Adelaide Summer Fun: Best January Activities & Events ⛱️
The second time in Australia, I finally had the chance to slow down and experience this country. It was summer in January, and South Australia, with its Mediterranean-like climate, was sunny but very cool. This time, I stayed at my partner’s family’s house and spent a very fulfilling few days (1/25-1/30). Here’s a brief record:
Day 1: Arrived in the afternoon and strolled around the neighborhood, walking near the Botanic Garden (which I visited early the next morning for a run). I saw a tree full of bats, chattering and living there, but they didn’t feel unpleasant; it gave a sense of a wonderful ecological balance. That night, I drank a lot of alcohol, white wine, red wine, beer, and whiskey, and fell asleep tipsy.
Day 2: It was a public holiday, and many places were closed. We went to a large market in the suburbs, which only operates on Sunday mornings. There were lots of fresh fruits, even water spinach and winter melon. In the afternoon, we went to Woolworths, where it was hard to resist the cheese, milk, and cookies. I decided not to worry about my weight for these few days.
Day 3: p2-6, saw the sea, visited the Rubik’s Cube winery and McLaren Vale. South Australia is not just about Penfolds; it’s easy to find a suitable red wine here. In the valley, at the winery, and by the sea, it’s easy to find peace.
Day 4: p8-9, did some errands in the city in the morning, and left the afternoon for a city walk. The Central Market was smaller than expected but very lively, with all kinds of food that Caucasians love. I had a delicious pizza and Oreo cake there. I walked around, visiting Chinatown, the commercial street, the South Australian Art Gallery, and the museum, and also crossed the University of Adelaide campus. The population density here is very nice.
Day 5: p10-11, the German village is a cute little town. We had the famous Haus pork knuckle platter, freshly baked and crispy, but the portion was really large. The cheese sausage in the platter was the best. Unfortunately, the popular ice cream shop was closed. In the afternoon, we walked around Melbourne Street, accidentally entering a Vietnamese restaurant, and the new and unusual mixed noodles were not very tasty.
Day 6: p12, the Botanic Garden is beautiful, with only a few elderly people strolling around. The orchids are very beautiful. Running from home to the garden and back is less than 6 km, and the scenery along the way is enough to make you forget the boredom of running.
There were many things I didn’t capture, like the various fruits that never disappoint, the huge farm, and the friendly white husky. I ate two large plates of fresh salmon and various homemade dishes. It has been a long time since I slowed down and lived like a local in one place. Often, being in a hurry is a self-imposed state of mind rather than a necessary one.
In the new year, let’s all live a bit more chill 🥳
