OZ 7 Jul 1988

7th July 1988

Canberra

Kippax Shopping Centre. Postal clerk talked me out of sending the clock to Heasley as packed. We had a snack lunch there (David had a Polly Waffle) and checked out some shops - whole place rather depressing. Went to the Mint where we observed coin making process - white men drinking coffee while machines do all of the work. David bought a $5 coin and Gail bought a gift set for Joyce [ed. - she gave it back to us in 2002].
Parliament House where I caused a little stir when guard found my hunting knife in the video case. Building didn't impress me - big marble thingie with tourists all over.
We shouted the Lees to a meal at Woody's. We were the first ones there and the place quickly swamped (children ate for free special). Our food never arrived. Finished a bottle of wine and no food. It took our food forever to arrive. Some people just got up and left, tired of waiting. I got upset when I saw others leaving having finished eating and David, Ben and my meals never arrived. When I complained the mother of the waitress gave us a free bottle of Burchino Chianti and drinks for the kids. I also had to get up and complain when our dishes were cleared and orders taken for dessert. A little old lady (grandmother of waitress) took over for our dessert orders and she was very funny. Tried to take the orders for the nine of us and finally gave up, deciding to give ice cream and whipped cream to each order at no extra cost. Since some of us were having strudel I explained to the others the big production that my mother went through making it. So I was disappointed when what was served was not real strudel. While paying I asked who made it. It was the old lady, Anna, from Yugolslavia. I told her that it wasn't very good and she confessed that it was bought pastry. She said that the next time I come to let her know ahead of time and she would make me a real one. We have been in many restaurants around the world, ate and left. This one was special - I think if they hadn't been busy they would have sat down and visited us.

Coins