Just Like Home

At my last check-in, I was stranded in Albury...and I couldn't wait to get out. The hours spent wandering around the town were painful & very slow. They sped up a bit when I was solicited by a guy trying to sell AusStar? in the mall (a tv service), and I said I didn't live there we struck up a convo. I know I must've been very desperate for someone to talk to, because we talked about sport the whole time - ice hockey, aussie rules, cricket, baseball (which I have since discovered is the dumbed-down American form of cricket...or perhaps a game stripped of all the British nonsense). Whether it was due to my poor hearing or his accent, I didn't understand half of the things he said - relied on the good ol' smile and nod - gives them reassurance & confidence, and saves you from looking like a tool!

Back at the train station, I managed to catch the bus to Echuca. And by Murphy's Law, or by some other man with an ironic sense of humour, this bus was delayed! Not to worry, not that I imagine you were, I was soon strapped in ipod in ears, book in hand, and onwards through the flatlands.

I arrived in a rainy Echuca at 8pm, where the 5 other people on the bus quickly dispersed. I phoned the hostel, confirmed its vacancy, and then began a short trek through un-lit streets there. I wasn't about to find my next travel buddy sleeping here. I had the hostel entirely to myself. Slightly erie, I remember hearing tales of a horror film called 'Hostel', enough to freak myself out a little...but eventually I turned out all of the lights and had a sleep.

Wednesday morning, I checked out the big town of Echuca. With a population of about 10,000, that isn't the only similarity it has with Summerland. All of the buildings and signs have the old-British colonial theme. There was a fudge shop (Willowbrook), wineries, and apparently the world's largest collection of paddleboat steamers! Yee-haw. Although I couldn't fit in a ride on one of these, I sampled some fudge and bought a post-card for good measure. The Australian economy can thank me later. Check out the pics below...

Soon it was time to hop back on the bus and take myself to Mildura. Another smaller town, where I'm bunking with a friend's parents for the night. I had a home-cooked meal tonight. Wow. Not pb toast, or canned tuna. My body hasn't had to digest all of these nutrients in awhile.

The past two days of bus rides have felt like a trip through the praries in Canada. It's flat, filled with farming, and I met the lovely country women on the bus ready to chat with anyone, and nervous about an upcoming excursion to Thailand! I imagine it being my mother 26 years ago! Hi mom.

Time for a chick flick & some fudge!

Maybe some pictures to come soon.
xx