MENSA Scout Camp, Adelaide, South Australia

Adelaide Vegan festival 

After arriving in Adelaide on the 17th November (via the Melbourne to Adelaide Southern rail) we were picked up at the station by our hostel manager. She was on her way home and during the drive gave us a key to our dorm and said someone would check us in tomorrow. 

The hostel was packed, absolutely packed. Even the downstairs disabled toilet had three people, on mattresses, laying on the floor. Our room had couples sharing beds and people were constantly coming and going. 


We're sure there was even a few homeless men making use of the hallway. 

We chatted to a few people and their stories were all the same, they'd come to Adelaide to find work. Mostly fruit picking but happy to take what they could get. 

"Had we heard of anything?". 

The next morning, the hostel was silent as carloads of workers had left earlier for a day of work and those without work were still fast asleep. We spent some time exploring the CBD, botanical gardens and hanged out at a vegan festival (we didn’t really fit in...but we tried). 

John and 'Barry the drug making bear' 

John, who had a bit of a cold was game to try a piece of vegan biltong. Biltong made of mushrooms is actually pretty gross, but his sense of smell was diminished and couldn't really taste anything. 

It's a rather fascinating lifestyle, a little hippy, burn the bras attitude but kudos to those that can overcome their cravings for meat! Or can happily enjoy a gluten, dairy and egg free piece of cheesecake. 



Following that, we then spent the next ten days at a fantastic scout jamboree lodge in the Adelaide Hills partaking in a well organised MENSA camp. MENSA is an international organisation made up of members who have scored in the top 2% of IQ tests. The camp was amazing- a great mix of Australians, with some internationals (including us)! 

Puzzle building challenge

Risk on the table

We met up with other campers in the city and together carpooled to the hills. The lodge was in a forested area under Mount George, it was remote and secluded, deep in the bush surrounded by gum trees and farms. The whole area had an amazing earthy and gumtree smell and as we arrived the cars crunched over dried leaves. Inside 'woodhill' was a fully equipped massive kitchen, drawing room and over twenty private wooden bunk beds. We all located a bed, dropped our bags and started to explore outside. 

Drop bear spotting, Seeone Hills

There was a massive cow shed, basketball court and slanted grass area. 

Someone had brought along a massive paddling pool so that was quickly blown up, ready for a bit of jelly wrestling, while several guys tried out the basketball court. Then the games appeared, board games galore!

Over the ten days we camped out, we received an initiation into how hot Australia can really be, as the spring temperature rose higher and higher.

Relaxing in the evening together

We experienced a range of bizzare weather patterns. Kara had her first rainless thunderstorm! Late one afternoon dark clouds rolled across the sky, cracking and ripping the proverbial seams of our universe. Remarkable! The hot weather also meant that there was a total fire ban on all campfires so we didn’t get to toast our camp marshmallows at the lodge. 

However we did plenty of other fun activities over the week. Johann from Perth took us walking and taught us how to hunt for the infamous 'drop bears' the colloquial local name for the cute and cuddly koalas as well as how to spot kangaroo trails.

Hahndorf- Australias oldest German settlement

As an initial team building event we took at trip to Hahndorf, considered the jewel of Adelaide hills. A small local town of German origins, the Main Street is lined with 100year old elm trees, gift shops and traditional German restaurants.

 The town retains its strong Bavarian heritage and its history can be traced back to 1838 when George Fife Angas, a director of a South Australian company, made a trip to London to promote colonisation. 


During his travels he befriended Pastor Kavel and encouraged his flock of German Lutherans, who at the time were being persecuted by the King of Prussia, to immigrate to Australia. 

Ye Olde Icecreamery

Old Hahndorf Village

Enjoying lunch in the sun, Hahndorf

In the restored old town we went on a gastronomical tour of wine tasting, perfect for it's cool winter climate, then honey tasting and finally ice cream tasting. 

After a late lunch together we returned for an epic game called werewolf. The rules were kind of complicated but we played all night acting out different characters.

On another morning everyone chose a side and we played a dangerous, competitive game of laser skirmish! (Like paintball but with laser guns). In the spirit of fun, the face paint came out and we camouflaged up. After a solid hour of running, jumping, sliding and hiding we were all drenched in sweat and itchy from the dry grass. 

Way to make yourself a target!

Branching up!

Surprisingly Kara, who in the midst of competition didn't think twice about diving into long grass or crawling in bracken wasn’t bitten by a snake but probably could have been, due to her ‘crafty’ hiding spots. Ahh the naïvety. In the end the opposition was up one point but our team had less injuries all-round. 

Everyone ready to play 

John on dinner duty

The day prior we had visited an obstacle course not far down the road and like monkeys climbed over tall wooden structures, swung on ropes and slid down large metal slides. It was heaps of fun, like a jungle gym for adults, ahh big kids! 

On our last night, after a day of practice, we came together and put on a comical skit. Kind of a little red riding hood gone off the rails number. Laughter ensued and to finish the evening we dragged our mattresses across the grass and into the huge cow barn where a projector had been set up for an impromptu movie night. A special treat for the international guests we watched an old classic: the rocky horror show! 

We were so appreciative of the experience and for the amazing people we met and the friendships we built. After leaving the camp and saying a sad goodbye we headed back towards Adelaide CBD. 

Tot siens,

John and Kara

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

This was the plaque on the hospital building - the first
settlers arrived in 1803

After several days in Melbourne city, we took an early-bird Jetstar flight to the small colonial city of Hobart in Tasmania. As far south as you can go, Tasmania is a small island off Australia's southern coastline. 

Hobart was grey and cloudy but we were instantly captivated by the blue harbor and green mountains beneath us as the plane flew down into Hobart. 

Refurbished barracks

Meeting with Kara's great aunt who picked us up at the airport, we then peered out from the windows of her car. Our initial impression was that the city looked old, but charming. As we drove past the waterfront she explained what some of the buildings were and how old they were.

The waterfront city of Hobart, is absolutely brimming with history from the first English colonizations. Originally intended as a convict settlement, the town was founded in 1807 and became Australia's second official English settlement. 

Boat after boat of criminals and often wrongly convicted felons were brought out from the motherland and stationed on the wild Southern coast. Without ever a chance of escaping the isolated peninsula, convicts lead hard lives cutting rock, building the first stone houses and surviving on little rations provided. 

Hobart's calm harbour 

As part of the relocation military barracks were built for soldiers which included a military hospital. Completed in 1818 the hospital is now Australia’s oldest continually occupied residential building. This is where Kara's aunts were currently living. The hospital was closed in the early 1900's and has since been refurbished with great care being taken on preserving the interior. The home, still has the original surgery... in which we were told several 'presences' maybe still live. 

Boats in the Marina

Hobart first settlers cemetery walk

The island's functioning military barracks was our base from which we spent 4 fabulous days exploring Hobart with our hosts (Helen and Kate) who are fabulous supporters of all things delicious! Aside from the rich history, Hobart is also a bit of a food and wine lover's hub and supports a strong art culture. 

If that's not your cup of tea, Tasmania has amazing natural national parks, some where you can even find the infamous Tasmanian devil! This little ferocious fluffy brown marsupial population is rapidly declining. There are tales that the first settlers were absolutely terrified by the cries of the small animal, perceiving it as something much larger and wild. As punishment, men were sent into the bush late at night as the gruesome shrills echoed over the camps.

After arriving in Hobart, the weather  remained cool so we wrapped up warm and went for a walk to the waterfront. On our way down we were sidetracked by signs pointing to the Lark Distillery and cellar door. One of Australia's leading distilleries with a large range of malt whiskey and Tasmanian gin we thought we'd better stop in for a look. 

Still thirsty? Another quick stop!  

John's a bit bigger than the average Australian  

On Thursday, we decided to take a day trip down the harbour to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Underestimating our walking speed, and a little behind schedule we raced to the wharf, running to get tickets and board the boat, which, never actually departed on time making us look like silly panicking foreigners.

Coming up from the wharf the museum doesn't seem so large, deceptively built into the yellow sandstone rock. But like an iceberg most of the treasure and size is below the surface. The acclaimed 'Disneyland for adults' is simple and unassuming and we climbed up along a beautiful yet jagged yellow sandstone exterior.

Art at the Mona Museum

MONA was amazing, built by David Welsh, one of Australia's wealthiest men who made his money through online gambling. The privately owned museum collection is hand picked by David and it seemed he has a fascination with anything which invokes an emotional reaction. In particular we noticed his fascination with death, all things dying and also he seems to kneel towards work of a sexual orientation. The fifteen meter wall of plastercast vaginas quietly stopped us in our tracks, but so did the intricately designed webs of pixie fairies and the small room only filled with television screens displaying folks singing Madonna songs. 

Animal lifecycle

Hands-on art

Ancient Egyptian tile

Indigenous mask

What we really liked about the experience is that on entry you're provided with an iPod 'the O' that acts as an audio guide and personal art informant that picks up your location as you move through the exhibits. The app allows you to rate the art and shows you what other people think too, that weird snake like painting you'd want to only keep in the garage? People like it!? We loved that several of the pieces were hands on, for example you could use your natural pulse to charge a light bulb. There were some exhibits that were outstanding, like a room that shows how the human defecation system works, that included smells and natural 'defecation'.

Drip waterfall, MONA

Of course no trip is really exciting without some kind of unexpected event. While we were safely exploring three stories underground, a freak weather storm hit Hobart. There was even a mini tornado which blew roofs of houses and up at ground level blew some of the outdoor art apart. 

As we surfaced there were firetrucks cleaning the mess, really none the wiser we walked to the Museum wine bar for a free tasting.

Hobart Rivulet linear Park Track

A small Pademelon

During the afternoon and next morning we strolled around Hobart city. We put on our boots and walked along the Hobart Rivulet linear Park Track marching next to the small river which ends at the Cascade Brewery. Australia's oldest remaining brewery, established in 1832 we thought we better stop by for a tasting! What was fascinating about the track was the small stocky animals running around in the undergrowth. A dark brown colour with a lighter belly the unusually named Pademelon were fun to spot! 

Walking boots on!

Sampling the beer of the oldest brewery in
Australia - Cascade

On the way back we made a bypass to the Cascades female factory historic site. This former female convict workhouse was built in 1828 and used to 'reform' female convicts brought to Australia as criminals and servants. Used to protect society from the immoral and corrupting influence of convicts the site is now a museum that depicts the hard life of minimal rations and days of long labour. Just imagining life in those times, living in squalor between the cold stand stone walls is immensely sad. 

On Saturday morning we explored the Salamanca market which run up from the waterfront. The very popular market, with now well over 300 stalls has been running since 1971 and attracts between 25,000-40,000 people every week. 

Musicians at the Salamanca market

Small children's trinkets

Homemade knit wear

Exploring the infamous Salamanca market in Hobart

There was certainly something for everyone, fresh fruits and vegetables, intricate knitted tea pot cossies, beautiful red wood Tasmanian cheese boards, scented candles, and food- so much food. John tried the local curried scallop pie and we both moved around smelling the home made fudge and pastries, German bratwursts, Spanish donuts covered in sweet chocolate and grilled seafoods.

A curried scallop pie in Hobart - had to be tried!

Kara enjoying a plate of Tassie oysters

Afterwards we all hopped in the car and Kara's Aunts took us on an extended tour of Hobart. Firstly from under its foothills we drove up the towering Mt Wellington. Flanked by green pines and walking trails the mountain rises steeply and even in summer the top can be brushed with snow. First named Table Mountain for it's large, broad, flat top it was later renamed after the Duke of Wellington, who beat Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

View across Hobart and towards Arthers Point

It was mighty cold up on the mountain, as the wind drove sharply up the rocky side. Glad we had brought sweaters we admired the stunning panoramic down over the city and harbour. It only took one warning to be on the lookout for snakes and Kara was keen to get back in the car. 

Climbing around the rocks

The Pinnacle, Mt Wellington, 1270m

On top of Mt Wellington, Hobart
with our fabulous hosts Helen and Kate.

We chugged back down the steep mountain side, glad we hadn't braved a walk all the way up and drove through the old town, Kara's aunt pointing out again special buildings including an old wooden Christian church which, surprisingly, relatives of Kara were married in late in the 1800's. The Holy Trinity Church on Warwick street is now a building of National heritage. 

The Holy Trinity Church, Hobart

Eaglehawk Neck Dog statue

We drove on down the Port Arthur peninsula towards Prisoners' point. This almost isolated stretch of coastal land was dotted with farms, a sea on either side. 

Port Arthur penal colony was the destination for the hardest of convicted British criminals and secondary offenders. Guarded by half starved dogs, soldiers and man traps there was little chance of escape. We detoured through Risdon Cove, where the first settlers landed although due to lack of fresh water supply moved on. 

Travelling to Ridson Cove, Hobart 

Reaching an amazing coastal formation we took a break to glare at the natural blow holes, Tasman's arch and the Devil's kitchen.

Tasman's arch

Beautiful caves in the rock

Overall the small sample of Tasmania we did see was wonderful and we can’t wait to go back one day and explore more! We would like to extend a very big, sincere thank you to Helen and Kate for hosting us.

Tot siens,

John and Kara

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

South bank over the Yarra River

After several months of hitting the gravelled backroads of our little New Zealand we have landed on the shores of Australia. Australia, New Zealand's bigger cousin, an exciting new land to explore! 

Melbourne Day parades

Adorable little jockeys

Life over the great old ditch is pretty similar to New Zealand. The laid back attitude of locals who have found themselves suddenly in a big city is warm and friendly. 

From the airport we were greeted with a chirrupingly friendly 'g-day'. But however friendly the locals are there is always an element of caution. The threatening wildlife is menacing; besides their deadly snakes and man eating spiders, you can find crows that cackle a murderous laugh and black birds that replicate horrendous sounds of an early morning alarm clock. In the oceans harbour several species of the deadliest jelly-fish, sharks and killer whales. If that's not worrisome there is also the beautifully brutal weather systems that reek havoc over the country.

Otherwise, life has pretty much the same beat.

Cosmopolitan Melbourne, our first stop, and Australia's second largest city is very multi-cultural. Famous for it's regular events, climate, waterfront location architecture and nightlife. Together these ingredients make Melbourne perhaps Australia's most live-able city.

We did notice immediately that it is so much busier everywhere, more people, more cars, more trains–all fighting for their small space of road. With 4 million people in the city and outer suburbs it's logistically a transport nightmare. As tourists, trying to get from A to B was like not unlike a spider shifting left and right over a web of buses, trams and trains. 

After spending the last few weeks, roving in our camper it was nice to dress up a little and venture into Melbourne city. Catching in the tram, using our new MYKI cards seemed reasonably straight-forward (after we waited for rush hour to quieten). 

Watching the artists

Check the street art

Down in the heart of the central city on the cold rainy morning we arrived we had the opportunity to watch the joyous Melbourne cup pre-parades (Australia's primer thorough-bred horse racing event). We had made our way there to have a look around and were surprised when the parade trotted right on past us! 

Flinders street railway station

That day in the central city we visited Flinders central and Federation square, both central icons. We made our way up the busy Collins street to locate the national bank headquarters and sort out our bank accounts. Next we grabbed a small sushi lunch in a small mall before just aimlessly wandering around enjoying the small dark laneways and arcades.

John at the St Kildas Wharf

The following day was Tuesday, still a little dreary and overcast, we joined Kara's sister who was celebrating the Melbourne cup day antics at a bar by St Kilda beach.  

St Kildas, just several kilometers from the down town area was once home to Melbourne's elite during the Victorian era. Now-days the district has a real student bohemian vibe and is a popular yuppie destination!

Yarra cycle-way

The Australians went crazy over the race, men dressed to the nine's in ironed tuxedos and women glamourisely adorned in steeler high heels, floaty summer frocks and matching head pieces!

It shocked us how much money people were willing to put forward, beating ridiculous amounts on horses while getting notoriously drunk in the process and we thought we were splashing out on a $3,99 Shiraz! Everyone seemed to be having a really great time- shame the weather didn't hold out. 

Federation square

After returning from a short visit to Hobart, the unusually warm November weather didn’t deter us from a cycling down along the winding brown Yarra River into the city. The 10km trail took us through several parks and behind houses. Conveniently it also has a free public rock-climbing walls, under a bridge at the half way point! (Incase looking at all the beautiful nature gets too overwhelming!). 

Two happy cyclists

Not your best angle Kara

On our last day in Melbourne we were very fortunate to join Meg and Misha on a behind the scene tour to the local Southbank Carlton Brewery. 

Carlton brewery tour

Carlton Brewery

The eclectic brew house is famous for it's range of Australian favourites; like Carlton Draught, VB and Crown lager. After an extensive look at how they make the beer, how it's shipped and were it goes, the tour ended at the brewery's eclectic homey-feel bar. With our bottoms comfortably squeezed over the wooden bar stools we engulfed the free samples from their wide range of on tap beers and ciders!

John

Kara

Meg

Misha

For dinner later it was a special treat to be taken to M&M's favorite restaurant, not far down the road; "I rof dumplings". 

I <3 dumplings! 

Were we ate- no, we feasted on the small prawn and pork filled balls of yum. Lightly dripping in a sweet soya sauce, there was only silence and the soft clink of the bamboo chopsticks as our mouth's were over-filled.

Early the next morning we were up while the stars still shone and at the grand Melbourne central station to say a sad goodbye to our wonderful hosts. Our train: The Great Southern Rail took us from the bustling inner-city of Melbourne to the quiet laid back suburbs of Adelaide. 

Over the next two weeks we will be attending a MENSA camp in the Adelaide hills and looking forward to spending some time in the Barossa Valley. 


We are looking for some seasonal work and will hopefully be able to update you soon with our next plan!! 

Our first attempt at Kangaroo burgers

Again a really big thank you to Meg & Misha, who were extremely generous hosts! 

Tot siens,
John and Kara