and so I was honored to join in Leo's one year old celebration. I doubt that I will ever encounter such a birthday again. I had many grandmas come to embrace me and excitedly ask if I was Greek or Italian. They weren't too disappointed when I said neither, and once I tried joking that I was Native American. I back pedaled immediately, but friends got a laugh. I always seem to pass for one of many backgrounds.

200 guests, mostly family

The circus themed party

All Mary and her sisters' doing!

Leo and his dad, Nat

I am so lucky to have many friends here. My x-neighbors had me for dinner the other night. They came here from Hungry six years ago, and Sylvia and Tomas treat me to amazing cooking. Here Sylvia is making homemade noodles with something like a cheese grater.

-Sylvia

Thomas and Gabriel

Took a city walk the other morning after picking up my tickets for Tasmania.

Today my lovely friend Chris and I took a walk which turned into a wander and maybe we got a little lost. Almost home Chris who was walking behind me took me by the shoulders and whispered, "Stop." I SAW MY FIRST PAIR OF KOOKABURRAS! They did not make a racket, but others were laughing  in trees beyond. Silly me, no camera.

I'm off to Apple Isle for the week. I plan on being larrkin until school begins again.

Hope spring is shaping up. Fall is beautiful here:

Last night- The tree out the back door

Sending wishes to Miriam on her upcoming bat mitzvah.

Glossary:
by crickey: an expression when surprised
Buskers: Street musicians
larrkin: wild or carefree person
Taswegins: People from Tasmania
woop woop: out in the middle of no where
Apple Isle: Tasmania's nickname