11th Feb 2011

11th February
Finally we have our awning replaced and we are temporarily back at Victor Harbor.
In my last post I mentioned how after our first run to the repairers in Adelaide they had ordered the wrong sized awning and we were required to take the caravan back to Adelaide a week later. Wednesday 9th after once again negotiating peak hour traffic we delivered the van 15 minutes earlier than scheduled time, once again being promised they would do their best to get it finished in one day, do their best! This was contrary to the assurance we had been given that a team would be organised to ensure completion on the same day, particularly as they had already messed us around. We drove to a major shopping centre, did some compulsory shopping then caught an express bus into the city, that stopped at every bus stop whereupon the courteous driver waited each time for the passengers to sit down before continuing. I think the short trip took just over 40 mins.
If you like Asian food and you are ever in Adelaide don’t miss ‘Chopstix’ 287 Rundle Street, sensational food and reasonably priced, we’ve been there a couple of times now. One plate plus rice between the two of us was an ample meal and two doors back along Rundle Street is ‘Chocolate’ a decadent cake, crepe and homemade gelati shop/café, with the focus on chocolate of course. Finishing off with gelati, we really didn’t need it.
A sale was on at the Columbia clothing shop, this took up another hour and as always I waited very patiently. Another bus trip back to the inner suburb where our car was parked, at least this time it didn’t stop very often and the driver was obviously trying to see how many people he could get horizontal as they walked down the aisle to a seat at the back. Why does everyone head for the back of the bus, are they hiding something or do they just want to sit near us?
Back at the repairers – you guessed it they couldn’t finish it in one day, there was supposedly one hours work left and the chap working on it had gone home. One person! What happened to the dedicated team and assurances!!!!!!! One hour of work and the comment was we would rather take our time and do it properly if we rush it and stuff it up it will end up taking longer tomorrow. That’s confidence for you, what do you say, go ahead, they would probably stuff it up just to spite.
As the installation was almost complete we were able to take the van to use overnight, so quick phone calls to make sure we could get back into the caravan park we had stayed in the previous night and once again found ourselves in the midst of the 5.00pm rush.
So finally the next morning peak hour traffic again and we were back to the repair shop nice and early for the one hour of work that took three hours.
I must say it looks as if they have done a good job, guess time will tell and I’m not sure if all the smiles were because they were proud of the job they had done or they were getting rid of that cranky old bastard that goes off his brain all the time.

Art lesson Saturday morning and then we are off to Renmark Sunday morning for a few days in the Riverland area before they flood.