Adelaide

Buildings in the City Centre

So after touring the countryside around Adelaide we finally arrived in the city to discover the capital of the state South Australia. Adelaide city is a well planned city around a very formal grid like system which makes it very easy to get around and discover the hidden treasures of the city. But who ever planned this city left the widest city centre roads and sidewalks I have ever seen in all of my travels. The expansive corridors gave the city a sense of space and allows the pedestrian easy movement throughout, if only other more crowded cities had this much room. The city is mostly modern architecture with some older turn of the century buildings scattered within the city centre giving it a very modern feel. Scattered throughout the downtown are a few planned squares with formal gardens and statues giving the city of bit of a European touch.

War Memorial 

Like all Australian cities there is a very good market in Adelaide, the Central Markets is located in a turn of the century old building is a wonderful collection of shops selling everything from local cheese, to butchers to Asian inspired shops. And in the centre of town the streets are closed to accommodate the Rundle Mall, with its department stores and boutiques. It was wonderful just strolling the mall watching the locals while taking in all the Christmas Decorations which seem so out of place in the warm weather.

Funi & Wang Wang, someday some little ones

Sculptures @ Panada exhibit

The city centre is flanked on two sides by the River Torrens and is the centre of a large park system that completely surrounds the city core. This expansive green area hosts the botanical gardens and the very wonderful Adelaide Zoo. Here we took in the opportunity to see two pandas, recently relocated from China to Adelaide for 10 years with the intent on breeding. We were there early in the morning and we able to see both Wang Wang and Funi play in their beautifully designed enclosures. Spent almost a full hour just watching these two just play and search for food, it was amazing. As well the Art Gallery of South Australia is a wonderful gem with a wonderful collection of European art.

 Art Gallery of South Australia

Another strong memory we will take from this city is how very friendly everyone here is, everyone in this city is so accommodating and have been most welcoming to both of us. This is probably the friendliest city in all of Australia thus far.

Henry & I had a good laugh