Sunday 25 October 2009

Eleni-fest: this week SA Proud



Topic of the week: 
being SA Proud.


Yes I know we have a slogan in South Australia saying SA Great and also Heaps Good. But this is more than about being great or good, it's about being proud.


Yes folks, my name is Eleni and I'm proud to be a South Australian. You know I've always wondered why people like to compare places as in one is better than another. We always get Adelaide isn't like Melbourne or Sydney. No, Melbourne is like Melbourne; Sydney is like Sydney. They are not even alike themselves. But why is that? Why dump on Adelaide?



Yes, we have an aging population; we're like a big country town (more laid back); and we don't have everything opened 24/7. But then again we don't have the population of the bigger cities. We are about 1.2 million and spread out. No we don't have a huge skyline and tall buildings, but so what.


On the SARA site today, there's some items where with the help of the SARA members, I have listed as things what we love about SA. After reading that list, tell me that SA and Adelaide are boring. I'm the first to admit I don't experience as much as I'd like from SA, but that's a combination of things (complacent, lack of energy etc)


I'm going to grab a few of my favourites to talk about here.
  





Rundle Mall 
Is a pedestrian-only open mall that spreads from Pultney Street to King William Street. That's a good hike. It is the main shopping area in the CBD. The mall is lined with shopping arcades, food courts, coffee shops, department stores, supermarkets....you get the idea. 


 


I remember mum taking my brother & me on a bus every since we were to 'town'. It became a little ritual for us. I then studied in the city and then worked there and so Rundle Mall has been up until 3 and 1/2 years ago, a huge part of my week. 


There are sculptures and buskers (I love buskers who put their talent or not so much talent out on the line) and am supportive if I can.



no that is not a statue, it's a man pretending to be one and he is damn good at it!!




North Terrace
Has a lovely huge block where the State Library of South Australia, South Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of South Australia, the University of Adelaide, and the City East campus of the University of South Australia is housed. The architecture of these buildings (most of) are lovely. I used to sit up on the upper lawns of the uni as a student and vege out. Further west you go, you hit the hotels, Parliament house, the casino, which is near the Festival Centre. 









Our beaches

I love that I live so close to the beach (about 5-10 minutes by car to the closest beach). I find the sea calming. And love going for day trips to Silver Sands (about 1 hour or so away) where you can drive your car onto the beach for a fee. It is one of the loveliest beaches I've been to. 


Glenelg is a suburb synonymous with the beach. It has a shopping street (Jetty Road), lots of restaurants and cafes, and the Holdfast bay apartments that over look the marina and/or the sea. It's quite lovely if you like a more trendy neighbourhood. I like Henley Beach as it's got a lovely beach, lovely cafes and is family friendly. There are other lovely metropolitan beaches - Semaphore, Grange, Brighton... we are blessed to be near the sea.







Adelaide Hills
I must admit I don't get to the hills often but when I do I love it. It has such beautiful scenery and lovely towns, such as Hanhdorf. There's also Mount Lofty (where you can get a view of the city) and Cleland Wildlife Park. The Lobethal lights are popular at Christmas, where practically the whole town decorates their houses and businesses (Most Australians don't decorate their home extensively for Christmas - especially on the outside). I should make more of an effort but sometimes getting to the beach can be hard and that's only a hop, skip and a jump away.




 






Blue Lake
The Blue Lake is located in Mount Gambier to the state's south-east. Both the lake and the town of Mount Gambier is lovely. It's been awhile since I've been there (*waving to Petra*). Gorgeous picture isn't it.





The Flinders Ranges
The Flinders Ranges is the largest mountain range in South Australia, and is just over 430 kms in length. The changes of the light during the day make the ranges a spectacular place to view. Have even had a drive to Wilpena Pound, though I didn't get to camp out. Beautiful country isn't it. 









Wine Country
South Australian wine is known internationally around the world as one of the finest regions. Personally I've driven past the McLaren Vale vineyards, and only been to a winery in the Coonawarra. I have never been to the Barossa or Clare Valleys. My goodness. Then again, I'm not really a wine drinker. Though it would be nice to go just to soak up the atmosphere.
 






Opals

I didn't say Coober Pedy, because I have never been, but I have purchased Opals for presents and the beauty of range of them is beautiful. Coober Pedy is unique with many of its inhabitants living under ground due to the high temperatures.





The Adelaide Zoo
It's been about 5 years since I have gone to the zoo, but i do enjoy it every time I go. Though some animals just need bigger enclosures or did when I had last been. I'm thinking of the Condor in particular. At least there is also Monarto Zoo in the Adelaide Hills. I studied the Red Panda for a university project and it was just nice sitting listening to the sounds of the animals while I did this. 

no this is not the Red Panda, but an ordinary one. 




Port River Dolphins



It's been years since I have seen them in person from a spot off Pelican Point, but the Port River dolphins are in our hearts. The Port is bustling but that doesn't stop these beautiful animals from it.





The Glendi Greek Festival

This is a yearly celebration of Greek culture. This year it was moved from its traditional March date to October and being so busy with Eleni-fest, I didn't get to go. It has also moved location to the Showgrounds, rather than Ellis Park where it has been for years. Why do I go to the Glendi? Main reason - seriously - the food. There said it. Seriously yummy yiros's and loukoumathes (pastry balls fried up in oil with honey drizzled over and cinnamon on top). Seriously yummy stuff. Yes, I see a few people here and there and I listen to some music, but it's the food!! When I was a child I remember that my class was going to perform at the Glendi. I can't remember what it was, only that our special guest wasn't going to be able to make it (Patsy Biscoe, for the Adelaide folks) and I was so disappointed. 
 
                                           (sorry vegetarians)



Food
Since I've talked about food with the Glendi, well it's only fitting I continue with food and drink that SA is proud of. 


OK, Balfours Frog Cakes are just something that I think every kid has had once (at least every child of my generation). Actually my parents both worked for Balfours for a stint and let me tell you our birthday parties were filled with goodies - frog cakes, lamingtons, kitchener buns (oh yeah), custard tarts, donuts, pies, pasties and sausage rolls of course. 
 



The original Beehive corner store of Haigh's Chocolates - love Haigh's. They have the most delicious chocolate, seriously. While the company has now branched into other states, it is an SA company.






Markets

SA has beautiful fresh produce (yay!) and we have a number of markets, the most well known one being the Central Markets in the city. It's an undercover market that is buzzing on the days it is open. 




Sorry vegetarians.. Bung Fritz is a pressed meat that you really can't get anywhere else. I don't know why it's so good but it is. A favourite is the butter, fritz and sauce sandwich. Yeah not the most healthiest but certainly tasty.


The favourites of the Iced Coffee range - The Farmer's Union Iced Coffee. Great taste but loaded with sugar. I used to have this when I was younger. Now I make my own. Not the same but...



 Originally made by Menz, Yo-Yo biscuits have been an SA favourite for generations. When Arnott's acquired it, South Australians insisted that Yo-Yo biscuits continued to be made and the sweet honey flavoured biscuits continue to be a favourite. 

Now can you see how good Farmer's Union Iced Coffee would go with Yo-Yo biscuits. Yes, yum.


You know in our extended family, the beer of choice is by Coopers. Most notably the Pale Ale and the Sparkling Ale. I'm not a huge beer person, but a nice cold beer on a hot day is refreshing.



Now you may have noticed that two of SA icons are not here....
Well I'm sorry but I don't like Fruchocs (not a big fan of chocolate coated fruit), and have never had a pie floater (which is a meat pie that 'floats' in pea soup).





Dining Out
Adelaide has the most restaurants and cafes per capita of population in all of Australia. Yes as you can see from a snapshot of me, we love our food. We have streets and suburbs that have an abundance of choices - Rundle Street, Gouger Street, North Adelaide, Unley Road, Norwood, Glenelg, Brighton, Henley Beach....& other local places in suburbs too. We really do love our food.









Memory Lane...
Here's a few icons from my youth - Humphrey B Bear, Winky Dink (the puppet duck that had a show) and the guys from The Curiosity Show, which I loved to watch. And the Popeye on the River Torrens.










The Christmas Pageant

(old photo)
I haven't gone to a Christmas Pageant in along time and it was only a handful of times, most of the times I preferred staying home and watching it on TV. I think I loved the commentary, which you didn't get at the Pageant. It was originally done by the department store John Martin's (I so miss John Martin's) and it still goes to the same location - now the David Jones store after doing a loop of the streets. 
 




The Royal Adelaide Show
I've just realised that I haven't been to a Royal Show in about 9 years. It was a yearly event in my house when growing up. I even mentioned on Christina Phillips' blog the other day that I had once got a Batgirl showgirl, so I could dress up like her. The Show is held at the Adelaide Showgrounds and has sideshow alley and rides, exhibitions of all sorts including flowers, competitions - eg dog shows, woodchopping events, a petting zoo, and of course the show bags.






A confession
Now you will notice that there are a few things left off my list like all the Festivals and celebrations. Never been to the Schutzenfest, the Clipsal 500, WOMADelaide, Tour Down Under or the Adelaide Writers' Week (yes hang head in shame for that one).


We used to go to Festival of the Arts performances when I was in school but haven't been to one since and also, I have only been to street performances of the Fringe. That really is bad. Like I said, I'm complacent that it's here, and every year I say I will go and every year, things creep up on me, and when you have no energy at times, the last thing you want to do is go out to a crowded place. Oh well, here's to 2010.


There's more but I think you get the idea that I am proud of SA and even if I don't attend everything it doesn't mean I don't appreciate what this state provides or has to offer. Thanks SA. I think I will be exploring more of you.


And thanks Arts SA for your support....




Just make a comment and be in the draw to win an Adelaide pack (with a mini Haigh's pack of chocolates, which is supporting the Pandas at the Zoo). If you want, you can comment on what makes your state great.





Comments close on the 31st October.


Comments for prize closed. Congrats RK!


~yia~


20 comments:

The Scarf Princess said...

Beautiful landscapes and cityscapes. It looks like so many fun things to do and see. And the food looks super yummy. You've succeeded in making me hungry.

joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

Unknown said...

Hi Eleni :)
I got all emotional from your post!
My dream is to visit Australia & I loved LOVED your post. The pictures, the descriptions, and your joy.
Wow.
Someday I will be able to come visit.
I am bookmarking this post until that time though, so I can review it (sweet torture!) over & over.
:)
Thank you very much for sharing Eleni,
Love & Best Wishes,
RKCharron
xoxo

Fiona G said...

Eleni

We had a 2 hour stopover in Adelaide on the Indian Pacific and hubby and I ran into town, did some sightseeing and ran back to the train. One of my favourite ways to explore a city is to pull on the joggers and just run. We wanted to run the Clipsal 500 race track, but didn't have time. I loved Adelaide. Have to get back some day.
Fi

Eleni Konstantine said...

Joder - LOL - if I've succeeded in making you hungry, then my job is done! ;)) I've just come back from the Continental Deli (aka store) and have some lovely Italian styled cold meats and char grilled veges to make up rolls. Abit of a treat for today.

RK - aw, that's lovely. I'm glad you enjoyed my post and that you want to visit Australia some day. I'm abit biased but I do love this country ;)) In a way it's abit of a rediscovery for me too....with CFS, it's easy just to stay in your own little world. But writing this up has made me want to go and enjoy more of what this state has to offer.

Hey Fi - waving - wow you and hubby are amazing. Most people would just bus or take a taxi into town, but no you do a run. I wish I had your fitness. You would have been frustrated with our drivers here - were are a little on the mad side ;)) - so running is a good way to go. Gosh I don't even know the exact route of the Clipsal 500 but yes it's on the east end of town. Glad you loved a fair city.

Catherine said...

Hi Eleni,
I'm a Sydney-born girl, who escaped to the country as soon as I could. I first went to Adelaide in my 20s and I loved the place. It is a country town in a city and I think one of the best places in Australia. Even though I've never lived there I do love it! And Haigh's chocolates was always one of my stops, whenever I went there, even if it was only a quick visit! Happy Eleni-fest, Cath

Becca said...

Proud SA-er here!

Wonderful summary, makes me glad to call the place home.

And I have to disagree with one thing... I LOVE Fruchocs!!

Eleni Konstantine said...

Hey Cath, *waving* - glad you love Adelaide and Haigh's yummy (looking toward the prize bag whistfully).

Becca - yay for another SA-er!! Thanks - I was wondering what SAers would think. As for the Fruchocs, I know I'm in the minority hence why I still have the piccie of it ;))

Christina Phillips said...

LOL I've only just finished dinner but am drooling at all those yummy photos of edibles (ok not the pie floater so much *ick*!)That's so interesting about many of Coober Pedy inhabitants living underground. Had no idea!

Eleni Konstantine said...

Christina - don't let having just have had dinner stop you from drooling. Yes, the pie floater is abit interesting in looks - though another photo I found was worse! And am glad you learned something new about SA today. My job here is done!!

alliemf said...

Oh Eleni! So many memories. And I am not a big fruchoc fan either. When I was small our bus to the city used to go past the Menz biscuit factory and it was toddler torture on the days they were baking the yo-yos! Mum used to have to pack them in her handbag to keep us quiet.
And Humphrey. I love Humphrey. Humphrey was "born" the day after I was in the next suburb to where I was born. So he and I have a special connection I feel. Although I am a bit peeved that I have grey hair and wrinkles and he is still only 4! LOL. "what a funny old fellow is Humphrey! He gets in all manner of strife..."
Thanks for the memories. I love my state.

Alison

Eleni Konstantine said...

Alison - so glad to give you some good old memories especially of your mum keeping the yo-yos in her handbag (good one!). And nice connection to Humphrey. That would have been nice especially as a kid to have grown up with. Go SA!

Nicky Strickland said...

Eleni - a beautifully illustrated post!

I've always been told by many that I would love Adelaide & your post has shown me many why.

As well, I'd be with you on the pie floater (given I'm allergic to peas would be one of many reasons why not *lol*)!

Definitely on the place of Australian places I want to come visit.

Eleni Konstantine said...

Thanks Nicky - a picture indeed does tell a thousand words. Glad you want to come to visit. And yeah you can skip the pie floater, I have....

Unknown said...

I have to agree with you that one of the things I love most about living in Adelaide are the beaches. My local is Seacliff and only a 10 minute drive away from home and it is beautiful and so peaceful there :-). I'll give the fritz a miss though and just go for the fruit chocs!

Eleni Konstantine said...

Hey Tan - oh yes I could I forget to mention beautiful seacliff! Lol re the fritz - I thought you might give that a miss! See we balance the world out. ;))

FD said...

After reading this, I'm hungry and itching to visit the area. lol It sounds like a great place.

Eleni Konstantine said...

Thanks Paula - i hope you get to visit one day.

Emmeline Lock said...

Hey Eleni!

What a fantastic post - you've taken all of the fabulous things about our state and distilled it into one gorgeous little article. It rocks!

I live about 5 minutes from Hahndorf - SA's Little Germany - and it is well worth a visit, for sure.

Lots of things you mentioned are things I had forgotten about - like Kitchener Buns (I feel guilty just thinking about those...), and frog cakes (they're VERY green!). One of the Curiosity Show guys lectured me at Uni too. It IS a small state...

I offered my cousin (from Victoria) a "paley" the other day and he gave me the wierdest look - until I remembered he might not have heard of one of my favourite beers... :)

I have a close friend who lives near Margaret River, WA (a famous Aussie wine-growing region), but she'll still come over here to stock up on her Barossa Valley wines. I love a Barossa Wine tour...

And pie floaters aren't that bad. Just try not to look to hard at it as you're eating...

The Mall, the beaches, the arts - the great authors... Somebody stop me!

There is so much to be proud of in SA. Thanks for the reminder, Eleni. X

Eleni Konstantine said...

Elove - it's so easy to forget about why you love where you live. And funny how we live in the same country but there are definitely regional differences like the 'paley' reference.

Oh I haven't been to Hahndorf in ages, may need to take a trek one day.

Glad to have reminded you of being proud of SA!

Eleni Konstantine said...

Thank you to everyone who commented re SA pride. It was wonderful to see.

Comments are now closed and the winner of the Adelaide pack is RKCharron. RK please contact me with your mailing details - thank you.

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