Just got back from lunch with Lorrae and we had a fabulous time. She is quite an interesting person and I totally enjoyed our time together. We went to a great restaurant that is just down the street from the hotel–we could have walked but we drove. It was The Pier and is totally on the water which is a pretty neat thing. It is the blue building in this picture. There was one other diner while we were there the entire time so we had the best seat in the house! I dined on a salt and pepper calamari salad which was delish and sampled a drink that Lorrae drinks with lime and lemon (no alcohol) and club soda I think which was yummy too! http://www.pierrestaurantandbar.com.au/

The one thing I have learned is that they are not in a hurry here in any way! Dinners and lunches take a while—maybe 15 minutes for them to come take your order and up to half an hour to receive your food. Entrees are what we call appetizers and the main is your main course. Eating is a leisurely experience and the wait staff does not hover —they check on you but not nearly as much as in the States which takes a little getting used to. The meal is an experience—-no hurries!!!

So our conversation over the 2 1/2 hours was from talking about aboriginal people to families to shopping to racial issues ! She is a voracious reader and it shows and it was just fun to talk to her about a variety of things. We did not lack for conversation that is for sure! And when I went to pay she said that Mark told her this was a CSR lunch–no arguments! They are investing a lot into us during this trip–hope it is worth it for them!!!

So since I am a little bit toasty I am going to forgo the pool side reading and stay in room and hope that tomorrow I am not as red! The blisters are healing and now Chris has one so it was good I found some first aid cream!!! I imagine he is having a grand time walking around the plants today. I will report more later on that!!!