The Kronikles of Tony and Ruth
Day 18 - Monday 17 July 2006
At 4.30 AM I take a deep draught of water from a tumbler at my bedside table. Something brushes on the upper lip. As the dawn lightens the room I happen to gaze at the half full glass. There is something doing laps in the water. The light in the toilet reveals all – there is a bloody gigantic cucaracha enjoying a morning dip. Down the dunnie it goes. I would have been hilarious if I had tried to swallow it. I reckon I would have woken up the whole neighbourhood.
This morning we take PJ and Casey (the dogs) for a walk along The Strand on the waterfront. This is the playground of Townsville with pools, water play areas, cafes, bars, beaches etc. Especially novel is a feature that involves continuously filling a massive bucket of water then dumping it on people underneath.
After coffee Brad leave to pick up Darlene at the airport while Ruth and I stroll into CBD of City. We were told to expect this but it was still a bit weird: the whole zone is practically deserted. Shops are open but there’s no – one. Lunch is followed by a visit to the Museum of Tropical Queensland. This is of very high quality and we spend a couple of hours there.
It takes us one and a half hours to walk back to Martinez Drive. Our original estimate: 20 min. When we arrive at No.41, Darlene is home and we toast her return with champagne.
Brad and I drop Nick off at football training, buying wine on the way back to 41 where we have a few more glasses. Darlene and Ruth assemble dinner while Brad and I drive to the footy ground again to pick up Nick and turn off the oval floodlights. The players finish their training routines, the lights are turned off and we grope our way back in total darkness. I am surprised when we stumble upon our vehicle.
Delicious chicken for dinner followed by more red and against my better judgement I volunteered a review of the Kylie Minogue interview we just had watched on the plasma. “Very twee, self-indulgent, girliegirlie, ‘oh look at mee!!’, etc, etc.”. I don’t think Darlene was very happy with me and I think I got a well-deserved dark look.
Andrew Denton’s interview with Chrissy Amphlet was a bit better (in my opinion anyway _sorry Darlene) but by then I was getting weary and found it hard to keep up interest.
Bon Nuit.
