WWW (Wine-Wine-Wine)

Friday 4th November was the last day at Oakville Potatoes and it was almost looking like the history would repeat itself as I was almost going to be pulling down some sand on the pivots again. Well, wasn’t quite that bad, I was just ploughing untill 2pm and then decided it was a good time to call it a day, pack my belongings into the car and head off to Adelaide. This time I decided to take a different route and avoid driving the highway. Instead I went a shorter yet slower route through the scenic Adelaide Hills, a bit futher north to where I had already been. Too bad I just don’t have a hot-hatchback car which would take me through the tight, winding road with a lot more fun. Still, it was a good fun and indeed a scenic drive!

Richie (manager) & me

Me & Andy

Before all that happened, there was the last week. I thought I’d try to get as many workhours as possible but all in all, it didn’t matter that much anyhow. Tuesday, the first Tuesday in November is the famous day of Melbourne Cup – the race that stops the nation they say. And it’s true! Melbourne Cup is a horserace and has a long history background here, therefore also very important. We finished work at 11am, had a shower and headed off to Nildottie Hall to see it all unfold. Didn’t think much, put on a t-shirt and shorts and drove up. Bad idea! As soon as I saw people arriving all dressed up – suits, shining shoes, women with long evening dresses and hats looking as they are heading to a royal wedding, I turned around to get changed again! And it was over 30 degrees that day. So back I was, wearing my best I have along, went in and was handed a complimentary greeting drink with sparkling wine and orange juice, glad it wasn’t vodka! After that it was ofcourse time to have beer, many of them. That’s the tradition and how could I not participate.

There were 6 races before the main event but no-one seemed to draw much attention to those – all that mattered was the final race. To make a long story short – I don’t get it! But I also do not know much of the history of that event either. Let’s just say there was another reason to get pissed again (read: get drunk).

On my last evening, Thursday, we, all the young generation employees met up at the pub for a nice last pubnight at Swan Reach. Apparently I had been a fairly good employee because Richie, our manager covered my food expences that night. What more to do than to finally try out a kangaroo steak. And being honest I quite liked it – nice and tenderly cooked, has a distinctive taste but all in all I suggest to have as I did – medium raw. Otherwise it’ll just be too dry and stiff.

Ooh, last weekend Andy and Pete got their sponsorships confirmed, so they are allowed to stay in Australia for at least 4 more year, and among other benefits they can also get finanzing, say for new cars. That's what they did, bought a new (used) car. Andy got himself a V8 Ford Falcon ute. Too bad I did not get to drive it myself, but luckily I got to sit on the passengerseat for a quick show-off! What an engine is a V8!! What and engine!

In Adelaide I had booked a place in a room of 6 in YHA hostel, the one I stayed in on my last visit 2 weeks before. It was nice a clean and quiet so why not. Thought to have an early night but remembered the Estonian House had the bar open so I decided to have look and get another Saku Kuld for a good night sleep. It turned out to be a good night as I met some other young fellow Estonians – Maret and Kristo. Had a good chat with them and Toomas, the barman was obviously enjoying a good night aswell because Vana Tallinn with milk was on the house that night. Good times! J Finished off the night early though because Saturday morning was the one I had long been waiting for – wine course at National Wine Centre!

9.20am and it was already very close to 30degrees as I was making my way to towards the venue. A quick chicken wrap with a coffee on the go and then I understood why it’s a good thing they also sell iced coffee here – my forehead was running with moisture at the first sip! Nontheless, 10min before the course start I had successfully survived the city jungle and the heat without too much sweating.

- Do you know why many of the premium wineries plant roses to either end of the winetree lines?

- Or why do vines not like wet feet?

- Or how long should you let a red wine „breathe“ before pouring it into a glass?

During the first day we went through whites and reds, how they are made, which methods in the make bring out which characteristics etc. Obviously too much information for anyone who starts the day off knowing there are 20 different wines to be tasted. And what wines – from large, wellknown producers to very small familiy owned ones, from 5aud to 60aud a bottle ones. But it is soo interesting and sooo good the get some knowledge about it! The group is 25 people of different age and background, a good and funny bunch. J

The day finished back in the hostel with hacing a great talk with two guys called Matt – one a Kiwi (read: New Zealand) backpacker aged 29 and a Queensland 24 year-old ex-soldier who had done 2 missions to Afgan and 2 other to East Timor. It was just overwhelming to hear what he had gone through and experienced and seen during that time!

Sunday morning began with a 7am wake up to get myself ready for a sporty, outdoorsy day. Liis and Jackson had invited me to come along to one of their friends’ cottage Tailem Bend by Murray River. As I had noticed before the river is among other things also a well-used recreational place for fishing and watersports – waterskiing, wakeboarding etc. When leaving the city the weather did not seem too promising but as it usually is here – city can be completely different to what happens behind the hills and by the river. Same story again. Arriving to Tailem Bend and the sun was shining, temperature had picked up, just the wind was a bit too strong yet that didn’t really bother anyone anyhow. A short while later and the boat was in the water, all necessary gear loaded into it and with everyone onboard the show began. Jackson’s friends were obviously experienced while as my last and first waterskiing experience dates back some 8 years I guess, also with two skies instead on single ski. So obviously that didn’t work for me. Nor did the wakeboard. Then again, I tried to get up from the water for about 5 times while as another guy who tried the same the day before could still not get up on the board after 20-25 times. But no worries, the water was suprisingly warm and I had my fun trying. Eventually I still managed to get afloat, but with an airfilled tube „biscuit“ towed behind the boat. And that was loads of fun!! They said that even the most grumpy man will be grinning after having a go with that. All in all – it was a really good day with new people, fun activities and Australian national drink – beer. J

Other stories in vol.2.