I ❤️ Paris

August 5, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 7 Comments

What makes a great hotel? I’m going to be an expert by the end of this holiday. We’ll be staying in 32 different hotel beds over this holiday.

I’m going to be rating them as I go. I’ll keep a list and publish at the end. I’ll keep the rating simple 3 🛌🛌🛌 ( very good would highly recommend) 2 🛌🛌 ( not bad would stay again) 1 🛌. ( didn’t like it. Wouldn’t stay or recommend )

Remember these are not 5 star hotels. I’ve chosen mostly on location & value for money, but the rating includes room comfort, the way it’s planned , things working! Bed comfort , access ( lift).

Last night Boma Hotel If you’re visiting Strasbourg I’d recommend it. Modern but so well planned. 3🛌🛌🛌

https://www.boma-hotel.com/?utm_source=googlemybusiness

Tonight a new one in Paris. We were to stay with friends but they are away on holiday so we changed to one near the station. We arrived today by train from Strasbourg.

Tonight it is Este Hotel. One month old it also looks good. https://www.hotelesteparis.com/en/

Strasbourg this morning was fine then once again raining by lunch time. Steve went on a boat cruise on the river that circles the town of Strasbourg. I did this last time I was here so opted to move around town and observe people.

We had a salad lunch before heading to the station for the 2hr trip to Paris. If you haven’t been to Strasbourg I’d recommend it. It’s in a great part of France. The Alsace region. Lots of lovely villages around to investigate.

Even arriving at a train station can’t dampen the Paris effect. There’s just something about the trees. And the light. We’re about to head out for a drink and dinner by the Canal St-Martin. It’s a lovely afternoon so I’ll finish later …….

Walking down towards the Canal we passed many of the cafes so famous here.

Glimpsed the station another very elegant building.

And saw some wall art ( and a shop that sold all the spray cans needed to create the art)

There was cool breeze coming from the canal where people sat on the steps chatting, smoking, listening to loud music 🤫 or smooching. It is Friday night.

I avoided taking pictures with people. But the canal is a peaceful strip within a busy city

We sat at L’Atmosphere, selecting a table just inside the door. Amazing how many people still smoke here. It’s banned inside but the footpaths tables are all awash with smoke.

View from our table across to it’s extra outside seating and the canal.

The waiters here must easily get their 10.000 steps in. They were running all evening.

Shops and apartments across from the canal. Very colourful for Paris.

I had sea bass and ratatouille which was good and Steve had pepper steak and green beans. Of course with a glass of wine!

We walked back through the little park and saw a park guard on his bike stop a lady who was walking her dog off lease. He directed her sternly to leave the park. The French are strict in so many ways ( take the citizens vote to ban the lime scooters) but they challenge everything as well.

And so to bed in our little Parisian hotel.

Barely any floor space for bags and Steve’s morning exercises, but beautifully planned.

Strasbourg: two points of view

August 3, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 7 Comments

A lazy start. After our epic 3.5 hr film last night. (I still can’t believe we did that!) we loved our room. Quiet, great bed, no noisy neighbours.

Steve headed off for his solo exploration. He’d made a plan which included a few things I’d love to do and one I wouldn’t really care about. I’ll leave you to guess what that is as I describe his day as related to me over afternoon drinks.

He left around 9 and walked the winding streets to the cathedral and had no trouble getting in – no tourists around at this early hour.

One of the many little streets approaching the cathedral.

Making his way to the little sightseeing boat, he stopped off for breakfast. He could easily be French. Loves his pastries.

Not finding any boat or ticket office (which we have since found out the office for tickets is near the cathedral or online) he walked to the Petite France area. it’s a beautiful area established in the 16th Century for the fishermen , millers & tanners.

Then he took the tram to the place he was to get the bus. Only Steve could encounter a surly ticket inspector. He had failed to validate his ticket and nearly copped a fine! Luckily an older guard took pity and jumped off and validated the ticket, much to the displeasure of the young gun guard. A benefit of him having grey hair?

Then he boarded the bus to La Wantzenau. It’s about a 30 min ride. “What’s there?” I hear you ask

He arrived at the exciting La Wantzenau. Naturally he didn’t know where to get off, so at the end of the line the lovely lady driver took him to where he wanted to be. What a lady!

He was visiting one of the largest private museums devoted to WW2.

Rooms & rooms of vehicles, guns, uniforms.

He was there 3 hrs. Recommended for military buffs!.

Then the bus back. Another long story and a big walk back to our hotel where I was laying in wait for an afternoon glass of wine.

And what, I hear you ask, did I do?

I had a very leisurely start. Then brunch in a lovely cafe. A slice of quiche and a coffee. Feeling rested I decided to walk for awhile. I zigzagged through streets towards the Cathedral. Oh, how I love this charming city.

Loads of food shops.

I made it to the Cathedral. It brought back many happy memories. Today was a little windy and cool so I sheltered in a little cafe enjoying mint tea and writing yesterday’s blog.

I walked back and choose a restaurant for tonight. Everything seems to get booked.

I’ve chosen Mamama. It looks cosy and the menu reads well.

Back to the hotel for a rest, a read and with the windows open I could listen to the sounds of the street below. Happy voices, children playing , wheelie bags being pulled over cobbles (did you know some villages in Italy have banned wheelie bags as they are destroying their ancient cobbles?)

Steve arrived back and we went to the bar down stairs in our cool hotel! And so we sat over a glass of wine and compared days. He loved his day and I’m happy with mine. He walked 13,000+ steps. I walked 3,100.

Tonight dinner and perhaps the light show on the cathedral if the rain holds off.

From Singapore to Frankfurt: a Day of Travel

August 3, 2023August 3, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 6 Comments

After a huge first day in Singapore ( who said I’d take it slowly) we had a 12 hr flight to Frankfurt.

I love watching people in airports. The wanderers: those who are jet lagged and just walk in a trance and get in the way ( of wheelchairs like I was travelling in )

The device addicted : walk and look exclusively at their phone and similar to above – get in the way !

The shoppers: stop at every counter squirting perfume.

The eaters: crowd out the cafes to get the comfortable seats – or perhaps to avoid airline food.

The children : they’re not sure why they are here but go with the flow and have mum chasing them constantly.

Oh yes I had time to observe.

Arrival in Frankfurt was great. Wheelchair at the plane door with a very officious German man ordering me around. Wheeled me to a transit lounge to avoid going down stairs to the arrivals hall. Said he’d be back to go a short cut . Didn’t come back. Steve & I sat patiently. Steve would have wheeled me but he’d taken the chair. We asked the security lady who said he’d be back. Meanwhile where’s our luggage we wondered !

50 mins later they had to phone and get someone else to get us. Andreas was lovely. Found our luggage discarded by the carousel. Wheeled me through a myriad of corridors and voila we arrived at the train station.

We still had an hour before our train to Strasburg, so I was parked in a coffee shop nearest to our platform. A Starbucks. Not my favourite.

But humour remained as I people watched again & Steve wandered off to explore the station.

The train arrived. We made it into our seats. Steve thought there would be a restaurant bar on board. Perhaps if it were the Orient Express. 1st class just got us a numbered seat. Unfortunately for me we had to change trains. Then change platforms. Up and down – what a rush.

Second train got us into Strasburg at 12 and we walked slowly to our hotel.

The Boma Hotel is on Rue November an east 10 mins walk which for able bodies is a breeze. For me. Not so much.

Our room over looks the street. Has an opening window and is very good. Newly renovated it’s cool! Modern furnishings. A bar downstairs. And a helpful manager who booked me a massage.

I arrived by taxi to meet Isabelle, a charming , slim ( aren’t all French women ) and helpful. She tried hard but said in a sad voice. There’s something wrong inside. Ligament or cartilage damage. Luckily for Isabelle I’d had a quick shower after 16 hr travel from Singapore.

Back to the hotel for a rest, a little washing and a short walk out for dinner at Leo’s wine bar. ( its name made me miss our grandchildren) .

We had a beautiful lobster roll and a tomato burrata salad and ham with Parmesan. We shared.

Walking back to the hotel around 8.30, we couldn’t walk further, had eaten enough and as we walked past an art bourse cinema Steve suddenly suggested we see Oppenheimer. Amazing he never suggests a movie but he’d read about it & as it was early thought Why Not!

Staying awake for 3.5 hrs was a struggle after a very long day but we did it and fell into a super comfy bed.

Tomorrow. A Rest day for me and sightseeing for Steve. So luckily I’ve been here before. After a swim trek back in 2015 I had 5 days here by myself. I loved it then so happy to watch the world go by as Steve explores.

Read my blog from back then https://franstraveltales.com/2015/08/23/paris-to-strasbourg/

Singapore in a Day ( with a bad knee)

August 1, 2023August 1, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 9 Comments

A flight to Singapore from Brisbane is pretty painless. We left at 10.30 had a nice lunch on board watched a movie had a nap & arrived in at around 4.30.

We decided to stay at Changi a village near the airport.

Not far from the airport, it is good for a walk by the water and an easy dinner at the Hawker Markets. I love these markets. Open air. Only locals. Pretty lights and so cheap and tasty. 10 satay sticks, a plate of tom yum fried rice and beef rice, some lime sugar sodas and it was about $20. Not bad for Singapore prices.

One man show. He took the order cooked on a single wok, took the money. 5 min. And no we didn’t get good poisoning.

Heading into downtown today we thought we’d explore all types of public transport. We caught a local bus to the station and the train into Marina Sands.

I love the public transport here. It’s efficient, clean, on time and has the best signs to amuse you.

See the top sign. No eating – fine $500 No smoking – fine $1000. No flammable good – fine $5000 and No durians !
Poor fruit. Just too smelly and Stand up Stacey there to remind you to give up your seat.

My favourite was watching the little movie showing what to do in case of a terrorist attack , a bag caught in the door, leaning on the door. All these little scenarios. So much fun.

Arriving at Marina Sands is a complete contrast to the Hawkers markets. It’s a hotel, shopping centre, sightseeing centre and a haven for the rich, and the poorer travellers trying to think rich.

Starting with coffee near the indoor river where we thought about a ride on a gondola. Deciding that was a was a bit much, we took a ride to level 57. I’d booked ahead for Lavo the lovely restaurant with a view.

The hostess insisted on a photo in
front of the sign.

Sitting at a shaded table looking out at the view we felt a million miles away. We ordered a refreshing Spritz. An Aprerol for me a Negroni for Steve. We shared an octopus salad – delicious ….then I had a veal cutlet and Steve the carbonara. Opted out of Asian food today.

Following a leisurely lunch we took bus 106 to Orchard road. Avoiding too much walking to protect my knee we did a little browsing before moving along to Raffles.

I love Raffles. It’s super expensive but it’s unique.

An iconic hotel opened in 1887, its so very beautiful, famous and oldy worldy. I could see Somerset Maugham there in a crushed linen suit slinging back a few Singapore Slings before tossing his peanut shells all over the floor in the the Long Bar. . Unfortunately, we tried to book the Bar & Billards room for lunch but it’s closed on Tuesday so thought a drink in the Long Bar after lunch would be a treat. The queue to get in was LONG so we thought NO. After checking out the lobby bar which only does fancy afternoon teas ( we’d just had lunch!) we opted for a Gin Sling for Steve and a frozen lime daiquiri for me, sitting under the striped umbrellas in the courtyard.

A hop skip and a limp later we were seated on the top story of a super clean No 2 bus to Changi Village. A long ( 1 hr) but air conditioned sightseeing trip back to our hotel. All for a flat rate lower than the hop in hop off bus.

And more fun signs.

Move in Martin reminds yo make room for others. His friend

‘Stand up Stacey’ is on the train.

Organising a late check out we’ll have time to freshen up, shower, change, stretch out for awhile and head to the airport for a long late flight to Frankfurt.

Flying Singapore Airlines tonight & we’ll be comparing it to Qantas business yesterday.

I thinking I’ll try for life as a reviewer after this trip.

For Ollie , Leo & Alby. I think you’d like riding around on the buses in Singapore. We wanted to have a boat ride on the river in a bum boat! That’s what they call the little river taxis here. That’s a bit rude!

Easter Sunday – a Brassy Day

April 10, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 5 Comments

A beautiful sunny day. Happy Easter to all.

We were going to go to the church service at the Cathedral but I want to stay outdoors. So we head to our happy place. The beach.

We drive this time as we want to explore.

These baths are famous and I remember going there as child visiting an aunt in Newcastle. They are wonderful. If I lived here I’d be at these free baths everyday. With the grandchildren. There are two big baths. One very shallow sandy bottom with a sand beach. Perfect for little children.

The other big pool is long – 100m by 50 metre wide with 10 lanes across for lap swimmers. It’s washed by waves and today the waves are pumping. Big waves crashing over into the pool create a wave pool. There are round the year swimmers here daily.

There are flower capped ladies walking and talking and more importantly laughing together. There are lap swimmers of all shapes and sizes some in budgie smugglers some in short wet suits.

I spoke to one lady as she was preparing to enter and she told me she swam twice a day since her husband died. She said it helped. And I couldn’t agree more. Swimming is good therapy. So good for the mind. As well as the body.

Steve swam so laps and I walked and chatted.

We walked along the beach front and watched the surfers. The surf is up and they are all out there loving it. Hundreds of walkers stood and watched the display.

Newcastle must be a very fit town. Lots of Lycra for its hundreds of runners, walkers and cyclists. and lots of wonderful foreshore to do it. And hills to climb.

Back in the car we drive to Bar Beach left the car and walked north to eventually join the Memorial Walk. A new walkway suspended above the cliffs and rocks. It’s a tribute to those who have served. It was very windy walking along and we saw several hats being swept over the railings.

From there was drive a little further through King Edward Park with Easter picnickers and found the steps down to the Bogey Hole. Down we went until we caught sight of it. Spectacular. No swimming there today. It was so rough. The giant waves were crashing into the pool and half way to the steel steps leading onto the water.

After all the walking it was time for brunch. The seaside cafes were awash with eaters. The 30% holiday loading wasn’t putting people off. So we headed back to Darby street a few streets back. A different cafe and a delicious brunch.

How many ways to do smashed avocado? lots and lots is the answer. Did we in Australia invent this popular way of serving avo for breakfast? Do you have it overseas as well? I’d love to know.

Back to our lovely hotel where we changed and Steve headed off to start an Easter afternoon of brass bands. I did a little reading then ‘ booked’ our room refresh. This hotel the Crystalbrook Kingsley has an app for your phone or an iPad in the room where you can do everything including selecting a time to service ( refresh) your room. So convenient.

I also love their bamboo room key ( or link your phone to open your door). It has a green footprint so everything is environmentally friendly. The room lights are great. Including the little low level light that comes on as you walk to the bathroom at night. I loved it. No stumbling around.

I got into the swing of it and joined Steve at the Civic Theatre to hear the Brisbane Brass A. ( not Steve’s new band. He’s going in Brass B) They were very good. Good enough? That shall be revealed.

We took a break for dinner and went along the street to an Asian Fusion restaurant Light Years. what a find. We had a few shared plates prawns, pork Bao Buns , Spring rolls. A glass of bubbles and wine before we made it back to the City Hall to hear the last few bands in Brass B section. Yes we heard Brisbanes B band and also one from the country town of Gunnedah. They were a big surprise. A small town with a big sound.

A little video of Brisbane B

Many in the band are still at school. ‘At least half ‘ said one of the proud mums sitting near us. The conductor was the most enthusiastic bouncy conductor there. It’s obviously a big community effort to get them here. Shades of the movie ‘Brassed Off’s ‘ Grimthorpe Band. They were followed by a local band of mostly retired musicians. I’m getting invested in this competition.

Brisbane B played and were very good. The last band performed at 8.30. There was quite a wait for the results. We looked up the results of the Brass A bands and Brisbane A came a very good 6th.

Finally the results were in for Brass Bands B …..a Victorian band won followed by ……… Gunnedah! Small town made good. I was thrilled for them. Disappointed for Brisbane B. But their 6th out of 14 bands was still very good. They all played 4 pieces. A hymn, their own choice , a March and the test piece selected by the judge ( poor them heard it 14 times).

So it’s all over until 2023 when they will be held in Adelaide. So we could be in Adelaide even longer in March with the Writers Week, The Fringe and now the Brass Band Competition . if Steve is playing with them!

Now the long trip home. 10hours and at the moment Steve is playing his favourites from his CD collection. Yes Brass Bands. I might put my AirPods in and listen to an audio book.

Easter Saturday in Newcastle

April 8, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

After the dramatic lightening last night today it was a bright, sunny but very windy day. We decided to walk along the Harbourside to Newcastle beach.

There are some lovely buildings in this very old town. It was settled very soon after the first settlement in Sydney.

Steve was keen to swim in the Ocean Baths. A famous old sandy bottom pool. Unfortunately it is closed. After a lot of controversy it has been decided to renovate the pool and concrete the bottom!

We continued on to the beach. Newcastle has many beautiful beaches and is known for its good surf. I love the steps leading onto the beach. It gives a natural seating area to sit and watch the beach , the surfers 🏄‍♀️ and to catch a little warming sun.

The beach cafe was doing a brisk business in the very chilly breeze. Steve got our coffees and we sat away from others on the steps in the sun. So good.

We walked back up the hill behind the beach. Newcastle has a few good steep hills with wonderful views over the beach and to wards the harbour.

There are some lovely very old buildings including the old hospital.

The hill rose sharply towards a cathedral which we thought was Catholic but turned out to be Anglican. It was cool outside so we went into explore and found a team of volunteers cleaning, getting ready for the Easter celebrations.

I sat and quietly observed and enjoyed the peace while Steve went off to explore. I then heard a voice calling ‘Fran, is that you!’

I looked over to see a lady armed with a broom. It was Janey Smith , the National Chair of ADFAS. I’d just returned from our Sydney Conference ( where I picked up covid) Janey knew to keep her distance and we laughed about the coincidence of meeting in the church. We had planned on meeting for coffee but when I got covid I canceled. Yet here I was ! Almost covid free but definitely keeping away.

I love the tapestry kneeling pads. There must be 300 in the church.

Back to our lovely room at the Crystalbrook for a rest and refresh. This is a very good hotel with a lovely room and a well planned bathroom. What is your favourite hotel ? For amenities and layout?

By now it was lunch time which we were having at an airy outdoor cafe on Darby St There are lots of places to choose from but our friends Brian and Deb Campbell had chosen one for us that had big tables and was away from any other people.

We had a huge catch up. Like Elizabeth and Peter from Crescent Head we met the Campbell’s through their son Richie and our son Rob’s waterpolo career. We sat and cheered their many games together in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane , Beijing & London. Our boys are friends and so are we!

After lunch Steve headed off to more band competition and I headed to the room to rest and read.

Steve enjoyed Canberra City band where he played about 55 years ago!

Steve had a chat to some of the members of the Canberra City band including the conductor. A good reminisce for him. They’ll be inviting him to the bands 150year anniversary in 2025!

A quiet night in our hotel tonight.

Music in the Hills

March 13, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 1 Comment

We’ve always gone to Ukaria in the Adelaide Hill for an Adelaide Festival concert. I always enjoy it.

Ukaria was built to house beautiful performances.

The performance this year was called Dawn.

It was a stunning performance. The quartet was wonderful but the second piece a Beethoven for Violin and piano was simply amazing. The playing was so wonderful it is hard to describe. The room was spellbound and at the end stood and applauded.

We followed this with a visit to a park in Mt Barker to see the Disco Dogs. It would be better at night when the dogs are lit up but still fun in the day. Music is coming from the dogs and you can walk around and through them and dance along.

The park had a great Sunday afternoon vibe. Food vans picnicking families and beautiful weather.

A quick visit to niece Vashti and her family in nearby Balhannah rounded off the afternoon.

Adelaide Fringe Fever Festival

March 12, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 7 Comments

Two Fringe events in one night. Wow!

Two very different shows.

The first one at one of the many squares ( should they be called piazzas!) in Adelaide.

Called 80’s Ladies it probably would not be my first choice but my niece Vashti a professional Sax player was in the band for the show. and it was great.

It was a riot of fluro. See niece Vashti with her saxophone 🎷 in the background of the above photo. It was loud , fun, and our group were definitely the oldest in the crowd!

Somehow it was great fun. I sang along to 80’s songs like Working 9 to 5 and It’s Raining Men…… and we came out smiling.

The show finished ….. we sat outside having a Gin & Tonic looking at the trapeze artists then walked a few blocks to another Square – all lit up and in party mode.

We scrambled into the Speigeltent, found seats and settled in for Elephant Man the Musical. You probably remember the sad story of the Elephant Man. A movie starring John Hurt. Now thanks to a wonderful director – a local team – including musician husband & wife – it’s now a musical.

Complete with a ringmaster, beautiful nurse, evil Doctor, assorted musicians, actors and the sad elephant man we clapped and sang and shed a tear through the musical journey of the elephant man.

After thunderous applause we left the tent to meet the actors outside. My niece knew the music writers from her days of studying jazz at the uni.

Vashti meets her old uni friend – composer of the music.

This original Australian production is co-directed by the Olivier-award winning, Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe veteran Guy Masterson alongside Christopher Mitchell. This gothic fairy tale retelling is as hysterical and heartwarming as it is heartbreaking. It’s going to Melbourne soon if you happen to live there.

We followed the next afternoon with a visit to the old Capri theatre complete with art deco foyer, velvet chairs and old style organ. It’s gorgeous and if I lived here I’d be on the volunteers list and work here. We saw the new Fisherman’s Friends movie. A great fun viewing.

We could go to shows morning, noon and night. It’s a feast here during Festival time. You should try and come one year.

Pichi Richi Train in Quorn

June 28, 2022 / brisbanefrannie / 10 Comments

My last post for this trip is about another train journey. This time a step back in time.

In 1878, construction commenced on the Port Augusta and Government Gums Railway. The line was extended to Oodnadatta in 1891 and further to Alice Springs in 1929, establishing an important rail link to Central Australia.

The famous Ghan passenger train travelled this way from 1923 to 1956, and on the northern part of this route until 1980. Such a pity the Ghan doesn’t stop here now ut would be a great place to break the journey.

This historic train bring back the romance of train travel, as it was in its heyday a century ago. The name “Pichi Richi” came from the section of track between Port Augusta and Quorn, through the Pichi Richi Pass, which was first opened back in 1879.

During the war years this was a major junction for trains carrying troops. At one point 43 trains came through a day. The local women would feed the men in the local hall during a break in the trip. Quorn would have been a bustling town.

So the train is old. Today it is run entirely by volunteers. And what a variety of train enthusiasts offer their services to keep this historic train ride operating.

David, one such enthusiast met us at our assigned carriage to clip our ticket and welcome us aboard.

David looked the part – covered in train badges

We settled into our bench seats with other train buffs on this sellout Sunday morning short run through the Pichi Richi pass to Woolshed Flats.

David gave us a run down on the train and it’s history, speaking faster than the train was moving !

He told us that the carriage we were in named Warana was the one Mel Gibson sat in for the scene for the movie Gallipoli.

Many movies have used Quorn and this train in their scenes. Gallipoli, The Shiralee, The Water Diviner, Wolf Creek, Sundowners, The Tourist, to name just a few.

It’s such a popular attraction people stop their cars by the side of the road to watch & wave to those on board. Today with the marathon on with runners having started in Port Augusta it was extra busy.

We moved through the countryside through the pass and arrived at Woolshed Flat. Here you disembark and have morning tea while the engine is detached and moved around, in a move to then put it at the front of the train. Great to watch.

The engine moving to the front of the train for its return journey.

We spent half an hour chatting to other train buffs watching the engine manoeuvres. Our driver, an 82 year old man is assisted by his son and his 18 year old grandson who shovelled the coal. Trains run in the family.

David welcomed us back on board for the return journey. Our fellow passengers had bonded over the journey. There were four sisters away for a weekend who were joking, laughing and having a ball. A few caravaners on holidays and a family with two little children. The two year old boy was hooked. He loved this Thomas the Tank engine experience.

If you are in this area do yourself a favour and do a Pichi Richi train trip. At $61 it was a great experience and the money goes directly to its maintenance.

Quorn SA. Train Paradise

June 26, 2022 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

Leaving Wilpena wanting more is a sign we have enjoyed our visit. I’d like to do some more of the walks.

We stopped at a few more lookouts with the view changing each time and always magnificent.

The drive back out to Hawker was quite different to the drive in few days ago. The morning light is so different on the hills surrounding us to the light in the afternoon.

A coffee stop at Hawker was a surprise. There is a big café opposite the information centre. It’s has the best coffee, quandong pies , meals and more. Well worth a visit. The cafe staff, Sev and Kads, itinerant workers from Wollongong were helpful and chatty about this great cafe.

Quorn is only an hour away along the straightest road – looking out at flat land. Years ago this proved too hard to grow anything on so there were a number of abandoned brick houses left by disappointed farmers.

Arriving in time for a heritage building walk it was interesting and sad. So many lovely old buildings many empty but almost in need of repair.

Lunch at the Quandong Cafe was terrific.

Quorn has a lot to offer and it would be good to see a bigger industry bring people to town to live and work. At the moment it is the Pichi Richi steam train that brings visitors to town. We’re going on it tomorrow.

I’m surprised the town looks so quiet. Not many people around today. There’s a marathon here tomorrow. It starts in Port Augusta. There will be lots of people around then. Accommodation was booked out, so we’re staying at a cabin about 10 mins from town. We tried to book at one of the hotels for dinner but had to go to the other hotel, The Austral. Bonus there is karaoke on.

Our little cabin at Pichi Richi Park is basic but comfortable and there’s a heater! We sat looking at the view reading the papers before heading back into town for silo light show.

What is a Silo Art show? Most country towns have large grain silos. They are like a big blank canvas. It’s been a trend in Australia for the silos to be painted. These Silos are heritage listed so can’t be painted So they project images onto the silos at sunset each night.

We arrived as the sun was setting. Tuned our radio to the station suggested for the audio and sat in our car and watched. It’s like being at the drive in movies.

We got our quandong ( a local treat) gin and tonic set up and sat back and enjoyed the show.

In fact they should show movies here. Perfect screen. The light show consisted of various different segments outlining the features and activities of a Quorn. a section on the food, the attractions, The indigenous history.

The streets were quiet except for those heading to the two hotels for dinner. It wasn’t quiet in the Austral Hotel. We sat near a big group of Marathon runners. The good part is they weren’t drinking much and finished early. But they were friendly and fun!

The runners head off for bed and then the karaoke started. It’s always funny to watch this entertainment. Ordinary people get up and have a go . Good on them. But really. The choice of songs could be better for some!!!

Marg and I were not going to do it but it wasn’t long before we felt we could do better than most! But we’d resisted and ended up singing all the way back to our cabin.

What’s your favourite karaoke song?

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