June 18, 2016. Culture and pop culture day!

LOCATION:  House-sitting near Ballarat, Victoria, Australia

WEATHER:  Cold and overcast again.  High around 50

Last night at the Learmonth Cafe/Cidery, George struck up a conversation (no surprise here!) with a local man who is the editor of the Learmonth quarterly newsletter.  He asked us to write an article for the newsletter about our impressions of the town and our activities while we have been here.  So, this morning, I started drafting  the article.  What fun!

We took a walk around town on a trail that was converted from a railway bed.  This town continues to amaze us....such pride in making and preserving things.  We looked at an art installation next to the lake area.

Then, we fired up Ole' Smokey, "our" pickup, and went to Ballarat.   Today's destination was Hop Temple, a craft bar.  This is the mural out front.  It is located in a restored building down a small alleyway.  

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Really cozy inside.

We passed on Vegemite/cheese paninis on the menu, and had their grilled lamb ribs instead.  George stood by the real fireplace.  We watched an old Cary Grant movie on the black & white TV.  

After some tasty beers, an IPA for me and a porter for George, we decided we need some REAL culture, so we visited the Ballarat Art Gallery.  It is huge, and beautifully done.  

Australia thankfully doesn't have too many chain stores, but they do have Aldis.  We stopped there for some bargains, then headed home, 

DINNER:  Chili soup.  Really hit the spot!