Is it available in black?

Dave and I hadn’t been to Adelaide since June 2006, so it was great to go for a long weekend.

We were actually very prepared to leave. I think that was the first time ever. We’re usually frantically doing things until the taxi/car arrives/bus leaves. But this time, we were looking for stuff to do.

We arrived on Thursday night - on time, and in time to pick up the rental car before Hertz closed. Nice, small, zippy, practically new car too.

Dave’s Mum, Jan, gave us a warm welcome. And so did the dog, Ripley. He’s been snipped since we’ve been there last, and has now become a much more friendly dog, who enjoys patting more than tennis balls now.

We did a lot of sleeping. I don’t think I’ve felt this rested after a holiday EVER. Didn’t really get out of the house until 12 every day. Was nice to just sleep, hang out with Jan and Ripley, and relax.

Dave’s sister, Nat, came over and visited with her daugter Jokhoda. We hadn’t seen Jo before, and now she’s almost 7 months old. Had a good laugh at how protective Ripley was of her. Every time Dave went near her, he got growled and barked at!

Friday’s activites started with lunch at a Greek place, followed by shopping, in Hyde Park. There are loads of new cafes. I found a great book on German architecture, and Dave found one about Minimalist architecture. So started our shopping! I got some chocolate from Cocolat.

We couldn’t do a lot, as we had a booking for dinner at 6pm at Windy Point Restaurant. We went there last time we were in Adelaide. It’s still great, but they are big on the upsell now!

As we had lunch so late, we skipped dessert, and went straight for the mains.

We both got Roast Chateaubriand of Beef Murray lands ‘Clare Valley Gold’ prime grain fed beef fillet with bordelaise sauce roasted parsnip and house made potato crisps. Sides were French Beans and Potato Puree. Very yum, but soooo filling. Not used to the big serve sizes. This happens every time we go interstate - anywhere but Sydney, we get big serves of food.

Dessert was a variation on what was on the menu. They were very accommodating. Dave had Honey Cinnamon Ice-Cream, and I had the Chocolate Melange - which was awesome. 6 ‘petite chocolate masterpieces’. I gave the creme brulee and panacotta chocolate things to Dave, as I don’t like them. But I had the rest, and they were divine.

We left feeling very full! It was lovely to watch the sun come down over the city whilst eating. We arrived when it was still quite light, and left at 8 when it was very dark.

Decided we couldn’t be bothered going for a drive, as we were too full. We just went back to Jan’s, where we watched TV, cleaned up a bit of our mess, and Dave went through old Bliss/DAMC stuff to bring some back to Sydney.

Early to bed, and then late to rise! Up late again, and then off to Rundle Street. Started with shopping. Chocolate was included, of course. We went to the Chocolate Bean, and decided to go there later in the evening, as they are open until midnight on Saturday. Walked along Rundle street and checked out all the shops.

Lunch was at Scoozi. Unfortunately, the previously brilliant pasta is now rubbish. If I had asked for a bowl of slop, I would have been happy. Presentation was terrible. And taste was pretty crap. For those prices, I would have expected more.

But we went to get Gelato at Alfresco and was happy that it was still excellent. Lemon and dutch chocolate yum!

More shopping after that. More chocolate shops, shoe shops, etc. Founds some great stuff in Chocolate World, Haighs and L’Occitane. Dave didn’t get a thing though. He’s more picky than I am!

We went back to Jan’s place, dropped off all our stuff, and headed to Susan & Paul’s place for drinks and nibblies. Helen was also there with Mark. It was great to catch up and chat on a nice afternoon outdoors. The weather in Adelaide was so warm - they need the rain. We’ve got too much rain in Sydney at the moment!

Time got away from us, and then we had to rush back to Jan’s for dinner. Jan made a nice roast, and Nat, Stew & Johkoda were there too. We had a great time catching up, and afterwards Dave & I headed back to the Chocolate Bean for dessert.

We had to get takeaway choccies and Mousse as the place was packed. There was a function upstairs too. I’d love for there to be a chocolate place in Sydney with functions allowed. If anyone knows of one, tell me please!

Afterwards, we drove to Glenelg. I’ve never been on the beach there so we went for a short walk. The beach is nice, but the new developments remind me of the Gold Coast. I’m not a fan. Too many yobbos too. At least we found some good chocolate at Bracegirdles, and a dvd for Dave’s Mum (Death at a Funeral) at a music/dvd store open late. It was funny, we got home to find Jan watching “Pride & Prejudice” - the latest version. Jan really likes Matthew Macfadyen, so Death at a Funeral was hopefully a good choice.

We were going to see HMC, but were too stuffed and tired. Another early night!

Sunday was really a day for not very much at all. We got up late again, packed, and headed off to Hyde Park again for some shopping and lunch. Had lunch at great little place, that used to be a funky restaurant. Yummy Salt & Pepper Calamari for me, and Caesear salad for Dave.

We considered going for a drive afterwards, but Gelato called! Back again to Rundle Street, where they have a large afternoon market now. It used to be a small side street of stalls, and now they block off the road to traffic, from the Mall back to the end. After gelato and finding a great t-shirt for Dave, we drove back to Jan’s. Nat & Johkoda were there too. I proceeded to fall asleep on the lounge, whilst they all caught up and laughed at my snoring

And then it was off to the airport. It seemed the weekend went entirely too quickly. I’m missing them all now. Apparently, Ripley has missed us. He’s been waiting for us to come back!

Nat wants us to come back for Johkoda’s 1st birthday in September. I think we may do it. Maybe we’ll go to a winery this time. I’ve only been to Adelaide about 6 times, and never been to one! Dave?!?!?!??!