Robinvale
We wander into Robinvale – amazed by its multiculturalism
–Vietnamese, Chinese, islanders, Thai, Italians, some aboriginal, some Anglo-Saxon
– broad Australian accents emerging from most as they nod and welcome the
visitor.
Amongst the significant number of vacant shop fronts
is a Vietnamese shop that would be more at home in Bridge Street in Richmond or
the streets of Hanoi.
We meet up with niece Lisa Gorman – she comes in each
day from Koolomon Station near Lake Mungo to her Koolomon Jewellery office in
Robinvale – she is generous in her advice on Mildura and Lake Mungo – make sure
you get face nets for the flies!
We meet Lisa's friends at a local coffee shop – she tells
of the long standing Italian families that still operate largely as closed
communities albeit with Australian accents – she tells of the local school
where the student community is dominated by those of non Anglo-saxon heritage –
it seems that all the students have cousins in the Schools – Lisa laughs as she
tells of one of the sons of one of her friends being asked by the teacher if he
had a cousin in the school – his response was that “the Gorman’s were sort of
his cousins”
Mildura
Appears as an oasis – the river broader – much broader
than is the norm – the leaves of the riverside trees reflect the feelings of
the trees – close their eyes, look to the heavens and thank their gods for the
ecstasy they are feeling as enjoy their first bath in many a long year. The
vines all look lush and happy.
Find the motel that has agree to stable our van for
the duration of our Mildura and Mungo experience – we squeeze her into the
remote back corner of the motel parking lot – while she is allowed stay in the
motel she must not be allowed to inconvenience any of the patrons - as we head
for the motel room we look back - the van looks cranky – just because I
misbehave from time to time is no excuse to leave me here – that will show you!
Says I – you have a lot of improvement to do before we could contemplate making
you a true part of the family.
The Motel is a delight – nice people giving the little
central hotel a red hot go! – All power to them.
Catch up with our fellow riverboat crew – captain,
first mate, navigator, bow swain, crew and deck hand – a scruffy lot!
Dinner at the cedar tree – fabulous – parmi night –
1.5 kg chicken parmis - the local lads up to the challenge - $36 if you fail -
$18 if you succeed – the stupidity of youth – a normal acceptable enormous
parmi goes for $18 anyway – impressive staff – great service - recommend!
Breakfast at blk mlk – what is with that name – again
very nice – the local disciples of Steffano all a delight
To the art vault – old bank – exhibition by Susan
Woods – 16x12 scenes of Mildura houses on wood – some grand houses and gardens
– most typical country suburbia – lighting spectacular – the viewer made to
feel like they are peeking a view from a strange street angle, from a footpath
through lush gardens - from a neighbour’s yard or from behind the curtains of
their prying of the houses opposite – the colours appealing – the techniques
impressive – the perspective exquisite.
To the Mildura Art Gallery – average – average – into
the old Chaffey House next to the entertainment centre – grand – reflective of
the status of the Chaffey’s – in magnificent condition.
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