LIFE IN ADELAIDE

DESPITE BEING OF SIMILAR SIZE to the 48 contiguous United States, Australia has only six (plus two territories). Another dissimilarity is that each of the principle cities in size in each state is also the capitol.

A LA TERRACE IN ADELAIDE, the capitol city of South Australia, and my home town. My family moved here down from the county to the North, just after the Second World War. Over almost 40 years, here I grew up, was educated and plied my trades (first, Baptist minister and then psychologist). It is also home city for my three children and my younger daughter continues to live here with her husband and two children.

Somewhat surprising for such an out of the way place, Adelaide is counted by The Economist amongst the world's top ten most livable cities. Given that it is the capitol of the driest state in the driest continent, and is about as far away from any part of the rest

of the world, outside Australia, as could be imagined, you might wonder at this. Wiki Encyclopedia has a good description of the city. My other home city is Portland (Oregon) and the two rival each other as livable places. There are some surprising ties between South Australia and Oregon, and between Adelaide and Portland, particularly in the public transport field.

The climate is Mediterranean and mainly mild. Summer weeks can become quite hot for days at a stretch, followed by a refreshing change with winds from the South and spectacular thunderstorms. Not surprisingly, Adelaidians are devoted to many outdoor pursuits, including the famous back yard Bar-B-Q but also many sporting activities, football (Aussie Rules, Soccer, and a sprinkling of Rugby), tennis, and cricket. Part of the answer is the amazing racial (hence diversity of food) mix. There is plenty of opportunity to eat a la terrace, as my lead picture indicates.

Unlike some other Australian states, South Australia has no convict history. It was founded by English settlers seeking political and religious freedom and has become home to successive migrations since the 1950s, from northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, and most recently, Africa. So it is possible to eat good food according to many national cuisines.

Then there is the wine. Seventy percent of Aussie wine is grown in South Australia and much of the countryside to the North and South is occupied by vineyards, some quite famous, with plantings going back over 150 years. Limestone soils and plenty of sun make for excellent wine.

The city is laid out on a square mile and surrounded by a band of parklands. Within the square mile, there are five large squares, connected by broad streets. Part of the parkland belt contains expansive botanical gardens and a zoo.

So there you have some of the reasons that make Adelaide so livable: spacious surrounds, pleasant climate, good food and wine, plenty of festivals, great sporting events, a vibrant multiculturalism, and miles of sandy beaches near to hand. And also, when it is cold in the Northern Hemisphere, the weather is most enjoyable.