Adelaide is a strange town. It is a bit like a rough-and-tumble tomboy who decides to play dress-up in her mother's party clothes. By day, it seems innocuous enough, with its migrant museum and proximity to wine country. At night, though, watch out -- this town turns into an odd combination of Vegas and Ensenada, for both college kids and the 50-something crowd.
We have generally been 'winging' it when it comes to scheduling, so it was a real treat when we realized we'd be able to make it to Warrawonga Sanctuary on our very first night here. The only downside was that one of us would have to drive there -- on the wrong side of the road -- at night. The payoff? Hand-feeding kangaroos and wild wallabys, hearing two male koala bears posture for territory, and watching a mama duck with her ducklings troll for dinner.
It was a magical, totally amazing experience.
On our 2nd day in Adelaide, we drove down to McLaren Vale, searching out the finest grapejuice the area has on offer.
After a few false starts, we landed at three wineries where we bought, collectively, two cases of wine. The hands down favorite was a wee winery called Kay Brothers Amery, where we procured half a case of beautiful stickes. D'Arenberg Winery gets an honorable mention for their sparkling red, estate Shiraz, and super-smart marketing -- shipping a case back to the states costs less than $20.
Nibbles throughout the day came courtesy of the organic farmers market we hit that morning in Willunga.
Heading back to Adelaide that evening, we grabbed a light dinner at Universal Cafe, and walked back through the town at the peak of its madness. Which led us to the Cabernet Cabaret.
And with Mr Chad Romero & his cabaret we shall end this post. I encourage you to google them, for it will help to explain the first paragraph of today's missive.
Meanwhile, I need to finish this bottle of wine, and watch the sun set over St Kilda whilst the children frolic in the surf.
Have a wonderful Turkey Day, my friends, and save me some stuffing.
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