I PLAYED HOOKY :) DAY 28

I could actually sleep today until 7:30.  When I was checking out, sweet Ian from the Cheers Bus, had brought me a Cheers Cap.  I guess I made an impression.  He was a great tour guide and I hope his business does great.

Headed out to Port Stephens to go to the beach.  It was a quick trip and saw some exciting things along the way -- Did the chemist pay for that sign?  Check out the stylish fellow (you couldn’t see the cigarette hanging out of his mouth), did he loose his jandals?

Made it to Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay Beaches.  Wasn’t overly impressed, remember it is a little cold.  No nice hotels on the beach.  There was one nice hotel but why get an expensive room by the pool when you can’t get in the water?  Salamander Bay had a mall -- my mothership (so of course I went in -- allegedly had free wifi in the food court, not).  Odd to see Target and Kmart as the anchor stores in a mall-- where’s Macy’s and Sears?

Decided against staying at the “beach” here.  Newcastle here I come.  A quick drive into town and short walk at Nobby’s Beach.

Checked out all the hotels and as I couldn’t find a parking spot at a couple of them, ended up at the Crowne Plaza on the harbour.  :) thank you for the nice room overlooking the harbor.   Gotta love a room with a view of water.

The nice clerks gave me information on shopping/eating/movies.  Made my way out to Charlestown Shopping Center to play hooky from being a tourist.  

Interesting set up, it was a nightmare to find the parking garage.  Worse than finding my way around the Beverly Center in LA.  Check out the parking space lights (they are red for cars being there), strange.

This was a huge mall.  Checked out some of the stores as I made my way to the cinema.  They have Athlete’s Foot and Payless Shoes here.  Everything is so expensive -- cheapy twin sheet set $47??  I don’t think so.  Where is the TJ Maxx?

Two malls in one day and you can't shop.... torture.

I found the Reading Cinema and bought tickets to “Something Borrowed” and “Water for Elephants” (and my dinner of popcorn and a sprite).  The seats were exceptionally comfy - and big too -- I could curl up in them.  

Back at my sweet suite, The Good Wife and Law and Order SVU were on.  Ahh, and a comfy bed.