I've invented a new term, jet flague. Forget jet lag, we have flague. It's a serious form of being thoroughly out of sorts. We managed to sleep a bit last night after a nice long walk around the Airport burbs of Melbourne. It was a quite pretty neighborhood actually. The residential architecture here is unique - a mixture of clean, blocky modern homes and next for a style we are told is Victorian, one-story Victorians. The Victorians seem to have a sea-faring influence with roof-top spires and elaborate wrought iron trim.The houses are big, and built on zero-lot lines. (Don't they have a lot of real estate here??) Close together, yes, but these lovely homes have immaculate landscaping on the 8 sq. feet or so designated as the garden. I have no pictures of these wonderful homes yet, but don't worry, they are coming!

We had a Moroccan lamb dinner and went to bed early as we were exhausted last night and woke up early enough to catch a 4 am shuttle to the airport to board or 6 am flight to Adelaide. Ahh, Adeliade. We don't know it well yet, of course, but so far, so good. It is truly one of the happening places in Australia. That is certain. Everyone here and those in Melbourne we talked with yesterday all love Adelaide. What a hot spot for young people. And they were out tonight in grand style. First, its Friday night here; always a good thing anywhere. Second, it was the launch night of Fringe Festival, a good excuse to get dressed-up, go out with friends and get wild! It all started with a parade featuring dancers, fire-breathers, bizzare lighted floating balls and unimaginable costumes. Towards the end, Lady Godiva road by! Finally, the city at night is a huge collection of eclectic bars and theatres and restaurants easily accessible via tram or bus and surrounded by a gorgeous green space that circles the entire city. How inviting it is to anyone, young or old!

While planning this trip, we learned that coincidentally Fringe started on our arrival date - Weeks good karma! But I have to admit, we saw most of the parade. I am embarrassed to say that we wore ourselves out flying here, finding the cottage via bus from the airport, having a little breakfast and walking to Woolworths (the local grocer), and the wine shop. By the time this was accomplished, a little nap was in order. We were wobbling. Four hours later and only 30 minutes from parade time, we finally woke up. Bummer! Yes, though we made it there, but only in time to see the last of the parade and the fireworks. We are sure it was the very best part!

Tomorrow, we plan to visit City Market, a huge and very popular produce market, and my kind of place. I just hope we get ourselves on a proper schedule so that we can be there before it ends tomorrow afternoon. We also plan to see some of the Fringe productions tomorrow evening.

One more note. It is still summer here - hot!