DON’T GET IN A STEW --- DAY 19

After my distressing night, it was Monday, what else could happen? Lots, unfortunately.  Too much actually.   I actually loved WA and hate it that I had my almost 48 hour mental breakdown from my visit there.  Check out this antique hairdryer (great room and bathroom and view).  I was looking for a shower cap to attach it to.

Got off early to the airport and had no significant traffic.  Thankfully, the car worked ok after the kangaroo collision.  But when I arrived in Perth had some of that confusing signage problem again -- ended up downtown in rush hour traffic fighting to find my way out.  Had my first (and hopefully last left driving incident) -- when I got off the freeway by mistake, I went right which was a proper lane for me, but not the way I needed to go.  So I was stressed out from that.

Found a gas station and attempted to make it to the rental car return.  First on the domestic airport signs, they had no signs for car rental returns.  But as I had already danced that dance to take the nonfunctional GPS back, I knew better.  Found signs but they said for Europcar to go straight, and I did.  Ended up at dead end type location.  Turned into parking area and then tried to back up.  I backed up into a car that was turning in also.    Of course I was already suffering from airport stress (I never relax until I am through security at the gate) and the kangaroo stress and now this.   I started crying right there (and I don't cry in front of other people) and I apologized and apologized to the lady and she said “Don’t get in a stew”.  What?  

Got it all straightened out somewhat at the rental desk.  More lovely Aussie experiences to write home about.  Brother, does this count for two accidents in one year, so next year I won’t have one? 

Sent a text to a good friend asking for sympathy and got a negative unsympathetic response. C’est la vie.  

I must have looked like I had been drug through the mud, because the Jetstar clerk, who originally said I couldn’t move my seat, came and got my ticket and moved me to the fourth row.  I was so grateful, I almost started crying into my peanut butter contraband sandwich (did I report that I have been carrying around Jif with me?).   It was like God sent me an angel. 

Whilst heading to the plane, I helped an 80 year old lady down the stairs by blocking the other people from knocking her down.  And then helped her up the stairs when we got to the plane.  It always makes you feel better when you help someone out.  She was a feisty old woman like Mammaw and Grandmother. 

My rowmates on the plane, Mary and Ann, were great.  A mother and daughter heading to Melbourne for a funeral of an old friend.  Mary was an Irish Immigrant -- and you could hear the brogue when she talked a lot.  They were a hoot and told me all about partnership in Australia (ie shacking up and the possible legal effects--- six months and you are toast).  Can you be legally married and have a partner too and have civil effects of that relationship?  Wouldn't that be like bigamy?  A different conundrum.   It was fascinating talking to them.  Mary was very involved in Alanon (due to her first marriage), which really impressed me because she was so positive.  They brought my spirits up too.  

In Melbourne paid the taxi driver $10 to take me across the street because neither of us realized it was so close.  He pitched a fit -- I wanted to say “Don’t get in a stew”. 

Checked in the Airport Holiday Innn and had great broadband internet as it was on a cable.  Comfy looking beds -- 5 hours here I come, maybe..... Tomorrow is another day.. Right???


Here are some interesting sites from the road --- check out that road's name.  We thought Tchoupitoulas was bad.  Spell this one.